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Seeds to start early

jaffacakesjaffacakes Posts: 429
in Plants

Hi, i have an electric propagator which hasn't had much use over the years and i am hoping to start seeds early in Jan/Feb or is this too early? What seeds to you like? Would it be too early in Jan/Feb for Gaura/ Verbena/ Coneflower/ Poppies/ Cosmos?

Thanks all

Posts

  • jaffacakesjaffacakes Posts: 429

    Oh also looking for best seed suppliers? Are there certain ebay sellers that come recommended?image

  • LoganLogan Posts: 2,532

    Hi, it's the light levels that will be a problem. I'd wait until march. If you do them too early, they will get leggy. I know you can't wait, but it will be better if you do. I use DT. Brown, Mr. Fothergills. If you sign up for email you will get offers on seeds and P&P.image

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,740

    It's all very well having the heat to start them early, but what is vital is having enough space and the right conditions to bring the seedlings on once pricked out and potted on. Do you have a heated greenhouse or warm and light conservatory?

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • ClaringtonClarington Posts: 4,949

    If you can keep them going after they germinate I know chillies benefit from the early start.

    No use however if once they get too big for the propagator you have no where to keep them warm and light... how many windowsills do you have?

  • chickychicky Posts: 10,323

    I start all my perennials (delphiniums, rudbeckias, echinaceas etc) in Feb, but leave cosmos, tomatoes, cucumbers and other annuals til March.  The annuals seem to shoot away quicker and hence get leggy, so need to be left til lighter days.  I also have the benefit of an unheated GH to grow them on in (normally from beginning of April when the clocks go forward).

    Chiltern seeds are aceimage

    Last edited: 17 December 2016 09:43:40

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,740

    Another recommendation here for Chiltern seeds image

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 28,818

    Agree about light levels and space to grow on.  Sometimes patience is best.

    I use Chilterns too and Plant World online and I am told Seedaholics is a good site.  I tend to buy T&M when I see them in shops but also occasionally online.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • jaffacakesjaffacakes Posts: 429

    Thanks all, maybe i'm a bit too impatient. I don't have any greenhouse but do have some windowsillsimage I will wait til end of feb and try some perennials then to start with. Thanks for the suggestions of seed suppliers. Chilterns looks good. 

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,221

    I'd agree with the others affacakes. if you don't have the follow up necessary for growing them on, it's a waste of your time and resources, unless you can restrain yourself and only sow a few things in one tray image

    I've used Seedaholic and they were excellent.

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Aster2Aster2 Posts: 629

    You'd be surprised how quickly you run out of windowsills!

    I usually buy from King's Seeds and Moreveg.

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