Seeds - Autumn or Spring sowing?

alfharris8

Would like opinions on what time of year people feel is best for sowing hardy annual and perennial seeds please?
Autumn or Spring?
Thanks 

Astro

Personally I prefer starting perennials early or late summer and hardy annuals at the start of autumn.

alfharris8

@Astro ,- Thank you. 

JennyJ

I've had most success with September sowing for perennials.

punkdoc

There are so many variables to take into account: where in the country you are, where you have to keep the seedlings, what specific plants you are growing, etc.

alfharris8

I have some large propagators which have the option of adding a layer for height so could protect. 
Also in South West so usually mild.

punkdoc

Many plants will not thrive if they are kept indoors for months.

JennyJ

I should clarify, when I've sown hardy perennials in September they've been outside from day 1, in a sheltered spot against the house or shed on the shelves from an old blowaway (the cover is long-since gone). Pricked out into small pots or modules as soon as they're big enough, then on to bigger pots in the spring when they're filling the small pot/module. Some die back in the winter then regrow in spring the same as grown-up perennials (don't panic!).

Posy

I don't have much luck with direct sowing in Autumn. A few things come up like weeds, such as nigella, but most disappear into the mud and the slugs. I sow HA's in trays in Spring and have much more success.