Identifying Seedlings from a Mixed Annual/Perennial Seed Packet

Sorting the Keepers from the Weeds

When you sow a mystery mix in July, many seedlings look weedy. Strategy:

1. Tag plants you like or recognize.
2. Let annuals complete their cycle; they’ll die or reseed.
3. Perennials may not bloom until year 2—wait and observe.
4. Next spring, remove un-tagged plants after they reveal their identity.

Hybrid annuals won’t come true from seed anyway. Patience and labeling save desirable perennials.