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Calendula
NaseemBanu
Posts: 72
in Plants
I sowed some Calendula seeds in pots last week and already they are germinating. The instructions on the packet said one could sow the seeds in September. There's no advice on how to overwinter the plants. I don't have a greenhouse or cold frame. I sowed now, thinking that I'd have strong plants, ready to flower in Spring. Have I made a mistake?
0
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I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Seedlings in particular will struggle, while small plants might be ok, so it will depend on what stage your seedlings are at. I doubt those would be big enough, or sturdy enough, to cope with winter if they've only just germinated though. By the time they've got to the kind of size where they're pricked out, potted on, and filling a 3 inch pot or so, it would probably be too late for them to go outdoors permanently without protection. You could also sow some in late winter/early spring as back up.
Actively sowing seed isn't the same as seeds spreading and germinating by themselves, because they're already acclimatised to your conditions, and enough of them will manage to adapt and thrive if the site suits them.
It's long term wet and cold conditions that are no use for keeping that kind of plant alive over winter. Many plants will manage for short spells, but if the conditions persist, that's what sees them off.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I am thinking of making a small cold frame - my autumn project!
It's also about experimenting. It depends hugely on your climate/temps as to what will thrive at certain times of year, so it's always worth doing that, using the same growing medium and seed, but different situations. Keeping a little note of your weather and temps is also useful, as it lets you work out the best times for sowing.
If temps are consistently lower than a plant needs, you either need a greenhouse/cold frame or you have to sow them indoors.
Light is another factor for many plants when you sow seed. We get more daylight hours up here through summer, but it's the opposite through winter, so it's not worth sowing earlier in the year as you just end up with weaker, leggy seedlings. It's also that timing again, because the plants eventually have to go outside, and they have to be ready for that. No point having great plants in the house, but it's too cold/wet for them to go in their final positions. A cold frame can help with that transition too.
It can be difficult sometimes, but working with your own conditions is usually the best solution, along with that experimenting. When in doubt, wait a little bit longer, especially in late winter/early spring
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...