| My children would like to start seeds indoors for our perennial garden. What varieties will bloom for them the first year and be easy to grow? |
| Many perennials put out foliage the first year and bloom the second, which is the definition of a perennial. Coreopsis 'Early Sunrise' will bloom the same year and gaillardia might also. Hollyhocks, which germinate easily, are a fun plant for kids, but they do develop a long root system quickly, so start them 4-6 weeks before transplanting. (They also need lots of space to expand.) Planting a few summer-blooming bulbs in containers to place in any "empty" spots in the perennial garden is another fun activity, as kids can keep an eye on the pot for when the bulb pokes up through the soil. Daylilies and dahlias do well in containers. Good luck! |
