Starting plants from seeds can be a fun and rewarding process, but not all plants are worth the effort. Some plants take too long to grow or require special conditions that make them difficult for beginners. Let’s explore 18 such plants and see why other methods might be better for them.
1. Asparagus
Growing asparagus from seed demands patience beyond compare. It takes about three years before you can harvest edible spears. For those eager to enjoy fresh asparagus, purchasing crowns or young plants is a more practical option.
The long wait isn’t just about patience; maintaining proper soil conditions is crucial. Asparagus needs well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Instead of waiting years, try establishing a bed with crowns and you’ll enjoy the fresh taste sooner.
These plants can produce for up to 20 years, so starting strong is key.
2. Lavender
Lavender, with its heavenly fragrance, is a favorite for many. However, growing it from seed can be quite tricky. Germination rates are low, and the seedlings take time to mature.
For quicker satisfaction, start with small plants from a nursery. This way, you can enjoy the scent and blooms much faster. The plant prefers well-drained soil and lots of sunlight, making it an ideal addition to sunny gardens.
With minimal effort, you’ll have a beautiful, aromatic plant that attracts bees and butterflies.
3. Rosemary
The aromatic rosemary is a staple in many kitchens. Growing it from seeds, though, is notoriously slow and often unsuccessful. Using cuttings or buying a young plant is a smarter choice.
These methods ensure you have a thriving plant in less time. Rosemary prefers sunny spots and well-draining soil, making it a perfect windowsill herb.
With a little care, you’ll have fresh rosemary ready to enhance your culinary creations all year round.
4. Hostas
Hostas are beloved for their lush foliage, but starting them from seed is a game of patience. Seeds take a long time to grow, and the resulting plants can vary greatly.
Instead, propagate hostas by dividing established plants. It’s quicker and ensures you get the desired variety. These plants thrive in shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil.
By choosing division, you can fill your garden with lush greenery in much less time.
5. Roses
The symbol of beauty and romance, roses are notoriously tough to grow from seed. The process is lengthy and requires patience. To enjoy quicker blooms, buy grafted roses from a reputable nursery.
These will be true to type and blossom sooner. Plant them in a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil to encourage growth. With the right care, you’ll have a stunning display of roses in no time.
Embrace this shortcut to fill your garden with timeless beauty.
6. Lilac
Lilacs are cherished for their fragrant blooms, but growing them from seed is not for the faint-hearted. Seeds take years to mature and may not produce the expected flowers.
For a more predictable outcome, buy a young plant or take cuttings from a mature bush. Lilacs prefer sunny spots with well-drained soil, ideal for those with a sunny garden corner.
By choosing plants or cuttings, you’ll enjoy their delightful scent much sooner.
7. Gardenia
The elegant gardenia, known for its lovely scent, is a challenge to grow from seed. The seeds are slow to germinate and require specific conditions.
Opting for cuttings or young plants is a better choice for those wanting to enjoy gardenias without the hassle. These plants love humid climates and acidic, well-drained soil.
With proper care, you’ll enjoy their fragrant flowers and glossy leaves in your home or garden.
8. Peonies
Peonies are a classic garden favorite with lush, full blooms. However, growing them from seeds can take five to seven years to flower. Buying tubers or plants offers faster results.
Plant them in a spot with full sun and well-drained soil to enjoy their beauty year after year. Their vibrant flowers are a delightful addition to any garden.
By choosing ready-to-plant options, you’ll add elegance to your garden in less time.
9. Blueberries
Everyone loves blueberries and they’re a delicious addition to any garden, but patience is key when growing them from seed. It takes years for seedlings to mature and produce fruit.
Purchasing young bushes is a more practical approach. Plant them in acidic, well-drained soil to encourage growth. With care, they’ll provide a bountiful harvest of sweet berries.
By skipping seeds, you’ll enjoy fresh blueberries much sooner and with less effort.
10. Orchids
Yes, orchids are beautiful, but they’re also notoriously difficult to grow from seeds. It requires a sterile environment and specialized knowledge. Buying mature plants or using cuttings is a more viable option.
These fascinating flowers thrive in indirect sunlight and need specific humidity levels. With proper care, they can bloom for months, adding a touch of exotic beauty to your home.
Choosing established plants means enjoying their intricate flowers without the fuss.
11. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas offer stunning blooms, but growing from seed is super slow and uncertain. To enjoy these lovely flowers sooner, purchase young plants or take cuttings.
They thrive in well-drained soil and can benefit from morning sun with afternoon shade. With the right conditions, hydrangeas will reward you with vibrant, colorful blooms.
This approach ensures a garden filled with beauty without the long wait.
12. Wisteria
With its romantic cascading flowers, wisteria takes many years to bloom from seed. For those eager for its beauty, buying a grafted plant or using cuttings is recommended.
Ensure they’re planted in full sun with well-draining soil. With a little care, wisteria will gracefully adorn your garden much sooner.
This method promises faster results and a more reliable flowering display.
13. Fuchsias
Known for their vibrant hanging flowers, fuchsias are actually a challenge to grow from seed due to long germination times. Starting with cuttings or young plants is a wiser choice.
These plants thrive in well-drained soil with partial shade, making them perfect for hanging baskets. With minimal effort, you’ll enjoy their colorful blooms all season long.
This way, your garden gets instant charm and color.
14. Bamboo
Bamboo is a striking addition to any garden, but growing it from seed requires patience. The germination process is slow, and the plants can take years to establish.
For faster results, purchase potted bamboo or root divisions. Plant them in well-drained soil, and they’ll quickly create a lush, green privacy screen.
This method brings the beauty of bamboo without the lengthy wait.
15. Magnolia
With their large, fragrant flowers, magnolias are beloved by many. However, growing them from seeds is a lengthy process often fraught with complications. Buying a young tree from a nursery is a more efficient approach.
Plant them in full sun with well-drained soil for the best results.
By choosing an established tree, you’ll enjoy the stunning blooms much sooner, enhancing your landscape with their timeless beauty.
16. Clematis
Clematis vines offer stunning flowers but are notoriously slow to start from seeds. For a quicker display, buy young plants or use cuttings.
Plant them in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, and they’ll reward you with a beautiful climbing display. With the right care, clematis vines can become a garden centerpiece.
This method ensures vibrant flowers without the extended wait.
17. Camellia
Stunning, rose-like blooms make camellias one of the prettiest plants out there, but patience is required when growing from seed. It can take years to see flowers. For quicker results, purchase a young bush or take cuttings.
They thrive in partially shaded areas with well-drained soil. With the right environment, camellias will reward you with vibrant blooms.
This approach ensures a quicker and more reliable flowering display.
18. Cypress Trees
Cypress trees offer majestic beauty, but starting them from seeds is a lengthy process. Purchasing young trees from a nursery ensures faster growth and reliable results.
They thrive in well-drained soil and can create stunning natural privacy screens. With minimal effort, cypress trees will enhance your landscape.
Choosing young trees means enjoying their stately presence much sooner.