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![]() So many plants require a very long growing season from seed to maturity, and many require a head start indoors before planting outdoors in order to have them flower in that season. But for those that don't have the time to start seeds indoors, there is an option with a few plants. If you don't have the time to start indoors weeks ahead of time, remember a couple plants that you can direct plant, that grow very quickly, and will be flowering well before the time young hummingbirds leave the nest. Scarlet Runners are a fantastic, fast growing plant that always attract young hummingbirds, as well as some of the adults. They vine very quickly, and given a decent soil, will produce an abundance of blooms. Full sun will produce blooms right through the season. Vining Nasturtiums are another favorite of mine that can be directly planted, will grow rapidly, and product an abundance of nectar filled flowers that always attract the young hummingbirds. 50 to 75 percent sun is perfect for these plants. More sun will produce more blooms, but they'll start to yellow and die off earlier. With both of these plants, remember to plant them about 7 days before the last frost. They will germinate in about 10 to 14 days. They will bloom in about 50 to 60 days from the time they're planted and then produce an abundance of seeds for the following season. Last season I had these 2 plants growing all over the place. Wherever I had a feeder pole, trellis, or open soil, I planted these seeds. They produced well, and every single bloom was visited by the young hummingbirds. If you don't have time this season to start indoor seeding, keep these two valuable plants in mind. They require very little attention, and produce very well. Juvenile male Ruby-throat hummingbirds feeding from Scarlet Runners, and Vining Nasturtiums. N.E. of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. August 8, 2019.
3 Comments
Karen
3/14/2020 03:35:27 pm
Whete can I buy these to have for my hummers?
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Michael Wiens
3/14/2020 03:53:14 pm
Most Nurseries will have Nasturiums in various types, but the vining ones are the ones I prefer. The height is a real benefit, as well as in the Scarlet Runners.
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