Starting Bedding Plants: From Seeds to Plugs for Garden Success

Seed Starting Options

• Most bedding plants grow easily from seed
• Small seeds (begonias) can challenge beginners
• No greenhouse needed: seed tray + polythene bag on windowsill works

Purchased Plant Stages

1. Seedlings: 2-3 leaves, mail-order trays (100-400 plants). Prick out quickly into trays/pots.
2. Plugs: More advanced, ready for immediate planting. Access difficult-to-germinate species. Verify: good roots, no damage/mold/yellowing. Pot up, greenhouse, then cold frame 2-3 weeks before planting.

Hardening Off: Critical Transition

Greenhouse-grown plants need gradual outdoor acclimation. Cold frame for 2 weeks prevents transplant shock.

Genetics and Cost

• Seed-grown: Cheapest. Variable—not identical to parent or batch-mates.
• Cutting-grown: Premium. Genetic clones of superior parents—guaranteed flower/leaf quality.
• Royalty varieties: Bred for excellence. Higher cost includes breeder royalty for production rights.

Match your method to budget, patience, and quality expectations.