Top 10 Native Plants To Start From Seed In Eastern Canada

Starting native plants from seed is a rewarding and affordable way to create a resilient, biodiverse, and beautiful garden that supports local ecosystems. In Eastern Canada, these native species are well adapted to the climate, soil, and evolved alongside native pollinators. Whether you're creating a pollinator haven, naturalizing your property, or just exploring local flora, here's our list of the top 10 native plants to grow from seed—easy to start, ecologically valuable, and stunning to look at.

1. Oxeye False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)

With its bright golden blooms that resemble traditional sunflowers, the Oxeye False Sunflower is a cheerful and long-blooming perennial. It's a great starter plant for beginners due to its willingness to germinate and minimal maintenance needs. It attracts bees and butterflies and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Reseeds readily. 

2. Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)

Elegant spikes of white to pale pink tubular flowers make Foxglove Beardtongue a standout in any native garden. This early summer bloomer is beloved by native bees. It prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil conditions.

3. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Known for its vivid red blooms, Cardinal Flower is a magnet for hummingbirds. It thrives in moist to wet soils and is perfect for rain gardens, pond edges, or other damp spots. Start seeds early and keep the soil moist during germination—patience pays off with this stunner.

4. Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)

This biennial wildflower produces tall stems with large yellow flowers that open at dusk, making it a favourite of night pollinators like moths. It’s very easy to grow from seed, often self-seeding readily. It does best in full sun and dry to average soil.

5. Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)

A fall-blooming favorite, Smooth Blue Aster adds a splash of purple-blue color when most plants are winding down. It supports a variety of late-season pollinators and makes a strong visual statement. 

6. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

This native grass provides stunning seasonal interest, turning red-orange in the fall. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soils, making it a great choice for tough spots. Little Bluestem offers habitat and food for birds and insects and pairs well with wildflowers.

7. Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata)

A tall, bold presence in the garden, Cutleaf Coneflower boasts bright yellow petals and a greenish center. It's ideal for moist, rich soils and blooms through mid-to-late summer. The leaves are edible if cooked. 

8. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

With fragrant lavender coloured flowers and aromatic foliage, Wild Bergamot is a pollinator powerhouse. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds all flock to its tubular flowers. It’s easy to grow from seed and spreads readily, so give it room to expand in full sun or light shade. Great for teas and culinary uses as well. 

9. Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

A must for monarch butterflies. Bright orange blooms, drought-tolerant, and striking in any garden. Does not spread as aggressively as Common Milkweed so it's much better suited for garden settings. 

10. Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Delicate red-and-yellow nodding flowers that attract hummingbirds. Perfect for partial shade and woodland edges. Attractive foliage and unique flower shape make this a good garden choice. 

Getting Started Tips:

• Cold stratification: Some of these species benefit from or require cold stratification to germinate successfully. Visit our Seed Starting Resources page to learn about cold stratification. 

• Native soil is fine: These plants don't need rich compost or fertilizers—just good drainage and the light levels they've adapted to thrive in.

• Water wisely: Once established, most of these natives are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

By growing these plants from seed, you're not only cultivating a beautiful garden—you’re supporting pollinators, birds, and the ecological heritage of Eastern Canada. Happy planting!