[dmg]

I am looking to try doing some baskets this year what is a good combination for long lasting colour and is easy from seed?
I am looking to do some for spring and summer. They are going into 14" baskets with the clip on gates


Thanks,
Dmg

[Yorkie]

I like petunias but don't know how easy from seed.

Lobelia is a classic.

[Goosegirl]

Petunia seed is really tiny and needs mixing with sand so you get an even spread; not the easiest of germinators either. Lobelia is easy as Yorkie said, but not sure about other suitable plants from seed - sorry.

[sunshineband]

I like to add nasturtiums, bushy sweetpeas and black eyed susan to hanging baskets, and are all are easy from seed. Choose less straggly nasturtiums with upright facing flowers and they' do you proud, as well as of course being edible

[New shoot]

Petunias from seed will be the normal smaller flowered ones.  If you want the large flowered trailing Surfinia types, they have to be cutting raised   A lot of the summer bedding is cutting raised, but french marigolds, busy lizzies and lobelia are very easy from seed.

Having said that, a lot of the really showy basket plants should be available as tiny plugs - we stock them at work from Kinder plants and they come in about week 6 (ie mid Feb).   Worth checking to see if a garden centre local to you does them.  You can bring them on and them make cuttings of your own if you want more.

You can overwinter a lot of this stuff as rooted cuttings inside. I've done geraniums this way, but have not got enough windowsill space to do much.  I have customers with cool, but frost free, conservatories that do overwinter a lot of stuff.  You have to be vigilent for pests that have crept in with the plants and be ready with a spray, but it works 

[Goosegirl]

If you decide to go for tiny plug plants, can I recommend Jersey Plants Direct as they have always been of great quality and value. I have no affiliation with them, by the way!