Flower & plant seeds to sow in October – Sowing Guide

Autumn’s shorter days and occasional frost should not deter you from growing things in your garden. In fact, there are many colourful options for you to choose from.

As a general rule when you are sowing directly at this time of the year, clear the ground of any weeds and use a rake to keep the soil nice and level.

Let’s jump in.

Phacelia

Phacelia is one of the best flowers to grow if you want to attract pollinators like bees to your garden. Additionally, it can be used as (green) manure. Some species of this hardy annual can irritate the skin and cause a mild rash when touched, so sow seeds of a species that won’t provoke this reaction.

The seeds can be sown 5 mm deep and 15 cm apart in a spot that gets lots of light, though partial shade is also fine. As long as the soil is well-drained, it will flourish in lots of different soil types. Water regularly for the best results; fertilizer will probably not be necessary, but feel free to apply it if growth is slow. It will tolerate moderate mild frost and drought.

Cow Parsley

In the UK, this biennial and perennial plant is also known as mother-die, especially in the UK. It can adorn your garden, or it can be eaten as a herb. Try growing ‘Ravenswing’ in your garden, and always buy fresh seeds for this variety.

Cow Parsley is very fashionable now because it is easy to grow, it works wonders as a birder, and it attracts insects to any garden. In full sun or partial shade, sow these seeds fertile, moist, and free-draining soil. After sowing, the plant should not need much water or fertilizer. Deadheading can also be left until the end of the season.

There are no pests for this plant.

Sweet Woodruff

This flowering perennial plant can grow 30-50cm high, and it’s popular in many places around the world. It works well as a groundcover plant. The plant has a lot of different applications, and its scent can be used potpourri and as a moth deterrent. In Germany, it is used to flavour wine, beer, soft drinks, and an assortment of food, and it crops up in the famous novel, The Thin Drum.

Sweet woodruff prefers shade, but it will tolerate full sun, and it will also tolerate most soil types unless the soil is waterlogged. Add lots of compost if the soil is not free draining. Sow the seeds 9cm under the soil, and space the plants 1m apart. After sowing, they are low maintenance. Avoid fertilizer, especially if it’s nitrogen-based, as it will only promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

This plant rarely suffers from pests or diseases.

Cowslips

From Pliny the Elder to Celtic Druids, from the Middle Ages to the modern world, this beautiful yellow flower has always maintained its popularity. It requires little pruning and it looks great in a bed or a border.

Sow cowslip seeds 12-50cm apart in moist soil, in partial shade or full sun. Feed once during vegetative growth period. Perennial varieties should have their stems cut back after flowering.

Moisture can cause mould to grow. Watch out for aphids, vine weevil, slugs, and spider mites.

White Laceflower

Also known as orlaya grandiflora, this hardy, annual flowering plant is native to the Mediterranean. It will look beautiful in a border or in a garden bed. It also attracts bees, birds, beneficial insects, and other pollinators.

Sow these seeds lightly in rows in a sunny position, preferably in well-drained soil though it will tolerate other soil types. Space the plants 22-30cm apart. It can grow 60cm in height and it can have a 30cm spread.

No pruning will be necessary, but deadheading is important. This plant is generally pest and disease free.

Clematis

Clematis owes its name to ancient Greek, and it’s a member of the buttercup family.

These seeds can be sown in a pot or container that is 45cm wide and deep. Use soil-based potting compost. Place the container in an open spot so growing conditions do not get too dry, and out some pebbles or other material on the surface of the soil in order to keep the roots cool. It can also be grown on the windward side of a tree using bamboo canes or wires. Don’t place it too close to the tree’s base because that will put clematis in direct competition for resources.

Regular pruning is beneficial for strong growth. In the case of too much water, powdery mildew may affect the plant. Slug traps will keep slugs at bay, which is a good thing considering that slugs eat the plant and cause it to wilt. Aphids can be washed off with a hose.

Hellebore

This perennial flowering plant is sometimes known as the Christmas rose because of its connection to the story of Christ’s birth. It also pops up in different Greek legends. For you garden, it will look nice in a border.

Sow the seeds in light or partial shade. Ensure that your soil has rich organic material, and the soil cannot be too wet or too dry. This plant does not like being planted too deep, and plants should be spaced 35-45 cm apart. Water regularly once it is planted, and don’t be afraid to mulch. Fertilizer can be added if growth is unusually slow.

Prune and deadhead when necessary for the best blooms. Aphids can be washed off easily. In the case of Black Death, the plant should be destroyed because the disease is incurable.

Aquilegia

This hardy, self-seeding perennial, also known as Columbine, is the official state flower of Colorado. Its name comes from the Latin word for ‘eagle’, and it is named like this because its petals are said to resemble an eagle’s claw. It’s typically blue, though colours can vary.

These seeds are great for your garden because they don’t need much attention. Sow the seeds in a spot that gets a lot of light or in partial shade, and most soil types will be fine for sowing. They can reach 30cm to 1m in height, though the size will depend on the variety. In general, they are ideal for the middle of a border.

Bellis

Bellis is a European species of the common daisy and it can come in a range of colours. Its leaves can be used in salads, while it also has applications in herbal medicine and homeopathy.

As with many plants, they do well in full sun or in partial shade, though they do have a preference for more light. These seeds, which should be grown in individual holes that are spaced 10 cm apart, will thrive in any soil type, except if your garden is full of clay soil. Water regularly and feed once a week for best results.

Deadhead for longer blooms and use water to clear aphid colonies away.

A More Beautiful Garden

With these different seeds, you will be able to grow colourful flowers and plants, which will delight any visitor – from humans to bees – to your garden.

Have fun!

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