Starting Perennials from Seed
Some perennials need light to germinate. Don't cover the seed or put the planting containers in the dark. Those from the lists above that need light are Achillea, Aquilegia, Campanula, Coreopsis, Gaillardia, Papaver, Platycodon, and Salvia.
All young perennials that you expect to spend the winter outdoors should be put in their places by early August to give them time to establish and be prepared when frost arrives.
Planting perennial seeds is not always as easy as planting annuals since some have special requirements to overcome that built-in dormancy protecting the seedlings from appearing before it is safe. The preparation process is called stratification. With some, like Viola, it is as simple as storing the seed in the refrigerator or freezer for a few weeks. For others, such as Aquilegia, you must sow the seed in containers of medium, moisten them and then put them in the refrigerator for the necessary length of time before putting them in a warm place to germinate.
Try some perennials from seed this year. When you would like a large planting, it is the most economical way to go. Just remember that most named varieties do not come true from seed and must be increased by division or cuttings. Those are the jewels to be added one at a time. Have fun! I plan to.
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