All our seeds are perfect for planting in pots, whether on your balcony, terrace, or even a small corner of the garden*, offering a great opportunity to grow a colorful bouquet, even if you're short of space.
Find out more about planting in pots or tubs
1- The earth: Preparing the soil
For best results, we recommend preparing your soil mix in a large tub or your largest pot. Here's the ideal composition: use fresh potting soil or soil from your previous year's pots (50-60%), to which you add compost (40-50%).
Can I reuse the previous year's soil?
Yes, last year's soil can be reused, provided you prepare it properly. Before putting it back into your pots, make sure you mix the soil well to remove any lumps, small roots or other accumulated debris. This cleaning helps the soil to regain its lightness and promote good plant growth.
Once your soil and compost are well mixed, add a little water to the mixing container. The aim is to moisten the soil, but not to soak it. It's important that the soil remains loose and not compacted: don't press down on the soil, but stir it gently with your hands or a spoon. This will ensure that the soil is well aerated and ready to receive your seeds!
2- Sowing: How to sow your seeds efficiently
Before you start sowing, make sure the soil is ready and that the weather conditions are favorable. It's essential that there's no risk of frost overnight. In Quebec, this usually happens in May, even if the days are still cool.
Once these conditions have been met, carefully open the seed sachet with dry hands. Take a dozen seeds at a time and spread them evenly over the surface of the soil. Then cover the seeds lightly with a little soil and press gently to ensure good contact between the seeds and the soil.
Quantity of seed to use :
You don't need to use the whole bag to get great results. A small number of seeds will be more than enough to create a beautiful bouquet. Please keep your hands dry before picking up the seeds. Store the remaining seeds in the Parsemées envelope, in a cool, dry place, so you can sow them again later.
You can repeat this operation every 2-3 weeks, from May to June, for a garden that will bloom all summer long. And why not share a few seeds with your friends and family, so that they too can enjoy beautiful flowers?
3- Water: The art of watering your potted plants
Watering your potted plants may seem tricky, but there are a few simple rules to follow to ensure their success, whatever the season.
Recognize wet and dry soil:
Learn to distinguish between dry soil, which has a pale brown color, and moist soil, which will be darker. This observation will help you determine when it's time to water.
The importance of daily observation:
Every morning, take a few minutes to admire your plants as they grow and bloom. This moment of observation is essential to know if it's the right time to water. If the soil is pale brown or the pot feels light, it's a sign that it's time to add water.
Water generously:
When watering, don't be afraid to be generous! Fill the pot until the plate underneath is full of water. In hot weather, water will be absorbed quickly, sometimes in just one day.
Beware of excess water:
If the soil is still damp, avoid watering. Too much water can lead to the formation of a rigid layer of algae. If this happens and the surface of the soil turns green, use a spoon to break up this layer of algae. This indicates that your plants have been over-watered. If the dish has been filled with water for more than 2 days, empty it, as root rot could impair flower growth.
Tip for when you're away:
If you're away for several days and don't have someone to water your flowers every morning, place your pots indoors, away from the sun. This will slow down their growth, but increase their chances of survival while you're away.
4- Sunlight: Give your flowers all the light they need
For healthy flowers, it's best to give them as much sunlight as possible. The more light your plants receive, the more flowers they'll produce!
However, don't hesitate to experiment with half-shade areas to see how certain varieties react. If you find that certain plants do better in these conditions, we'd be delighted to hear from you so that we can adjust our recommendations.
Create a vibrant, long-lasting garden
By following these simple tips on soil preparation, sowing, watering and sun exposure, you're well on your way to creating a thriving garden that will bring beauty and color all summer long. Remember, every step is an opportunity to learn and experiment, and we'll always be here to support you on your gardening adventure. Enjoy every moment spent with your plants and share the joy of growing your own bouquet!
*The 60-day package, which includes sunflowers and amaranth, is less recommended for pot cultivation, as these plants can reach great heights, making them less suited to a restricted environment such as a pot.