Ever wandered through a garden center and thought, Why not turn my garden into a wonderland? I’ve been there, filling my cart with excitement, only to regret a few impulse buys later.
Seedlings seem like a quick fix, but trust me, some flowers are just better started from seeds or cuttings. I learned the hard way when I bought a bunch of fancy begonias as seedlings.
Turns out, they didn’t thrive the way I’d hoped! Grab your gloves, and let’s unravel this gardening mystery together!
1. Petunias
First off, let’s chat about an all-time garden favorite. Petunias, known for their cool trumpet-shaped blooms, might seem like a steal as seedlings.
But hold your horses! These plants are surprisingly easy to grow from seeds. Planting them directly allows you to explore a wider range of colors and cultivars.
Plus, starting from seeds means stronger plants ready for the unpredictable weather. So, save those pennies and grab a seed packet instead. It’s a fancy garden hack, trust me.
2. Marigolds
Ever wondered why marigolds seem everywhere? They’re tough cookies! Buying them as seedlings might shrink your wallet unnecessarily.
These flowers are like garden superheroes, thriving better when you sow their seeds directly. The awesome part? They repel pests naturally. Starting from seeds gives you an edge in creating a pest-free zone.
Trust me, you’ll be the envy of every garden enthusiast. Go for seeds, and watch your garden become a marigold paradise.
3. Snapdragons
You might think snapdragons are tricky, but here’s the scoop. These classy beauties are often overpriced as seedlings. Snapdragons are surprisingly hardy when sown directly into the soil.
The charm of watching them grow from seeds? It’s unmatched. You get more control over their growth and can enjoy a longer blooming season.
So, skip the seedlings and opt for seeds. These flowers will thank you by gracing your garden with their unique blooms.
4. Zinnias
Zinnias are like the party animals of the flower world – they love sunlight and attention. Buying them as seedlings? Not the best move.
These flowers are super easy to grow from seeds, offering you a rainbow of colors to play with. Plus, they’re quick to bloom! Starting from seeds means you’ll have more plants for less cash.
It’s a cool, cost-effective way to jazz up your garden without breaking the bank. Trust me, your wallet will thank you.
5. Sunflowers
Who doesn’t love the sight of sunflowers swaying in the breeze? But have you ever asked yourself why they’re better started from seeds?
Buying seedlings might feel like a shortcut, but starting from seeds allows these giants to establish stronger roots. Plus, it’s a fun garden experiment for all ages!
You’ll get to enjoy watching them reach up to the sky. Trust me, planting sunflower seeds is a simple joy, and the satisfaction of seeing them grow is beyond cool.
6. Pansies
Ah, pansies! They remind me of my childhood garden. Buying them as seedlings might seem convenient, but the magic truly lies in growing them from seeds.
It’s almost like watching a small miracle unfold as these little guys pop up from the soil. Plus, you get more bang for your buck.
Pansies are resilient, and starting them from seeds gives them a chance to adapt to your garden’s conditions. Save some money and enjoy the process, it’s totally worth it.
7. Begonias
Begonias are like the classy guests at a garden party. Though tempting as seedlings, they’re way cooler when grown from cuttings or tubers.
Buying as seedlings might limit your choices in types and colors. By propagating them yourself, you can explore a wider array of varieties.
Plus, it’s more budget-friendly. So why not give it a shot? Begonias are pretty resilient, and your garden will reap the benefits of your smart planting choice.
8. Ageratum
Ever thought about trying something unusual in your garden? Ageratum might be it. However, buying them as seedlings is like buying a cat in the bag.
These fluffy blue blooms are easy to grow from seeds, allowing you the joy of variety selection. Starting from seeds also enhances their adaptability to local soil conditions.
It’s a win-win for your garden. You get to experiment with this unique plant while saving cash. Go ahead, give it a whirl.
9. Impatiens
The fascinating thing about impatiens is their adaptability, yet buying them as seedlings can be a miss. These flowers are fantastic when grown from seeds due to their easy-going nature.
Starting from seeds allows for a broader range of colors and a healthier garden. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate saving a few bucks?
Skip the seedlings and try seeds instead. Your garden will become a lively, colorful canvas, and you’ll have the pleasure of knowing you did it yourself.
10. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum is like the unsung hero of garden borders. Buying seedlings might seem like a fast track, but these fragrant blooms are best sown directly.
Growing them from seeds offers a fuller, aromatic display. Plus, you’ll have more plants to cover those garden gaps.
It’s a budget-friendly choice that rewards you with a lovely scent wafting through your garden. Trust me, your senses and your wallet will thank you for opting for seeds.
11. Coleus
Ever noticed the cool patterns on coleus leaves? Buying them as seedlings can limit your creativity. These foliage stars are best propagated from cuttings.
Why? It’s simple. You get an entire spectrum of leaf patterns and colors to mix and match. Plus, it’s a wallet-friendly way to create stunning garden arrangements.
So, are you ready to experiment with this cool plant? Trust me, your garden will become a living masterpiece of colors.
12. Geraniums
Geraniums are like the old-school cool cats of the flower world. Buying them as seedlings isn’t always smart. Why not try cuttings?
It’s a budget-savvy move that offers endless planting opportunities. Plus, starting from cuttings allows you to control their growth and vigor.
You’ll have a more robust plant ready to face the elements, making your garden stand out with its classy blooms. Trust me, this approach is both cool and rewarding.
13. Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
Let me tell you about a little garden secret. Calibrachoa, or Million Bells, might beckon you in their seedling form, but they shine brighter from cuttings or seeds.
Once, I decided to try my hand at growing them from seeds, and boy, did they flourish! You’ll enjoy a wider spectrum of colors and healthier growth.
Plus, it’s more affordable. Trust me, your hanging baskets will overflow with these cool blooms, making your garden a showstopper.
14. Lobelia
Lobelia has this understated charm that’s hard to resist. Buying as seedlings might cut your options short.
These dainty blue flowers are best grown from seeds, offering more vigorous growth and adaptability. Starting them from seeds allows you to fill garden gaps with their cool, soothing presence.
Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to add a splash of blue to your garden. Trust me, these flowers will gracefully reward your patience and smart choices.
15. Lupine
Lupines thrive when grown directly from seeds in your garden, as this allows them to establish strong root systems. Purchasing them as seedlings can often result in transplant shock.
Besides, growing lupines from seeds provides an opportunity to witness their full growth cycle. This can be both educational and satisfying for gardeners of all experience levels.
For those seeking a resilient and visually impressive addition to their garden, consider sowing lupine seeds directly into the soil.
16. Chrysanthemums
Let’s talk about the classic fall favorite. Chrysanthemums might lure you in seedling form, but starting them from cuttings or divisions gives you more bang for your buck.
These robust flowers adapt well and offer diverse colors when grown this way. You’ll enjoy a long-lasting bloom display that’s both cost-effective and stunning.
Why settle for less? Start them yourself and enjoy a garden teeming with these classic beauties. Trust me, it’s a wise gardening move.
17. Dianthus
Dianthus might be tiny, but they pack a punch. Buying them as seedlings can limit your options. These charming flowers are best grown from seeds, which offers more variety and resilience.
Starting from seeds also gives you the chance to enjoy a longer blooming period. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to bring a touch of class to your garden.
Trust me, these cool little blooms will make your garden the talk of the town.
18. Lantana
Lantana is like a party in a plant, attracting butterflies and bringing color to any space. Buying them as seedlings might seem tempting, but growing from cuttings is the way to go.
You’ll enjoy a greater variety and stronger plants. Plus, it’s a savvy, budget-friendly gardening tip.
Trust me, once you see those colorful blooms and fluttering butterflies, you’ll know you made the right choice. Your garden will be the life of the party.
19. Cineraria
Ever thought about adding a splash of color to your shady spots? Cineraria might be your answer, but seedlings? Not so much.
These flowers flourish when grown from seeds, offering more colors and better adaptability. Plus, this route is easier on the wallet.
So, are you ready to transform those shady garden corners? Starting from seeds will give you dazzling results that capture everyone’s attention.
20. Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower)
Tithonia, or Mexican Sunflowers, are like garden fireworks. But here’s a secret, they’re far better sown directly from seeds.
Buying seedlings might seem easy, but seeds provide stronger growth and more robust plants. Plus, these towering beauties offer a cool way to add height and color to your garden.
When you see them swaying in the breeze, you’ll know skipping the seedlings was a smart move. Get ready to have your garden pop with color and life.
21. Balsam
Balsam is like an old friend in my garden. Buying them as seedlings might save time, but starting from seeds is a rewarding adventure.
These flowers adapt well to different soils and offer an array of colors. Once, I grew them myself and was amazed by their resilience.
You’ll enjoy a fuller garden experience by skipping the seedlings. Plus, you’ll have more plants to share with friends and brighten up their gardens too.
22. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are the rebels of the flower world, thriving in poor soil and adding zest to any garden. You’d think seedlings would be a quick fix, but seeds are where the real magic happens.
Starting these spicy blooms from seeds offers a more robust growth and a cool array of colors. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to spice up your garden game.
Trust me, once they’re in full swing, you’ll wonder why you ever considered seedlings.
23. Salvia
Salvia has this classy air about it, but buying seedlings? Not so much. These spikes of coolness are best grown from seeds, offering more robust growth and a wider range of colors.
Starting from seeds is lighter on the pocket. So, why not give it a shot? Your garden will thank you with a beautiful display of these blooms, making it the talk of the town.
24. Vinca
Vinca is like the low-maintenance friend we all need. But buying seedlings can be a costly misstep.
These hardy plants are best grown from seeds or cuttings, offering more adaptability and color options. You’ll spend less and enjoy a more robust garden display.
When your garden is overflowing with these cool blooms, you’ll be glad you skipped the seedlings. Your wallet will breathe a sigh of relief too.
25. Foxglove
Let’s talk about foxglove, the drama queens of the garden. Buying seedlings might seem appealing, but growing from seeds is a cooler move.
I decided to try my hand at sowing them myself, and the results were astonishing. You’ll enjoy fancier colors and a longer blooming period.
Trust me, these blooms will stand tall and proud in your garden, making it a truly enchanting space. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly choice.
26. Borage
Borage might not be on everyone’s radar, but it sure packs a punch. Buying seedlings, though, isn’t the way to go.
These cool, star-shaped blooms are best sown from seeds, offering more vigor and adaptability. Curious about why they’re so special? Starting from seeds also means you’ll have more plants to share with friends.
Your garden will become a haven for bees, and you’ll enjoy a unique floral display that’s both eye-catching and rewarding.
27. Echinacea
Echinacea is like the cool healer of the garden world. Buying them as seedlings might seem practical, but growing from seeds is the smarter choice.
You’ll enjoy a more robust plant and a longer blooming period. Plus, echinacea from seeds offers greater resistance to pests and diseases.
When your garden is buzzing with pollinators, you’ll know you made the right decision. Your garden will be both beautiful and beneficial.
28. Cockscomb (Celosia)
Cockscomb is like the peacock of the flower world, flaunting its unique blooms. Buying seedlings might seem easy, but starting from seeds offers more variety and resilience.
These flowers are incredibly easy to grow and provide a stunning visual that’ll have everyone talking. Trust me, your garden will become a showstopper, full of these fancy blooms.
Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to expand your floral palette and impress guests.
29. Bachelor’s Buttons
Bachelor’s buttons might seem plain, but they’re quite the opposite. Buying seedlings can limit their potential.
These blooms are best started from seeds, offering more variety and a longer blooming period. Starting from seeds also allows you to enjoy a more robust plant.
Your garden will overflow with these charming flowers, creating a serene and cool landscape that’ll be the envy of all your neighbors.
30. Morning Glory
Morning glories are enchanting flowers that add beauty with their climbing vines and classy blooms. They perform excellently when grown from seeds rather than as seedlings.
The act of sowing morning glory seeds directly encourages healthier vine development. Seedlings often struggle to adjust when transplanted, which can hinder their growth potential.
By opting to plant seeds, gardeners can enjoy a flourishing display of these charming climbers with relative ease.