Spring’s in full swing, the soil’s warming up, and your garden’s practically begging for new life. If you’re dreaming of blooms that come back year after year with less effort, it’s time to get those perennial seeds in the ground—right now. May is your golden window, and direct seeding is the no-fuss, budget-friendly way to get long-lasting color.
Here are 7 hardy perennial flowers you can (and should) direct seed in May—before summer heat sets in and your opportunity slips away!
1. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Why plant it in May?
Black-eyed Susans thrive in warm soil and sunny spots. May’s rising temps give them just what they need to germinate fast and grow strong.
What makes it great?
These golden, daisy-like blooms are pollinator magnets and tough as nails. Once established, they’re drought-tolerant and come back year after year with very little fuss.
Sowing tips:
Loosen the top inch of soil, scatter the seeds, and gently press them in—don’t bury them too deep. Water regularly until seedlings appear.
2. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)
Why plant it in May?
Shasta daisies need light and warmth to germinate. May offers the perfect combo of both.
What makes it great?
Classic white petals and cheerful yellow centers brighten up beds and borders. Plus, they’re low-maintenance and bloom heavily in their second year and beyond.
Sowing tips:
Direct sow onto well-drained soil in full sun. Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy while they sprout.
3. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Why plant it in May?
Echinacea loves warmth, and May planting gives it a head start without risking frost damage.
What makes it great?
Tough, native, and beloved by bees, butterflies, and birds. Once it takes root, it’s nearly indestructible—and its cone-shaped seed heads add winter interest, too.
Sowing tips:
Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep. Water well, and be patient—germination can take 2–4 weeks.
4. Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
Why plant it in May?
Coreopsis seeds need warm soil to sprout well. May gives you just enough time before intense summer heat.
What makes it great?
Golden-yellow blooms that last for weeks and attract pollinators like crazy. These beauties often bloom their first year if planted early enough!
Sowing tips:
Scatter seeds thinly in full sun and press them into the soil surface. Don’t cover too much—they need light to germinate.
5. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Why plant it in May?
Yarrow is a sun-lover that prefers warm, dry conditions for germination, making mid to late May perfect.
What makes it great?
It’s fragrant, hardy, drought-tolerant, and comes in gorgeous shades from soft pastels to bold reds and yellows. Great for cutting, too!
Sowing tips:
Sow directly in a sunny spot. Press seeds gently into soil—no need to cover deeply. Water gently and consistently.
6. Lanceleaf Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)
Why plant it in May?
This tough native perennial thrives in heat and poor soil, so a May sowing gives it a strong, fast start.
What makes it great?
Fiery red and gold petals that look like mini sunsets. Blooms from early summer into fall and thrives on neglect.
Sowing tips:
Scatter seeds on well-drained soil and lightly press down. Avoid heavy watering after sowing—too much can rot the seeds.
7. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Why plant it in May?
Though columbine seeds prefer a bit of chill, you can still get them started in May in cooler zones—or try cold-stratified seeds.
What makes it great?
Delicate, nodding blooms with spurred petals in dreamy colors. They’re shade-tolerant and reseed gently on their own.
Sowing tips:
Choose a partly shaded spot. Sow seeds shallowly or press into the surface. Keep moist and wait patiently—these can be slow to sprout.
Bonus Tips for Success
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Water wisely: Keep soil consistently moist (not soaked) while seeds germinate. Once seedlings are up, taper watering to encourage strong root growth.
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Mark your sowing spots: Some perennials can take a few weeks to show. Use small plant tags or markers so you don’t accidentally disturb the area.
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Mulch after germination: A light layer of mulch around the young plants helps lock in moisture and block weeds once they’re up and growing.
Final Thoughts
Perennials are the gift that keeps on giving. With just a little effort this May, you can build a garden that comes back stronger and fuller every year—no transplanting, no fuss. So grab your seed packets, pick your sunniest spots, and get planting.
But hurry—May’s warm window doesn’t last forever. Blink, and you might miss your chance to sow these beauties right where they belong.