Many species of native plants, like Milkweeds and Blazingstars, need the cold temperatures of winter to help them break dormancy. Now is a good time to start your native plant seeds outside for spring gardening projects…
Nature is smart. Many native plant species from our neck of the woods have evolved strategies that prevent them from germinating in the fall and dying during the harsh conditions of winter. For many plants, that means they won’t sprout until after going through a winter season. Some common plants that like a winter season for germination include Turtlehead, Blue Flag Iris, Spiderwort, Blazingstars, and many of the native asters. If you would like to take advantage of the cost savings of using seed for native plants, now is the time to start them outside. No need to bury them in the soil, the freeze thaw cycle of winter will work them into the soil to the right depth. A good native seed vendor can help guide you through the best seed preparation method for what you would like to sow.