Propagation · 145 plants · 229 methods

Make more plants from the ones you have.

Seed is the start, but most plants will happily clone themselves if you know which cut to make and when. Browse every propagation method in the library — from rooting a tomato sucker in water to dividing rhubarb crowns in spring — with difficulty, timing, and step-by-step cues drawn from extension sources.

145

Plants with propagation guides

229

Distinct methods documented

111

Rated easy for first-timers

Ready to propagate · around April

40 plants have a method you can start this month.

By method

Difficulty

145 plants

Seedeasy· 85-95%

Direct sow after last frost when soil is at least 60°F, typically late May to mid-June

Amaranthus spp.

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow after last frost when soil reaches 65-75°F, or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost

Malus domestica

Graftingmoderate· 80-90%

Late winter to early spring (February-April) while still dormant, with scionwood collected in mid-winter

Seedeasy· 70-80% germination, but fruit quality is unpredictable

Collect seeds in fall; stratify over winter for spring planting

Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

Seedmoderate· 60-70%

Start indoors 8-12 weeks before last frost, late January to early March in most climates

Divisioneasy· 90%+

Early spring, when new shoots are 8-12 inches tall

Root cuttingsmoderate· 60-75%

Late winter to early spring, while the plant is still dormant

Seedeasy· 95%+

Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, and again in late summer for a fall crop; avoid midsummer sowing as heat causes bolting

Asparagus officinalis

Crownseasy· 90%+

Plant crowns in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked, typically March to April

Seeddifficult· 70-80%

Start indoors 12-14 weeks before last frost, typically February to March

Divisionmoderate· 75-85%

Early spring before spears emerge, or late fall after foliage has died back

Bachelor's Button

Centaurea cyanus

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow outdoors in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, or in fall for earlier blooms the following year.

Ocimum basilicum

Seedeasy· 90%+

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after all frost danger has passed when soil is at least 60°F

Stem cuttingseasy· 90%+

Late spring through summer, anytime the plant is actively growing

Stem cuttingsdifficult· 30-50%

Mid to late summer, when current season's growth has begun to firm up (semi-hardwood stage)

Seeddifficult· 20-40%

Sow fresh seed in autumn or early winter; seeds lose viability quickly

Seedmoderate· 60-70%

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in late fall for natural cold stratification over winter.

Divisioneasy· 95%+

Early spring when new shoots are 2-4 inches tall, or in early fall. Divide every 2-3 years to control spread and prevent center die-out.

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 70-80%

Late spring to early summer, when new growth is 4-6 inches tall and still soft.

Seedeasy· 85-95%

Direct sow in early spring 2-4 weeks before last frost; make succession sowings every 3 weeks through midsummer for continuous harvest

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Seedeasy· 80-90%

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in spring after last frost. Fall sowing outdoors also works well.

Divisioneasy· 90%+

Early spring or early fall. Divide every 3-4 years to maintain plant health and vigor.

Rubus fruticosus

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 60-75%

Late spring to early summer for softwood cuttings; late fall to winter for hardwood cuttings

Layeringeasy· 90%+

Late summer (August-September) when cane tips are actively growing

Root cuttingseasy· 80-90%

Late fall to early spring while dormant (November-March)

Suckerseasy· 90%+

Early spring (March-April) before new growth is too advanced

Vaccinium corymbosum

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 50-70% for softwood; 40-60% for hardwood

Softwood cuttings in June-July; hardwood cuttings in late winter (January-March) while dormant

Layeringeasy· 70-80%

Spring (April-May) when new growth begins

Brassica rapa chinensis

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow in early spring or late summer for a fall crop; start indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting for spring harvests

Borago officinalis

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow outdoors in mid-spring after the last frost, or in early fall for a winter crop in mild climates

Brassica oleracea

Seedmoderate· 85-90%

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost for spring planting, or direct sow in mid to late summer for fall harvest

Brussels Sprouts

Brassica oleracea

Seedmoderate· 85-90%

Start indoors in mid to late spring, typically May to June, for a fall harvest; transplant outdoors about 4 months before the first expected frost

Fagopyrum esculentum

Seedeasy· 90%+

Late spring through midsummer (May-August), after last frost when soil is at least 55°F

Asclepias tuberosa

Seedmoderate· 50-70%

Sow outdoors in fall for natural winter stratification, or cold-stratify seeds in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks and start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost.

Butternut Squash

Cucurbita moschata

Seedeasy· 85-95%

Direct sow after last frost when soil reaches 60-65°F, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting

Brassica oleracea

Seedeasy· 85-95%

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost for spring crop, or direct sow in mid-summer for fall harvest

Calendula officinalis

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow outdoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost — calendula tolerates light frost. In mild climates, sow in fall for winter and early spring blooms.

Seedmoderate· 80-90%

Start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after last frost when soil is 65-70°F or warmer

Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Seedmoderate· 70-85%

Direct sow in early to mid-spring, 2-3 weeks before last frost; make succession sowings every 3 weeks through midsummer

Brassica oleracea

Seeddifficult· 70-80%

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost for spring crop, or in early to mid-summer for fall harvest

Apium graveolens var. rapaceum

Seeddifficult· 60-75%

Start indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost, typically late January to February

Apium graveolens

Seeddifficult· 60-70%

Start indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost, typically late January to early March

Celosia argentea

Seedmoderate· 70-80%

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil is at least 65F.

Matricaria chamomilla

Seedeasy· 80%+

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in early spring or fall

Divisioneasy· 90%+

Early spring or early fall, for Roman chamomile only

Graftingmoderate· 80-90%

Late winter to early spring (February-April) while dormant

Stem cuttingsdifficult· 20-40% for sweet cherry; 40-60% for sour cherry

Early to mid-summer (June-July) for softwood cuttings

Anthriscus cerefolium

Seedeasy· 70-80%

Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, or in late summer/early fall for a fall harvest; chervil prefers cool conditions

Callistephus chinensis

Seedmoderate· 60-70%

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in late spring after soil warms.

Divisioneasy· 90%+

Early spring, just as new growth emerges. Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.

Allium schoenoprasum

Seedeasy· 80%+

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in spring once soil reaches 60°F

Divisioneasy· 95%+

Early spring or early fall

Coriandrum sativum

Seedeasy· 85%+

Direct sow in early spring or fall; cilantro bolts quickly in heat, so avoid midsummer sowing in warm climates

Cleome hassleriana

Seedeasy· 80-90%

Direct sow outdoors after last frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Fall sowing also works, as seeds benefit from a cold period.

Brassica oleracea

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow in mid to late summer for fall harvest, or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost for spring planting

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 50-70%

Late spring through summer, when side shoots are actively growing

Seedeasy· 85-95%

Direct sow after last frost when soil temperature is at least 60°F (65-70°F for supersweet varieties)

Cosmos bipinnatus

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed, typically late spring.

Trifolium incarnatum

Seedeasy· 85%+

Late summer to early fall (August-October) for winter cover; early spring (March-April) in colder climates

Cucumis sativus

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow after last frost when soil reaches 65-70°F, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost

Stem cuttingseasy· 85-95%

Late fall to early winter (November-December) after leaf drop, while fully dormant

Layeringeasy· 85-95%

Early spring (March-April) as new growth begins

Dahlia × hortensis

Tubersmoderate· 80-90%

Late winter to early spring, after tubers have been stored over winter and before planting out. Divide when eyes (growth buds) are visible.

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 70-85%

Early to mid-spring, when tubers are sprouted indoors and shoots are 3-4 inches tall.

Delicata Squash

Seedeasy· 85-95%

Direct sow after last frost when soil reaches 60-65°F, or start indoors 3-4 weeks early

Anethum graveolens

Seedeasy· 85%+

Direct sow outdoors in mid-spring after last frost; succession sow every 2-3 weeks through early summer

Seedeasy· 80-90%

Direct sow after last frost when soil is at least 60°F, typically late May to mid-June

Solanum melongena

Seedmoderate· 80-85%

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, typically late February to March

Graftingdifficult· 60-70%

Late winter to early spring, when rootstock and scion seedlings are pencil-thick

Sambucus canadensis

Stem cuttingseasy· 85-95%

Late fall to late winter (November-February) while fully dormant

Suckerseasy· 90%+

Early spring (March-April) before heavy leaf-out, or late fall after leaf drop

Cichorium endivia

Seedeasy· 85-90%

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost for spring, or direct sow in mid to late summer for fall harvest

Cichorium endivia var. latifolium

Seedeasy· 85-90%

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost for spring, or direct sow in mid to late summer for fall harvest

Seedeasy· 85-95%

Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, or in late fall in USDA zones 8-10 for overwintering

Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum

Seedmoderate· 75-85%

Direct sow in mid to late summer for a fall harvest; spring sowings often bolt in lengthening days

Divisioneasy· 85-90%

Early spring, as new growth begins

Pisum sativum subsp. arvense

Seedeasy· 85%+

Early spring (March-April) or late summer to early fall (August-September), when soil temperatures are 40-65°F

Stem cuttingseasy· 90%+

Late winter (January-March) while dormant; can also be taken during fall pruning

Layeringeasy· 85-95%

Spring to early summer (April-June) when branches are flexible and growing actively

Digitalis purpurea

Seedeasy· 80-90%

Sow indoors in late winter (8-10 weeks before last frost) for blooms the following year, or direct sow outdoors in early summer for blooms the next spring.

French Tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa

Divisionmoderate· 80-90%

Early spring, just as new shoots emerge, or early fall

Phlox paniculata

Seedmoderate· 50-60%

Sow outdoors in fall for natural cold stratification, or cold-stratify in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks and start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost.

Divisioneasy· 90%+

Early spring as new shoots emerge, or in early fall. Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and airflow.

Root cuttingsmoderate· 60-75%

Late fall after plants have gone dormant, or very early spring before growth begins.

Bulbseasy· 95%+

Plant cloves in mid to late fall, 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes, typically October to November

Ribes uva-crispa

Stem cuttingseasy· 70-85%

Late fall to early winter (October-December) after leaf drop

Layeringeasy· 80-90%

Early spring (March-April) before bud break

Stem cuttingseasy· 80-90%

Late winter (January-March) while vines are fully dormant, during regular pruning

Layeringeasy· 85-95%

Late spring to early summer (May-June) when vines are actively growing

Phaseolus vulgaris

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow after last frost when soil is at least 60°F, typically late May to early June

Physalis pruinosa

Seedmoderate· 80-85%

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, typically March to April

Seedeasy· 80%+

Late summer to early fall (August-October), at least 4 weeks before the first hard frost

Actinidia arguta

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 60-75%

Early to mid-summer (June-July) for softwood cuttings

Graftingmoderate· 70-80%

Late winter to early spring (February-April) while dormant

Layeringeasy· 75-85%

Late spring to early summer (May-June) when vines are actively growing

Seedeasy· 80-90%

Direct sow outdoors in mid to late summer for blooms the following year, or start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost for possible first-year blooms.

Armoracia rusticana

Root cuttingseasy· 95%+

Plant root cuttings in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, or in fall

Crownseasy· 95%+

Early spring or fall

Jerusalem Artichoke

Helianthus tuberosus

Tuberseasy· 95%+

Plant tubers in early to mid-spring, 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked

Brassica oleracea

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow in spring 3-5 weeks before last frost, or in mid to late summer for fall and winter harvest; start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost for transplants

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 50-70%

Spring through summer, from actively growing plants

Brassica oleracea

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow in early spring 3-4 weeks before last frost, or in late summer for a fall crop; start indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting

Lavandula angustifolia

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 50-70%

Late spring to mid-summer for softwood cuttings, or late summer to early fall for semi-hardwood cuttings

Seeddifficult· 40-60%

Start indoors in late winter, 10-12 weeks before last frost; cold stratification improves germination

Layeringeasy· 80%+

Late spring to early summer, when stems are flexible

Allium ampeloprasum

Seedmoderate· 85%+

Start indoors late January to early March; transplant outdoors mid-April to May after hardening off

Melissa officinalis

Seedeasy· 80%+

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in spring after frost danger passes

Divisioneasy· 95%+

Early spring or early fall

Stem cuttingseasy· 85%+

Late spring through summer, while stems are actively growing

Aloysia citrodora

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 60-75%

Late spring to mid-summer, when new growth is soft and green

Cymbopogon citratus

Divisioneasy· 90%+

Late spring to early summer, once the plant is actively growing

Stem cuttingseasy· 80%+

Any time of year if starting from store-bought stalks; spring and summer for outdoor growing

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow outdoors 2-4 weeks before last frost in spring, or 6-8 weeks before first fall frost; start indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting

Phaseolus lunatus

Seedeasy· 80%+

Direct sow 2-3 weeks after the last frost date, when soil temperature reaches 65-70 F

Levisticum officinale

Seedmoderate· 70-80%

Sow outdoors in late summer or fall for natural cold stratification, or start indoors in late winter after 2-3 weeks of refrigerator stratification

Divisionmoderate· 85%+

Early spring, just as new growth emerges

Lupinus polyphyllus

Seedmoderate· 60-75%

Direct sow outdoors in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, or in fall. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost in deep pots if transplanting.

Malabar Spinach

Seedmoderate· 60-75%

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after soil reaches 70 F

Stem cuttingseasy· 90%+

Anytime during the active growing season, typically June through August

Seedeasy· 95%+

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Stem cuttingseasy· 95%+

Spring through summer, anytime the plant is actively growing

Divisioneasy· 95%+

Early spring or fall

Runnerseasy· 95%+

Spring through fall, whenever runners are visible

Brassica rapa var. japonica

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow in early spring 3-4 weeks before last frost, or in late summer for fall harvest

Ipomoea purpurea

Seedeasy· 85-90%

Direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 65F, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost.

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 50-70% depending on species

Hardwood cuttings in late winter (January-March) while dormant; softwood cuttings in early summer (June-July)

Graftingmoderate· 75-85%

Late winter to early spring (February-April) while dormant

Brassica juncea

Seedeasy· 95%+

Direct sow in early spring 2-4 weeks before last frost, or in late summer/early fall for a fall crop

Tropaeolum majus

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Can also start indoors 2-4 weeks before last frost in peat pots to minimize root disturbance.

New Zealand Spinach

Tetragonia tetragonioides

Seedmoderate· 50-70%

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after last frost when soil reaches 60 F

Stem cuttingseasy· 85%+

During active growth in summer, June through August

Seedeasy· 90%+

Late summer to early fall (August-September) for winter cover; early spring (March-April) for spring cover

Abelmoschus esculentus

Seedmoderate· 70-85%

Direct sow 3-4 weeks after last frost when soil temperature reaches 70-85 F; start indoors in peat pots 4-6 weeks early in short-season areas

Seedmoderate· 80%+

Start indoors 8-12 weeks before last frost (January-February in most areas); direct sow in fall in mild climates

Bulbseasy· 90%+

Plant sets in early spring 2-4 weeks before last frost, or in fall for overwintering in mild climates

Divisioneasy· 95%+

Divide in early spring or fall when plants are dormant or semi-dormant

Origanum vulgare

Seedeasy· 75-85%

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after frost danger passes

Stem cuttingseasy· 80%+

Late spring to mid-summer, from vigorous non-flowering stems

Divisioneasy· 90%+

Early spring or early fall

Layeringeasy· 85%+

Late spring to early summer

Petroselinum crispum

Seedmoderate· 70-80%

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in early spring; also sow in late summer for fall/winter harvest

Pastinaca sativa

Seeddifficult· 50-70%

Direct sow in mid to late spring, 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked

Asimina triloba

Seedmoderate· 70-80% germination with proper stratification

Collect seeds from ripe fruit in fall (September-October); stratify over winter for spring planting

Graftingdifficult· 50-70%

Late spring (April-May) when rootstock is actively growing and bark slips easily

Seedeasy· 85%+

Direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked in early spring; also sow in late summer for a fall crop

Graftingmoderate· 85-95% for T-budding; 75-85% for whip grafts

Late winter to early spring (February-March) for whip grafts; late summer (August) for T-budding

Seedeasy· 70-80% germination; fruit quality varies

Collect pits from ripe fruit in summer; stratify in fall for spring planting

Arachis hypogaea

Seedmoderate· 75-85%

Direct sow 2-3 weeks after last frost when soil reaches 65 F; start indoors in peat pots 4-6 weeks early in short-season areas

Graftingmoderate· 85-95%

Late winter to early spring (February-April) while dormant

Paeonia lactiflora

Divisionmoderate· 85-95%

Fall only, from late September through October, after foliage has died back. This is the only recommended time for dividing peonies.

Seeddifficult· 30-50%

Collect ripe seeds in fall and plant immediately outdoors, or begin the lengthy indoor stratification process in fall.

Capsicum annuum

Seedmoderate· 80%+

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date, typically February to March

Prunus domestica

Graftingmoderate· 80-90%

Late winter to early spring (February-April) while dormant

Stem cuttingsdifficult· 30-60% depending on variety

Late fall to winter (November-February) for hardwood cuttings; June-July for softwood

Suckerseasy· 85-95% (but verify the sucker is the desired variety)

Early spring (March-April) or late fall (November) while dormant

Zea mays var. everta

Seedeasy· 85%+

Direct sow 1-2 weeks after last frost when soil temperature reaches 60-65 F

Solanum tuberosum

Tuberseasy· 90%+

Plant 2-4 weeks before last frost in spring, once soil temperature reaches 45 F

Cucurbita pepo / maxima

Seedeasy· 85%+

Direct sow 1-2 weeks after last frost when soil reaches 65-70 F; start indoors in peat pots 3-4 weeks before transplanting

Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

Seedmoderate· 50-70%

Sow outdoors in fall for natural cold stratification, or start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost after refrigerator stratification.

Divisionmoderate· 75-85%

Early spring when new basal growth is 2-4 inches tall, or in early fall. Plants should be at least 3 years old before dividing.

Root cuttingsmoderate· 60-70%

Late fall after the plant has gone dormant, or very early spring before growth resumes.

Cichorium intybus

Seedmoderate· 70-80%

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting, or direct sow in mid to late summer for fall harvest

Raphanus sativus

Seedeasy· 95%+

Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, and again in late summer/early fall; sow every 10-14 days for succession

Suckerseasy· 90%+

Early spring (March-April) before new growth is too advanced, or late fall after leaf drop

Root cuttingseasy· 80-90%

Late fall to early spring (November-March) while dormant

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 60-75%

Mid-summer (July-August) using primocane tips

Rheum rhabarbarum

Divisioneasy· 90%+

Early spring just as buds begin to swell, or in fall after plants go dormant

Seeddifficult· 60-70%

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, or sow outdoors in early spring

Salvia rosmarinus

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 50-70%

Late spring to early summer for softwood cuttings, or late summer for semi-hardwood cuttings

Layeringeasy· 80%+

Late spring to early summer

Seedeasy· 85%+

Direct sow in mid to late summer, about 90-100 days before the first expected fall frost

Salvia officinalis

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 60-75%

Late spring to early summer, from new softwood growth

Layeringeasy· 80%+

Late spring to early summer

Seedmoderate· 60-70%

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost

Tragopogon porrifolius

Seedmoderate· 60-75%

Direct sow in early to mid spring, as soon as soil can be worked, 2-4 weeks before last frost

Allium fistulosum

Seedeasy· 85%+

Direct sow in early spring 3-4 weeks before last frost, or start indoors 8-10 weeks early; sow in succession every 3 weeks

Divisioneasy· 95%+

Spring or fall for perennial bunching onion types

Amelanchier alnifolia

Seedmoderate· 50-70% germination with proper stratification

Collect fruit in June-July when ripe; clean and stratify immediately for planting the following spring

Suckerseasy· 85-95%

Early spring (March-April) before leaf-out, or late fall after leaf drop

Layeringeasy· 75-85%

Early spring (March-May) as new growth begins

Allium cepa Aggregatum group

Bulbseasy· 90%+

Plant in fall (October-November) for overwintering in mild climates, or in early spring 4-6 weeks before last frost

Seedmoderate· 75-85%

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in early spring

Perilla frutescens

Seedeasy· 75-85%

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after last frost; fall-sown seed germinates the following spring

Antirrhinum majus

Seedeasy· 80-90%

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Can also direct sow outdoors in early spring, as snapdragons tolerate light frost.

Seedeasy· 85%+

Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost

Divisioneasy· 90%+

Early spring or early fall

Spinacia oleracea

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost in early spring, or in late August through September for fall harvest

Stevia rebaudiana

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 70-80%

Late spring to mid-summer, from actively growing plants

Seeddifficult· 20-40%

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost under lights

Fragaria × ananassa

Runnerseasy· 95%+

Mid to late summer (July-September) when runners are actively produced

Divisioneasy· 85-95%

Early spring (March-April) or late summer to early fall (August-September)

Seedmoderate· 60-80% germination for alpine types; variable for hybrid cultivars

Start seeds indoors in late winter (February-March) for spring transplanting

Satureja hortensis

Seedeasy· 80%+

Direct sow outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost

Helianthus annuus

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 55-60F, typically mid to late spring.

Lobularia maritima

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow outdoors after last frost, or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Fall sowing also works in mild climates.

Origanum majorana

Seedmoderate· 70-80%

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; marjoram needs warm soil to germinate

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 65-75%

Late spring to mid-summer, from actively growing stems

Divisioneasy· 85%+

Early spring, just as new growth begins

Lathyrus odoratus

Seedeasy· 80-90%

Direct sow outdoors in very early spring, 4-6 weeks before last frost — sweet peas tolerate frost. In mild-winter climates, sow in fall for early spring bloom.

Ipomoea batatas

Slipsmoderate· 85%+

Start slips indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost (March-April); transplant slips outdoors 2-3 weeks after last frost when soil reaches 65 F

Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla

Seedeasy· 85%+

Direct sow 2-3 weeks before last frost in spring, or start indoors 4-6 weeks early for transplanting

Brassica rapa var. narinosa

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow in early spring 3-4 weeks before last frost, or in late summer for fall harvest

Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora

Seedeasy· 85%+

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after all frost danger has passed when soil is at least 60°F

Stem cuttingseasy· 90%+

Late spring through summer, anytime the plant is actively growing

Thymus vulgaris

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 70-80%

Late spring to early summer, from new green growth

Divisioneasy· 85%+

Early spring or early fall

Layeringeasy· 85%+

Late spring to early summer

Seedmoderate· 50-65%

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost

Coreopsis grandiflora

Seedeasy· 80-90%

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in spring after last frost. Fall sowing outdoors also works.

Divisioneasy· 90%+

Early spring as new growth emerges, or in early fall. Divide every 2-3 years.

Raphanus sativus

Seedeasy· 85%+

Late summer to early fall (August-September), 4-8 weeks before the first killing frost

Physalis philadelphica

Seedmoderate· 80%+

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed

Solanum lycopersicum

Seedmoderate· 90%+

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, typically mid-March to early April

Stem cuttingseasy· 90%+

Anytime during the growing season when suckers are available, typically June through August

Brassica rapa var. rapa

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow in early spring 2-4 weeks before last frost, or in late summer for fall harvest (the preferred season)

Citrullus lanatus

Seedeasy· 80%+

Start indoors in peat pots 3-4 weeks before last frost in short-season areas; direct sow 1-2 weeks after last frost when soil reaches 70 F

Trifolium repens

Seedeasy· 85%+

Early spring (March-May) or late summer to early fall (August-September), avoiding hot midsummer

Divisioneasy· 80%+

Spring (March-May) or early fall (September-October) when plants are actively growing

Stolonseasy· 75%+

Late spring to early summer (May-June) when stolons are actively growing

Seedeasy· 95%+

Late summer to late fall (September-November); can be sown later than most cover crops

Satureja montana

Stem cuttingsmoderate· 60-70%

Late spring to early summer, from soft new growth

Seedmoderate· 65-75%

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in late spring

Divisioneasy· 80%+

Early spring, just as new growth begins

Layeringeasy· 80%+

Late spring to early summer

Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis

Seedeasy· 80%+

Direct sow 2-3 weeks after last frost when soil temperature reaches 65-70 F

Achillea millefolium

Seedeasy· 80-90%

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors in spring after the last frost.

Divisioneasy· 95%+

Early spring or early fall. Divide every 2-3 years to control spread and rejuvenate clumps.

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 70F. Can start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, but direct sowing is preferred.

Seedeasy· 90%+

Direct sow 1-2 weeks after last frost when soil reaches 60-65 F; start indoors in peat pots 3-4 weeks before transplanting

Next up

Every plant with full growing, problems, and varieties.

For the seed route — countdown from your last frost.