Autumn seed sowing for zone 5?

Question

I live in Zone 5, so we can get some harsh winter weather. I was wondering if there are any flower seeds I can sow now for blooms next spring/summer....Only tried and true for zone 5, please.

Answer 1

Virtually any plant that is hardy in the worst weather in your area can have their seeds sown in the autumn. Follow nature. Some plant seeds, such as pansies (viola) just need to be patted down or the seeds mixed with sand & sown on the soil. Others need to be planted deeper. Most need to be mulched. Some have to be planted early enough (Sept) to allow for good root development before cold weather sets in. Others can be sown later on the snow.

"Stand near the flower beds where Phlox grow. On a sunny, still day I listen for the subtle popping of the tiny seedheads scattering their descendants. Tiny as they are, Phlox seedhead explosions can cast the seeds as far as twenty feet away.
http://organicgardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/organic_garden_seeds_of_autumn

Some seeds may require stratification (a period of cold to break dormancy and encourage them to germinate.) and take many weeks or months to germinate. These include:
Anemone, Clematis, Corydalis, Dictamnus, Eremurus, Eryngium, Hebe, Helleborus, Iris, Muscari, Nomocharis, Saxifraga

This site gives more details on autumn sowing: http://www.theseedsite.co.uk/wintersowing.html

"Collect fresh, ripe seeds and plant Clematis seeds directly into the ground in autumn. It is essential for the seeds to go through a cold period, known as stratification, in order to germinate. Mother Nature will take care of the stratification of the Clematis seeds if you plant the seeds directly into your garden in the autumn.
http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/instruct/chlee/plsc368/student/papers04/suzanna-kuchers/suzannakuchera.htm

Good Luck! Hope this is helpful.

Answer 2

It's a very long list and not enough people pay attention to it. Just about any plant quoted as self sowing or self seeding can and in some cases must be planted now to break the seeds dormancy. A lot of biennials can be planted now and bloom this coming season. Call your County Agent and they can put you in touch with a Master Gardener to give you names of plants that qualify for fall planting in your area. RScott

Answer 3

I suspect there would be bushes, but not seeds, that could be planted now. Check with burpee.com.