Growing flowers from seed can be rewarding, but not all blooms are worth the wait and effort. Certain varieties are notoriously slow to sprout, difficult to cultivate, or produce unpredictable results when started from seed. Gardening experts say that for specific flowers, it’s often more practical—and more successful—to begin with seedlings, tubers, or divisions. This approach not only saves time but also ensures healthier plants and more reliable blooms.
Here, two seasoned professionals—garden designer Christina Koether and flower farmer Susan McBride—share 10 flowers you should avoid growing from seed, along with smarter alternatives to get your garden flourishing faster.
1. Anise Hyssop
Known for its fragrant licorice-scented leaves and upright purple blooms, anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is technically seed-startable but much easier to propagate through cuttings. Koether recommends cutting a stem with three sets of leaves, removing the lower two, and placing the cutting in water. Roots develop in about a week, allowing for simple transplanting into soil afterward.
2. Bee Balm
Bee balm (Monarda), with its aromatic, vividly colored flowers, is more prone to disease—especially powdery mildew—when grown from seed. Koether notes that cultivated varieties have better disease resistance and root easily from stem cuttings, particularly those with square stems. Cuttings taken from these will root reliably in soil or water.
3. False Goat’s Beard (Astilbe)
With its delicate foliage and feather-like flower plumes, astilbe adds elegance to any garden. However, its minuscule seeds are slow to germinate and often take years to bloom. Koether recommends dividing mature clumps into sections instead. These divisions bounce back quickly and bloom far sooner than seed-started plants.
4. Peonies
Peonies (Paeonia) are admired for their lush, fragrant blossoms, but patience is a must if you start from seed—blooming can take four or more years. Koether advises gardeners to buy peony tubers instead. Tubers with more “eyes” (growth points) tend to be more vigorous but also more expensive. This method guarantees consistent flower type and quality.
5. Tulips
Though tulips (Tulipa) are a springtime favorite, growing them from seed is a long-term commitment with uncertain results. Koether explains that even commercial growers in the Netherlands use multi-year processes to produce bulbs that resemble the parent plant. Buying pre-packaged bulbs is a much simpler and reliable way to enjoy tulips in your garden.
6. Ranunculus
Also known as Persian buttercups, ranunculus are favored for their layered petals and rose-like shape. These are best started from tubers, not seed. Koether highlights that ranunculus tubers, which resemble small octopuses, can be tricky even for experienced gardeners—especially in colder climates. Winter protection is essential in USDA zone 7 or colder for fall plantings.
7. Bearded Iris
While bearded iris (Iris x germanica) can grow from seed, doing so may result in flowers that differ significantly from the parent plant and take several years to appear. Koether recommends dividing the rhizomes of existing plants instead. Buying labeled rhizomes or potted varieties helps maintain flower color and shape fidelity.
8. Dahlia
Dahlias (Dahlia spp.) technically grow from seed, but McBride warns that growing from tubers is far more predictable. Tubers reproduce identical “babies,” preserving the qualities of the parent plant. She suggests overwintering tubers in a cool, dry space, then pre-sprouting indoors before transplanting outside after the last frost.
9. Purpletop Vervain
A fast-growing perennial, purpletop vervain (Verbena bonariensis) can be grown from seed, but McBride finds it temperamental. Instead, she purchases nursery seedlings that were cultivated in greenhouse conditions. This approach simplifies care and ensures strong, early growth with less frustration.
10. Prairie Gentian (Lisianthus)
With its rose-like, ruffled blooms in a rainbow of colors, prairie gentian (Lisianthus) is popular but finicky. McBride points out its slow germination, susceptibility to disease, and specific environmental needs make it a poor choice for seed propagation. She recommends buying plugs or seedlings from professional growers for better results.
Expert Takeaway
While starting flowers from seed can be economical and gratifying, it’s not always the best choice. Plants like peonies, dahlias, and tulips require years to mature from seed and often lack consistency in color or form. Others, like astilbe and bee balm, are more prone to disease or demand very specific growing conditions that are difficult to control outside of professional setups.
Buying seedlings, rhizomes, or tubers ensures better bloom quality and a more manageable gardening experience. With strategic planning and smart choices, you can still enjoy a lush, colorful garden—without the headaches of unreliable seed germination.
