Even the mighty Scots Pine can be grown from a tiny seed
Image: Scots Pine from Thompson & Morgan
Sowing your own shrubs from seed is fun and rewarding. Not only do you save money on the more expensive container grown shrubs, you can also reduce your environmental impact and ensure that your seedlings are acclimatised to your specific growing conditions. Here are some of the best shrubs and trees to raise from seed.
Rarely offered from seed, 'Rockii Mixed' reaches a height and spread of 150cm
Copyright: RHS Images Collection
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to fill your garden with an interesting array of shrubs, there are plenty of seeds from which to choose. Here are some of the easiest shrubs to try:
Paulownia tomentosa is often called the Foxglove tree
Copyright: Garden World Images
Trees can take a little longer to raise from seed, but the satisfaction of starting one from scratch easily outweighs the inconvenience of having to wait. Here are some of the best trees to grow from seed:
Getting your trees and shrubs off to the best start is easy. All you need is:
Soak your seeds, especially larger seeds, in water for a few hours prior to sowing. Follow these four steps when you’re ready to get them into pots:
Label your pots and trays with the variety and the date, it can be easy to get mixed up. Expect to see germination within 3 months of sowing, although this can vary between varieties so patience is key!
Growing your own trees and shrubs from seed is highly rewarding. For more advice, take a look at our shrubs hub page where you'll find growing guides, top tips and inspiration. Share your own experience with us via our Instagram or Twitter. We love to hear from you!
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