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The question does not state what time of year it's being asked, but let's assume it's late autumn. If the seeds were free or plentiful, it couldn't hurt to try, but in general late fall would not be the ideal time to propagate herbacious perennials from seed.

Plants react not only to the cold temperatures of winter but also the decreased available light. While a greenhouse can provide protection from cold temperatures, it can be difficult and expensive to provide good supplemental lighting. Without enough light your seedlings will not flourish.

You could wait until late winter, perhaps late January or February, to start the seeds which will still give them a nice head start on the growing season. Keep in mind that most perennials concentrate their efforts on establishment (root and shoot growth) in their first year and will not bloom until their second year or later. Experiencing a winter dormancy cycle is part of the establishment process for many hardy plants, so even starting their seeds early in a greenhouse doesn't necessarily guarantee flowers in the first summer.

It's also important to note that different species of plants have very unique needs for seed germination and subsequent growth (so there's no one-size-fits-all answer.) It's best to identify the particular needs of each plant you are trying to grow.

As a side note, for easy-to-grow perennials that will bloom in their first year, try: Rudbeckia hirta (gloriosa daisy), Achillea 'Colorado Mix' (yarrow) or Salvia 'Blue Queen'.

Most of the native Prairie wild flowers can be planted right outdoors in a garden bed as seed in the late fall they need the cold moist stratification to germanate in the spring . see www.for-wild.org for more details. or http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/greenacres/toolkit/index.html

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15y ago

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