Annual Self-Seeding Flowers: Volunteers in Your Garden

Planting and cultivating annual flowers have two leads over growing perennial flowers. First, annuals blossom and bloom abundantly throughout their growing season. Second, many annual flowers have the capability of self-sowing and weaving their way throughout the garden every year.

When growing self-sowing flowers, keep in mind that you have to allow the blooms enough time to go to seed. The seeds need to be ripe and the flowers must dry completely. Stop deadheading by the middle of August and the self-seeding annual flowers will do the rest.

If you decide to direct seed your own flowers, be sure that you have the right conditions the seed will require and these are:

Light. Some seeds need the light to grow and these should not be allowed to be covered in soil. Others require darkness, which can easily be solved with a layer of soil over them.

Scarification. Several annual flowers protect their seeds with hard coverings. To increase their chances of germinating, soak the seeds in water overnight to soften their covering.

Cold. Aside from moisture, certain annual seeds require a cold period before germinating. It is recommended to place them in the refrigerator for a few weeks.


Self-seeding annual flowers perfect for your garden

Cleome (Spider Flower) - one of the most popular self-seeders, this classy and architectural looking flower comes in pink, white, rose, or purple with large flower heads and three to four feet tall stalks.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) - a sunflower variety with small single or double white blossoms.

Calendulas (Calendula officinalis) - these Marigold Pots will surely brighten up your flowerbed with their bright orange and yellow color.

Love Lies Bleeding (Amaranthus caudalus) - an all-time favorite that will surely add vibrant color to your garden. This flower with it's long, dark red tails and stands three to four feet high and dislodges little black seeds when shaken.