With the cold weather just around the corner, November is an ideal month to start protected seedbeds of flowers that will bloom in full bloom when the warm weather arrives. If you get organized now, the garden will be bursting with color in summer without any last-minute rush, with strong seedlings ready for transplanting after the frosts.
The key is to choose species that tolerate early sowing indoors or in a cold greenhouse and that offer generous flowering from June to September. SpainBelow are five safe candidates —zinnia, petunia, sunflower, portulaca and yarrow— with practical guidelines to ensure they thrive both on the coast and in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands.
1. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Showy and fast-growing, the zinnia brings big flowers It comes in a huge palette of colors (pink, orange, red, purple, or white) and attracts pollinators. On the Iberian Peninsula, it's best to start it in seed trays to gain a head start by avoiding exposure to the cold.
For successful germination, keep the substrate at 20–25°C and in good light; the seeds will sprout in 5–7 days if the moisture is constant but not waterlogged. Transplant outdoors when there is no rain. risk of frost (late March to May depending on the area).
- Sow in November: seed tray or cells under cover; cover 0,5 cm.
- Planting and care: 25–30 cm between plants; remove faded flowers to prolong flowering (June–September).
2. Petunia (Petunia hybrida)
A classic summer flower known for its continuous blooming, it also works equally well in planters. hanging pots and flowerbeds. The seeds are very fine and require light to germinate, so don't bury them.
Use a fine substrate (peat or coconut fiber with perlite), mist with water to maintain humidity, and provide a stable 18–22°C. Pin it back as soon as it becomes vigorous to encourage further growth. compact and branched.
- Sow in November: on the surface, without covering; germinates in 10–15 days.
- Setting and care: 20–25 cm; full sun (5–6 h/day) and regular watering in a pot, avoiding excess.
3. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Synonymous with summer, it adds height and an unmistakable visual impact. It's best to pre-sow in November. biodegradable alveoli to minimize transplant shock, as it doesn't like having its roots disturbed.
If you live in a very mild climate (Andalusian coast, southern Valencian Community, Canary Islands), you can start sowing outdoors earlier; elsewhere, wait to plant outdoors from April-May onwards. Dwarf varieties are ideal for pots and balconies.
- Sow in November: 1–2 seeds per cell at a depth of 2–3 cm; plenty of light.
- Planting and care: 40–60 cm (25–30 cm for dwarf varieties); deep watering at first and support for tall varieties.
4. Portulaca or silk flower (Portulaca grandiflora)
Succulent, hardy and with showy blooms, It performs very well in sunny and hot areas. with minimal watering. It's perfect for borders, rock gardens, and low containers, with flowers that open with Salt intense.
To bring the season forward, sow in a sheltered location and maintain mild temperatures (20–25°C). In frost-free climates, it can naturalize and reappear. self-seeding.
- Sow in November: distribute on the surface over sandy substrate; barely cover with a very thin layer.
- Setting and care: 15–20 cm; full sun and very moderate watering, avoiding strong fertilizers.
5. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
It accepts autumn sowing: in mild areas it can go outsideIn cold areas, cold seedbeds are best, followed by transplanting in spring. Removing spent flower heads encourages better growth. nueva batch of flowers.
- Sow in November: in a seedbed or directly in well-drained soil; press the seed and cover very little.
- Setting and care: 30–40 cm; sun or light partial shade, spaced watering and poor or moderate soil.
Keys to success with November planting
Before sowing, prepare a well-aerated substrate with good sewer system (universal mix + perlite) and Disinfect trays or pots to reduce fungal problems.
- Location: plenty of light and gentle heat; if there is little natural light, add grow light 12–14 h/day.
- Watering: constant moisture without puddles; better to spray or water by capillary action.
- Temperature: protect from frost; ventilate greenhouses to prevent fungus.
- Nutrients: don't overdo the fertilizer at the beginning; Start with mild doses when there are 2-3 true leaves.
- Calendar: Transplant outdoors after the last frosts; stagger sowings every 2–3 weeks for prolonged flowering.
Benefits of filling your home and garden with flowers
Beyond aesthetics, growing flowers helps reduce the StressIt improves the connection with nature in urban environments and promotes healthy routines.
Many species improve local biodiversity by attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects, and contribute to more pleasant spaces at home and in the community.
By planning your plantings now under cover and choosing species that tolerate starting indoors, it's easy to arrive at summer with a burst of growth. color Continuous: zinnias and petunias for pots, sunflowers (also dwarf varieties) for a vertical touch, portulacas for very sunny areas and yarrow for a natural and low-maintenance look.
