TheNaturePlanet

Autumn is an important season for sowing flower plants. Sowing at the right time can not only improve the germination rate of seeds but also make the plants grow stronger in the coming year. The following are the tips for sowing flower plants in autumn as well as the benefits brought by sowing.
Tips for Autumn Sowing
Autumn is suitable for sowing biennial or perennial cultivated flowers, such as snapdragons, carnations, cinerarias, cyclamens, etc. In addition, gerberas, delphiniums, begonias, etc. are also very suitable for autumn sowing. For perennial plants and garden tree species, autumn sowing allows the seeds to pass through the dormant period in the nursery and complete the pre-sowing germination acceleration stage, thus increasing the seedling emergence rate.
Before sowing, appropriate containers should be prepared, such as seedling-raising pots or tall cell seedling pots with a height of about ten centimeters, which can make the roots of plant seedlings grow more vigorously. The soil should be loose and breathable, have a certain water retention capacity, and be clean and without fertility. You can choose imported fine-grained peat soil, or mix fine coconut coir with perlite and vermiculite in a ratio of 6:1 or 5:1, and rinse it with clean water two or three times before using.
Different flower seeds have different methods of germination acceleration. Seeds with particularly hard seed coats need to be soaked in warm water to soften before sowing. It is recommended to soak the seeds of most plants in clean water for 8 to 24 hours. Be careful not to spill the seeds when cleaning. After soaking, the seeds can be directly sown in the soil, or the germination acceleration can be continued. When accelerating germination, the seeds can be placed on a moist paper towel, covered with a lid, and placed in a well-ventilated and light-transmitting place, and sprayed with water in a mist form regularly to keep them moist. When the seeds sprout small white roots, they should be sown in the soil in time.
After sowing, it is necessary to check whether soil covering is required. Some seeds need light to germinate, such as double-petaled impatiens; while some need to be covered with soil, such as the seeds of periwinkles. After sowing, keep the soil slightly moist, maintain a humid environment, and ensure good ventilation. After the seedlings emerge, gradually increase the light intensity to make the seedlings gradually adapt to the sunlight. Use a fine stream of water when watering to avoid knocking down the seedlings. During the growth period of the seedlings, spray fungicides once or twice to prevent pests and diseases.
Benefits of Autumn Sowing
Improve the Germination Rate of Seeds
The temperature in autumn remains between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, and the seeds of most plants can germinate normally. Too high or too low a temperature will affect the germination rate of seeds. Sowing in autumn can ensure that the seeds germinate under suitable temperatures and improve the germination rate.
Enhance the Cold Resistance of Seedlings
The seedlings sown in autumn can accumulate nutrients before the arrival of winter and enhance their cold resistance. For some cold-intolerant plants, autumn sowing can also enable them to pass through the dormant period and improve their growth adaptability in the coming year.
Reduce the Trouble of Seed Storage and Germination Acceleration Treatment
Autumn sowing allows the seeds to complete the germination acceleration stage in the nursery, reducing the trouble of seed storage and germination acceleration treatment. This is especially important for some seeds that are difficult to store.
Relieve the Busyness of Spring Work
Autumn sowing can relieve the contradiction between the busyness of spring work and the shortage of labor. Spring is a crucial period for plant growth. Autumn sowing enables plants to have a certain growth foundation when spring comes, reducing the management pressure in spring.
Promote the Robust Growth of Plants
The plants sown in autumn will grow more robustly in the coming year. Because they have accumulated sufficient nutrients in autumn and have been tempered in winter, they can better adapt to the growth environment in spring.
In conclusion, autumn is the golden season for sowing flower plants. By mastering the tips of autumn sowing and understanding the benefits brought by sowing, we can better manage flower plants and make them grow more robustly and beautifully in the coming year.