Sowing out of season

[dextrous63]

Question for those in the know.  I found some sage seeds.  Packet (and online) says to sow up to the end of May.


What would happen if I sowed them now in late July?  Bear in mind that we have things like electric lights that could extend the daylight hours needed in Sept/Oct if needs be, and temperature (of pots) is manageable too.


Any other issues?

[klondike]

I'm not in the know but I reckon those recommended sowing times are for when planting outside.

[Mups]

I don't know how hardy those seeds are Dex,  but there will be a reason they said to sow earlier. 
Probably because of the colder autumn nights,  and daylight hours much shorter before they have finished growing.
Is it really worth lighting and heating just for them,  or have you got other plants on artificial lights  too?

You will probably get a crop, but perhaps not as good as it could have been.

Personally, I think I would look at the Sow By date on the back of the seed packet, and if they still have a long time left before expiry, I would probably wait until next spring.

[dextrous63]

Hi Mups.  Still got a couple of years on them.  Might sow a few anyway in a pot just to see what happens.  Will move them indoors in Sept/Oct for warmth.  

[Mups]

Worth a try I suppose.   Does it say it is hardy,  and the height of the grown plant though?

If it's hardy it might be ok outside,  cos if it gets about 3ft tall you might find it a nuisance indoors.
It depends on the variety I suppose.

Good luck. 

[dextrous63]

Oops.   The seeds are thyme.  I knew it was one of the ones mentioned in Scarborough Fair

[Vlad]

Just a tip about herbs...buy them from Asda or your fave supermarket as a living herb plant. 
I refilled my herb planter with Basil, Thyme, Mint and Rosemary for £6.... Thats £1.50 a pot ..

[dextrous63]

Update - well they've germinated, which is a start

[Alex]

How can you tell ?

[dextrous63]

How can you tell ?

The many small leaves and stems emanating from the soil

[Mups]

Update - well they've germinated, which is a start

Yep.   You can but try.
Well done.