Spring is the best time to get perennials growing, but an early start makes all the difference. Sowing seeds before winter fully fades helps plants develop strong roots. That means bigger, healthier blooms that return every year. The classic favorites will thrive, but there’s room to try something new.
Some perennials bring bold textures, others have unexpected colors, and all add character to your garden. Starting early gives them the best chance to grow strong and flourish. A little planning now means a season full of unique, eye-catching flowers.
1. Echinacea
When you think of a flower that stands the test of time, this one comes to mind. Echinacea, with its distinctive cone-shaped center, is a hardy perennial that thrives in various climates.
Planting Echinacea from seed ensures a burst of purples and pinks that beckon butterflies to your garden. These flowers are resilient and require minimal care once established.
For gardeners seeking longevity and charm, Echinacea is a fabulous choice. Its ability to attract pollinators also makes it an eco-friendly option.
2. Black-eyed Susan
This charming flower radiates warmth and joy with its golden hues. The Black-eyed Susan is a perennial favorite among gardeners.
Its bright yellow petals encircle a dark center, creating a stunning contrast. These flowers are not only beautiful but also adaptable to various soil types.
For a splash of sunshine in your garden, consider planting Black-eyed Susans. They add cheer and require little maintenance.
3. Lavender
A soothing fragrance fills the air, even before you spot these purple spikes. Lavender is cherished for more than just its beauty.
Starting Lavender from seed allows you to cultivate this aromatic perennial at home. Once mature, it provides a calming scent and stunning visual appeal.
Whether in borders or containers, Lavender is versatile and easy to grow. It makes a lovely addition to any garden.
4. Shasta Daisy
Sunshine seems to dance on these white petals with yellow centers. The Shasta Daisy is a timeless classic in perennial gardens.
These daisies are easy to grow from seed and offer a prolonged blooming period. Their cheerful appearance brightens any garden space.
For those new to gardening, Shasta Daisies are an excellent starting point. They require little upkeep and provide lasting beauty.
5. Coreopsis
A burst of sunshine greets you when this flower blooms. Coreopsis, with its cheerful yellow petals, is a perennial that delights.
Growing Coreopsis from seed adds a splash of color to your garden. These flowers are drought-tolerant and attract bees and butterflies.
For a garden that buzzes with life, Coreopsis is a fantastic choice. Its low maintenance needs make it ideal for busy gardeners.
6. Lupine
Towering spikes capture attention even from a distance. Lupine offers a dramatic flair with its tall, colorful flowers.
Starting Lupine from seed can result in a stunning display of blues, purples, and pinks. These perennials thrive in well-drained soil.
Gardening enthusiasts will find Lupines rewarding, as they enhance landscape aesthetics. Their nitrogen-fixing ability also benefits the soil.
7. Hollyhock
A touch of old-world charm graces any garden with these tall blossoms. Hollyhocks bloom in an array of colors, adding vertical interest.
Sowing Hollyhock seeds before spring ensures a stately presence in your garden. They’re biennial, but easily reseed, creating lasting beauty.
Ideal for cottage gardens, Hollyhocks bring a nostalgic feel. They’re relatively easy to grow and maintain.
8. Columbine
Elegance and grace characterize these nodding blooms. Columbine flowers are known for their unique shape and vibrant color palette.
Cultivating Columbine from seed introduces an array of hues such as blue, pink, and white. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.
For a touch of whimsy in your garden, Columbine is a wonderful option. Its delicate beauty attracts hummingbirds and bees.
9. Delphinium
Majestic spires rise tall and proud within any flower bed. Delphinium is celebrated for its tall, showy blossoms.
Starting Delphinium from seed provides a striking display of blues and purples. These perennials require some support due to their height.
For gardeners seeking elegance, Delphinium adds a dramatic touch. They create a stunning focal point in garden landscapes.
10. Foxglove
Whispering enchantment in the breeze, these flowers stand tall and elegant. Foxglove is a favorite for its distinctive bell-shaped blooms.
Sowing Foxglove seeds results in towering spikes adorned with tubular flowers. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Gardeners who appreciate vertical interest will find Foxglove an excellent choice. Its beauty is matched by its ease of growth.
11. Liatris
Spikes of color command attention as they reach skyward. Liatris, also known as blazing star, is a striking perennial.
Starting Liatris from seed allows for a vibrant display of purple spikes. These flowers are drought-tolerant and attract pollinators.
For a garden that buzzes with life, Liatris is a spectacular choice. Its unique form adds vertical interest to landscapes.
12. Blanket Flower
A fiery display of reds and yellows catches the eye instantly. Blanket Flower is a perennial known for its vibrant, sunburst-like blooms.
Growing Blanket Flower from seed ensures a long-lasting show of color. These flowers are heat-tolerant and thrive in poor soil conditions.
For gardeners seeking resilience and color, Blanket Flower is ideal. Its ability to attract butterflies is an added bonus.
13. Bee Balm
Buzzing with life, these blossoms attract a host of pollinators. Bee Balm’s vibrant flowers provide both beauty and ecological benefits.
Cultivating Bee Balm from seed introduces striking blooms in red, pink, and purple. It thrives in sunlit areas with moist soil.
For an eco-friendly garden, Bee Balm is an excellent choice. Its fragrant leaves can also be used to brew herbal teas.
14. Yarrow
Clusters of tiny blooms create a delicate tapestry in the garden. Yarrow is a perennial that brings subtle elegance.
Sowing Yarrow seeds yields attractive clusters of small flowers in various hues. It’s drought-tolerant and perfect for sunny spots.
Gardeners will appreciate Yarrow’s resilience and medicinal properties. It’s a low-maintenance addition to any landscape.
15. Astilbe
Feathery plumes sway gently in the dappled shade. Astilbe adds texture and color to shaded garden areas.
Starting Astilbe from seed results in lovely blooms in shades of pink, white, and red. These flowers thrive in moist, shaded locations.
For a splash of color in low-light areas, Astilbe is the ideal choice. Its foliage remains attractive even after flowering.
16. Hellebore
A hint of spring arrives with these early bloomers. Hellebores offer cup-shaped flowers in muted shades.
Sowing Hellebore seeds provides an early-season display of blooms. They prefer shaded areas and are relatively easy to care for.
For gardeners seeking early color, Hellebores are a delightful addition. Their evergreen foliage adds year-round interest.
17. Gaillardia
Bold and bright paint the garden canvas with splashes of red and yellow. Gaillardia, or Blanket Flower, thrives in sunny spots.
Starting Gaillardia from seed ensures a vivid display that lasts throughout the summer. These flowers are drought-tolerant and easy to grow.
For a garden that dazzles, Gaillardia is a lively choice. Its resilience and attraction to pollinators make it a favorite.
18. Veronica
Slender spires of color reach for the sun. Veronica’s spikes add vertical interest and charm to any garden.
Planting Veronica from seed results in blooms of blue, pink, and purple. These flowers are versatile and can thrive in various conditions.
For a touch of elegance, Veronica is a graceful addition. Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees and butterflies.
19. Russian Sage
Silvery leaves and mauve flowers dance in the breeze. Russian Sage is a hardy perennial perfect for sunny, dry areas.
Growing Russian Sage from seed introduces a fragrant, drought-tolerant plant. It’s ideal for borders and requires minimal maintenance.
For a touch of romantic charm, Russian Sage is an excellent choice. Its long-lasting blooms provide beauty through the seasons.
20. Daylily
A burst of color graces the garden landscape. Daylilies offer vibrant flowers that bloom repeatedly throughout the summer.
Starting Daylilies from seed results in an array of colors, from soft pastels to vivid oranges. These perennials are adaptable and easy to grow.
For continuous summer blooms, Daylilies are delightful. Their hardiness and beauty make them a garden staple.
21. Salvia
Tall spikes of intense color rise from the garden bed. Salvia is renowned for its rich, deep blue blossoms.
Planting Salvia from seed results in a striking display that attracts pollinators. It thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
For a dramatic addition to any garden, Salvia offers both beauty and ecological benefits. Its ease of growth is a gardener’s delight.
22. Balloon Flower
Inflated buds burst open to reveal star-shaped wonders. Balloon Flowers are a whimsical addition to the garden.
Starting Balloon Flowers from seed offers unique blooms in shades of blue and white. They prefer sunny spots and well-drained soil.
For a touch of playfulness, Balloon Flowers are perfect. They’re easy to grow and add visual interest.
23. Sea Holly
Spiky blooms bring a touch of the extraordinary to the garden. Sea Holly is a perennial known for its unique appearance.
Growing Sea Holly from seed results in striking blue flowers with silvery foliage. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soil.
For a garden with a difference, Sea Holly adds texture and intrigue. Its resilience makes it a valuable addition.
24. Candytuft
A carpet of blooms spreads across the landscape. Candytuft offers clusters of white flowers that light up the garden.
Planting Candytuft from seed ensures a fast-spreading ground cover. These perennials prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
For bright, low-maintenance beauty, Candytuft is ideal. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest.
25. Phlox
Clusters of vibrant hues paint the garden with color. Phlox is a perennial favorite for its showy blossoms.
Starting Phlox from seed results in a kaleidoscope of pinks, purples, and reds. These flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators.
For a garden brimming with life, Phlox is an excellent choice. Its fragrance and beauty make it a must-have.
26. Aster
Star-like petals create a celestial display in the garden. Asters bloom late in the season, providing autumn color.
Sowing Aster seeds offers a variety of colors, such as purple, pink, and white. These perennials prefer sunny spots and well-drained soil.
For fall interest, Asters are a superb choice. Their ability to attract butterflies adds to their charm.
27. Primrose
Delicate blooms herald the arrival of spring. Primroses offer a palette of soft colors amidst the greenery.
Starting Primroses from seed ensures early-season flowers in pink, yellow, and white. They thrive in partial shade and moist soil.
For a touch of spring magic, Primroses are enchanting. Their early blooms bring joy and color to gardens.
28. Peony
Blooms of grandeur steal the show with their size and fragrance. Peonies are cherished for their luscious, romantic flowers.
Planting Peonies from seed can reward you with stunning pinks, whites, and reds. They thrive in well-drained soil and require little care once established.
For elegance and charm, Peonies are unmatched. Their presence in the garden brings timeless beauty.
29. Bleeding Heart
Graceful arches of blooms create a poetic scene in any shaded garden. Bleeding Hearts enchant with their heart-shaped flowers.
Sowing Bleeding Heart seeds results in delicate pink or white blooms. They prefer shaded, moist environments.
For romantic allure, Bleeding Hearts are a beautiful choice. Their unique shape adds intrigue to garden spaces.
30. Giant Himalayan Lily
The Giant Himalayan Lily, with its towering stalks and massive white, trumpet-shaped flowers, is a true spectacle in any garden. Originating from the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, these lilies create an exotic ambiance.
They need a bit of patience, as they may take a few years to bloom, but their impressive display is worth the wait. The plant thrives in well-drained soil with partial shade, making it ideal for various garden settings.
Although not common, starting these from seed can reward you with a stunning and unique floral feature.
31. Bat-faced Cuphea
Bat-faced Cuphea is a quirky, delightful plant that captures attention with its unusual flower shape resembling a bat’s face. This charming perennial is perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your garden.
Native to Mexico, it thrives in warm climates and prefers full sun. Its bright red and purple blooms are not just visually striking, but they also attract hummingbirds, adding life to your garden.
Starting Bat-faced Cuphea from seed provides a rewarding challenge and an opportunity to enjoy its playful presence in your gardening space.