How to Propagate and Grow
Biennials

True biennials are only raised from seed as they cannot be raised by other means, such as cuttings.

However, some perennials are best treated as biennials as it is easier to grow them this way, such as Brompton stocks.

And some of these can be propagated by offsets or division.

Yes I know it's confusing, but plants can be like that sometimes, confusing. But to make it easy for you all the propagation info is given in plants-free-for-life for each plant listed.

The garden ( yard ) plants that are listed are either true biennials or perennials that are best treated as biennials here in the UK climate.

If you live in the USA, Canada or elsewhere you will need to check for your own local growing conditions.

Or contact us for further advice with your Hardiness Zone (or your location may sometimes do) and you will receive the details for your zone.

You can propagate all the biennials listed, quite easily from seed.

Now, seeds of biennials sown this season will only produce roots and foliage in their first year.

They will not produce any flowers in their first year. But don't let this put you off as some of the foliage can be attractive and the wait for the flowers is well worth it.

In the second year they will not only produce roots and foliage but they will also produce flowers.

At the end of their second year they will produce seed after flowering and they will then die.

But as they self seed profusely, there is always a continuation of flowering plants if the seedlings are allowed to grow on.

If you want these self seedlings to grow on where they are don't be too keen to hoe and weed around them at the end of summer and through into spring. Otherwise you will kill them off.

Or if you want to grow them somewhere else in your garden, carefully lift the self seedlings with your hand fork in the spring and gently seperate them, making sure not to damage the roots or stems. They are best handled only by their leaves to avoid root and stem damage.

It is best if you pot them individually into 7.5cm (3inch) pots filled with potting compost and place them in your cold frame. (Remember to handle them only by their leaves).

Just grow them on until they are large enough to be planted out in their final position and watch them grow on, flower and self seed.

Pot up these self seedlings and..... And so it goes on and on... More plants free for life!

Another easy way of propagating these garden ( yard ) plants is to collect the seeds as they ripen.

Sow them in plant cells or seed trays ( flats ) immediately and once they have germinated pot them up into 7.5cm (3inch) pots.

Over winter them somewhere frost free but cool.

Harden them off the following spring and plant them out when all frosts have finished. Real easy!

Unfortunately many gardeners prefer not to grow biennials as they only flower in their second year and then die.

Don't you make this mistake, or you will miss out on some really beautiful plants including foxglove, Canterbury bells, cotton thistle, echium, the list goes on.

It is a real shame not to grow these plants, because propagating and growing them is easy.

And once established they will keep on self-seeding giving you a continuous succession of plants and a profusion of beautiful flowers. And that is absolutely splendid.

Which of course gives you more plants free for life!

What could be easier?

Just click on the links below to see how to propagate and grow your favourite biennials.

| Biennials: "A" | | "B" | | "C" | | "D" | | "E" | | "H" | | "L" |

If you want any further information on biennials or how to propgate and grow any of your favourite gardening ( yard ) plants please feel free to contact us

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