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Growing annuals now for next year - viable?

jamesunsworthjamesunsworth Posts: 26
in The potting shed
Hi guys,

 I successfully grew tons of annuals this year from seed, albeit there were some that were slightly more tricky and I failed due to lack of time and good prep work.

 I wondered, what's the crack in terms of being able to start off a ton of annuals in my unheated greenhouse right now, and keep them all potted up ready to plant after the last frost next spring, as opposed to doing all of this towards the end of December?  

 Is this recommended or recommended against and why?

 A few of what I'm looking to start off now ready for next year, of course lots more on this list which I haven't stated...

 Zinnias
 Little leo sunflowers 
 Gazaneas

Thanks for your time.

Posts

  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Zinnias are not hardy, so not really an option.
    Sunflowers also not truly hardy.

    It is fine to sow hardy annuals in Autumn, i often start Cornflowers, Sweet peas and Calendula then.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Seed packets should tell you if they are suitable for Autumn sowing, also more info here  :)
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=390
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Problem is, seeds packets do not differentiate between different areas of hardiness and some of their advice, is to say the least dubious. After all they are in the selling game.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Very true @ punkdoc,  l should have added the caveat! 
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