Bupleurum & Pennycress: Must-Grow Foliage Annuals to Sow This Season
For the first year of growing for cutting, I focused solely on flowers and quickly learned that an important part of a well-rounded bouquet or arrangement is foliage! We now rely on a lot of perennials to fulfill this need, but I do have two favorite annuals that I direct sow each year. The beginning of March is the ideal time to direct sow these cool-loving annuals. With an estimated last frost in mid-May, gardeners in Zone 6 can begin planting cool-season varieties that thrive in early spring’s fluctuating temperatures.
Here are two must-grow annuals to sow directly into the soil now:
Bupleurum
Bupleurum is an airy, delicate filler. Its bright green leaves and tiny yellow-green flowers pair beautifully with vibrant blooms.
How to Grow:
When to Sow: Direct sow as soon as the soil is workable, typically 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Bupleurum prefers cool temperatures for germination.
Soil & Sun: Well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade.
Spacing: I direct sow in rows about 9" apart. I try not to dedicate too much time to making the spacing perfect.
Care Tips: Bupleurum resents transplanting, so direct sowing is ideal. It benefits from light staking in windy areas.
Harvesting:
Cut when flowers just begin to open, or for foliage, harvest when stems are sturdy and mature. Expect a vase life of 7-10 days.
Pennycress
Pennycress is an easy-to-grow filler with coin-shaped seed pods that add texture and movement to floral designs. It matures quickly, making it a great early-season option.
How to Grow:
When to Sow: Direct sow in late winter to early spring, even before the last frost. Pennycress thrives in cool weather.
Soil & Sun: Tolerates a range of soils but prefers well-draining soil in full sun.
Spacing: I direct sow in rows about 9" apart. Again, it doesn't have to be perfect!
Care Tips: Once established, pennycress is low-maintenance and self-seeds readily.
Harvesting:
For fresh greenery, harvest when seed pods are fully formed but still green. If left to mature, the pods will dry to a golden hue, perfect for dried arrangements.
Final Tips for Success
Cold Tolerance: Both bupleurum and pennycress handle light frosts, making them ideal for early sowing.
Succession Planting: To extend harvest, sow in intervals every few weeks.
Companion Planting: Pair with early spring bloomers like ranunculus and anemones for stunning arrangements.
By starting these hardy foliage annuals now, you’ll ensure a steady supply of lush greenery for your floral designs. Both plants also make it incredibly easy to collect seeds for future plantings, just allow some stems to mature fully and dry, then gather the seeds for next season. Happy planting!
