What are the techniques and benefits of sowing flowers and green plants in autumn?

Autumn is an important season for sowing flowers and plants. Sowing at the right time not only improves the seed germination rate, but also makes the plants grow more robustly the following year. Below are the techniques for sowing flowers and plants in autumn and the benefits that sowing brings.

Autumn sowing techniques

Autumn is suitable for sowing biennial or perennial cultivated flowers, such as snapdragon, dianthus, cineraria, and cyclamen. In addition, Gerbera, larkspur, and begonia are also very suitable for autumn sowing. For perennial plants and garden tree species, autumn sowing allows the seeds to go through the dormant period in the nursery bed, completing the pre-sowing germination stage and improving the seedling survival rate.

Before sowing, prepare suitable containers, such as seedling trays or tall plug trays, about ten centimeters high, so the seedlings' root systems can grow more vigorously. The soil should be loose and breathable, with a certain water-holding capacity, and clean with no fertility. You can choose imported fine-grained peat soil, or mix fine coconut coir with perlite and vermiculite at a ratio of 6:1 or 5:1

Different flower seeds have different germination methods. Seeds with particularly hard seed coats need to be soaked in warm water to soften before sowing. For most plant seeds, it is recommended to soak them in clean water for 8~24 hours; be careful when washing so you do not spill the seeds. After soaking, the seeds can be sown directly in the soil, or you can continue germination. During germination, you can place the seeds on moist paper towels, cover with a lid, and place in a ventilated and light-transmitting spot, misting regularly to keep them moist. Once the seeds sprout small white roots, sow them in the soil promptly.

After sowing, check whether soil covering is needed. Some seeds need light to germinate, such as double-flowered impatiens; others need soil covering, such as periwinkle seeds. After sowing, keep the soil slightly moist, maintain a warm and moist environment, and keep good ventilation. After the seedlings emerge, gradually increase light so the seedlings gradually adapt to sunlight. When watering, use a fine stream of water to avoid knocking the seedlings over. During seedling growth, you can spray a fungicide once or twice to prevent pests and diseases.

Benefits of autumn sowing

Improved seed germination rate

Autumn temperatures remain between 15~25 degrees, and the seeds of the vast majority of plants can germinate normally. Temperatures that are too high or too low will affect the seed germination rate. Sowing in autumn ensures that seeds germinate at a suitable temperature, improving the germination rate.

Enhanced cold resistance of seedlings

Seedlings sown in autumn can accumulate nutrients before winter arrives, enhancing their cold resistance. For some plants that are not cold-tolerant, autumn sowing can also let them go through the dormant period, improving their growth adaptability the following year.

Reduced need for seed storage and germination treatment

With autumn sowing, the seeds complete the germination stage in the nursery bed, reducing the trouble of seed storage and germination treatment. This is especially important for some seeds that are difficult to store.

Easing the busy spring workload

Autumn sowing can ease the conflict of a busy spring workload and labor shortages. Spring is a critical period for plant growth; autumn sowing allows plants to already have a certain growth foundation when spring arrives, reducing the management pressure in spring.

Promoting robust plant growth

Plants sown in autumn will grow more robustly the following year. This is because they have already accumulated sufficient nutrients in autumn and have been tempered by winter, so they can better adapt to the spring growing environment.

In short, autumn is the golden season for sowing flowers and plants. By mastering the techniques of autumn sowing and understanding the benefits it brings, we can better manage flowers and plants and make them more robust and beautiful in the coming year's growth.