Rising crops from seed has many advantages. You will have higher management over the atmosphere, it saves cash, and it’s extra rewarding to nurse a plant from seed than it’s to purchase one from the nursery. However can succulent lovers take part on the motion?
Like every plant that flowers, it’s attainable to develop succulents from seeds. Actually, it’s supreme for avid succulent growers on the lookout for rarer species which are arduous to seek out in nurseries. It could take a bit longer for the crops to develop, particularly for those who’re used to sowing issues like greens and herbs, which pop up in a number of weeks. However the reward is effectively well worth the wait.
The record of succulents you’ll be able to develop from seed is intensive, however these are the 15 I like to recommend for novices which are comparatively straightforward to seek out or develop effectively from seed.
Cacti
![Close-up of a balloon cactus in a black pot. Notocactus magnificus, is a distinctive cactus species appreciated for its charming and unusual appearance. This globular cactus features a spherical shape with numerous prominent ribs and is covered in dense, golden-yellow spines. The spines give the cactus a spiky and textured appearance, while the round body resembles a balloon.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
![Close-up of a balloon cactus in a black pot. Notocactus magnificus, is a distinctive cactus species appreciated for its charming and unusual appearance. This globular cactus features a spherical shape with numerous prominent ribs and is covered in dense, golden-yellow spines. The spines give the cactus a spiky and textured appearance, while the round body resembles a balloon.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
The primary entry is considerably complicated, as cacti are often thought-about a separate group of crops. Nevertheless, their development habits imply they are often grouped underneath succulents; it simply doesn’t work the opposite manner round. All cacti are succulents, however not all succulents are cacti.
These spiked beauties are straightforward to start out as seeds, though you will have a bit persistence whilst you await them to germinate. It takes a few yr from sowing to achieve one inch in top. For some added selection, select a seed combine with a number of totally different species.
Lithops
![Close-up of Lithops in a white pot on a gray table. Lithops are distinctive succulents with a unique appearance. These small, desert-dwelling plants have evolved to mimic the appearance of stones or pebbles. Lithops consist of two fleshy, leaf-like structures fused together, forming a cleft at the top that resembles a slit or fissure. The surfaces of the leaves are patterned with intricate markings and textures.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343996_336_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
![Close-up of Lithops in a white pot on a gray table. Lithops are distinctive succulents with a unique appearance. These small, desert-dwelling plants have evolved to mimic the appearance of stones or pebbles. Lithops consist of two fleshy, leaf-like structures fused together, forming a cleft at the top that resembles a slit or fissure. The surfaces of the leaves are patterned with intricate markings and textures.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343996_336_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
Lithops are also called residing stones or stone crops, and it’s straightforward to see why. The pair of fused leaves stays principally underground, with solely a small part peeking above the soil line. With no re-evaluation, you’ll be able to simply mistake them for pebbles. That is their protection towards predators within the wild.
It’s really best to propagate lithops with seeds. Merely sow the seeds in a layer over succulent potting soil and evenly cowl in vermiculite. Buying seeds permits you better alternative over selection, relatively than limiting you to what’s out there at your native nursery.
Conophytum
![Close-up of Conophytum in a white ceramic pot. These small, globular plants consist of pairs of fused leaves that form a rounded, pebble-like structure. The leaves are gray-green with purple-pink tips.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343996_704_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
![Close-up of Conophytum in a white ceramic pot. These small, globular plants consist of pairs of fused leaves that form a rounded, pebble-like structure. The leaves are gray-green with purple-pink tips.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343996_704_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
If you happen to’ve fallen in love with lithops, you’ll in all probability love the lovely and much much less widespread genus Conophytum. Originating from the identical harsh Southern African environments, conophytum crops additionally function fused leaf pairs and virtually no stem, usually popping up between crevices in rocks.
The seeds of this distinctive plant could also be a bit tougher to seek out than different succulents on this record. Test with specialised growers and store on-line to seek out the right species.
Echeveria
![Close-up of Echeveria glauca in a black pot. This rosette-forming plant features thick, fleshy, and powdery blue-green leaves that have a waxy coating, giving them a striking and glaucous appearance. The leaves are arranged in a tight, symmetrical rosette, and their edges display delicate pinkish-red pointed tips.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343996_647_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
![Close-up of Echeveria glauca in a black pot. This rosette-forming plant features thick, fleshy, and powdery blue-green leaves that have a waxy coating, giving them a striking and glaucous appearance. The leaves are arranged in a tight, symmetrical rosette, and their edges display delicate pinkish-red pointed tips.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343996_647_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
After I consider succulents, Echeveria is the primary genus that pops into my head. Their geometric kinds, distinctive colours, and ease of care embody every little thing there may be to like about rising succulents.
Echeveria are straightforward to seek out but in addition enjoyable to develop from seeds. There’s extra selection in species, notably in areas the place succulents should not as broadly grown. If you happen to’re seeking to cowl a big space in your backyard, sowing seeds is far less expensive and faster than ready for mature crops to unfold.
Crassula
![Top view of a potted Crassula ovata plant on a wooden table. The plant is in a white pot and sits on a rustic burlap napkin. Crassula ovata, commonly known as the Jade Plant or Money Plant, is a popular succulent admired for its distinctive appearance. This shrubby succulent features thick, fleshy, oval-shaped leaves that are glossy and vibrant green. The leaves grow opposite each other along sturdy, woody branches.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343996_956_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
![Top view of a potted Crassula ovata plant on a wooden table. The plant is in a white pot and sits on a rustic burlap napkin. Crassula ovata, commonly known as the Jade Plant or Money Plant, is a popular succulent admired for its distinctive appearance. This shrubby succulent features thick, fleshy, oval-shaped leaves that are glossy and vibrant green. The leaves grow opposite each other along sturdy, woody branches.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343996_956_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
Crassula ovata, generally often called jade plant, is a shrub native to South Africa. Due to its tolerance for decrease gentle in comparison with different species, it’s grow to be a preferred houseplant and some of the sought-after succulents for novices.
For houseplant lovers who don’t get to sow seeds usually, seeding Crassula ovata is a superb gardening experiment. However you aren’t restricted to this species. A number of Crassula seeds can be found on-line, increasing your choices past the standard jade plant.
Aloe
![Close-up of Aloe Vera in a gray ceramic pot against a white wall near a window. This plant forms a rosette of thick, fleshy, lance-shaped leaves that emerge from a central stem or base. The leaves are succulent, with serrated edges and a vibrant green color.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_689_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
![Close-up of Aloe Vera in a gray ceramic pot against a white wall near a window. This plant forms a rosette of thick, fleshy, lance-shaped leaves that emerge from a central stem or base. The leaves are succulent, with serrated edges and a vibrant green color.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_689_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
The title aloe is nearly synonymous with the species Aloe vera, identified for its medicinal properties and used usually in magnificence merchandise. Nevertheless, there may be rather more to the aloe genus than this one plant. There are greater than 600 species to select from, certainly one of which is definitely named after certainly one of my ancestors (Aloe greatheadii).
If you happen to’re rising aloe from seed, strive a species you could not have seen or grown earlier than. They germinate inside a number of weeks, however bigger species will take some time to achieve their full measurement.
Sedum
![Close-up of Sedum stonecrop in the garden. This is a low-growing plant that forms dense mats or clusters of fleshy leaves. The leaves are small, triangular in shape, blue-green in color with a waxy coating.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_967_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
![Close-up of Sedum stonecrop in the garden. This is a low-growing plant that forms dense mats or clusters of fleshy leaves. The leaves are small, triangular in shape, blue-green in color with a waxy coating.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_967_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
Sedums are also called stonecrops because of the rocky environments they develop finest in. They make supreme groundcovers for sunny areas with sandy soil the place different crops could wrestle to develop.
To ascertain sedum as a groundcover, it’s best to start out from seed. Select the identical species for uniformity within the backyard, or choose a pack of combined species to deliver some selection to open and uncovered areas.
Haworthia
![Close-up of Haworthia cooperi in a white ceramic pot. The soil is sprinkled with small brown pebbles. The plant consists of tightly packed, fleshy leaves that form a rounded cluster. Each leaf is translucent, revealing an inner core that ranges from light green to pinkish hues.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_321_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
![Close-up of Haworthia cooperi in a white ceramic pot. The soil is sprinkled with small brown pebbles. The plant consists of tightly packed, fleshy leaves that form a rounded cluster. Each leaf is translucent, revealing an inner core that ranges from light green to pinkish hues.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_321_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
If you happen to just like the look of Aloes however don’t have area for a bigger plant, strive Haworthia as a substitute. These crops have an analogous form and construction to Aloes however are a fraction of the dimensions.
Some Haworthias have a extra distinctive look than others, with inflated leaves or unusual development patterns. If you would like one thing a bit extra out-of-the-box, search for species like H. truncata, H. splendens, or H. cooperi.
Agave
![Close-up of Agave americana in a sunny garden. It is a large and striking succulent with a distinctive appearance. Its rosette of rigid, lance-shaped leaves reaches impressive sizes, forming a dramatic and architectural silhouette. These leaves are grayish-green, with yellow stripes along the edges.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_224_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
![Close-up of Agave americana in a sunny garden. It is a large and striking succulent with a distinctive appearance. Its rosette of rigid, lance-shaped leaves reaches impressive sizes, forming a dramatic and architectural silhouette. These leaves are grayish-green, with yellow stripes along the edges.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_224_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
Stately agaves are usually a lot bigger than the compact succulents many are used to rising. They’re usually planted in beds relatively than containers. These structural crops have thick leaves and harsh spiked edges, with Agave attenuata because the smooth-leaved exception.
If you happen to’re interested by distilling your personal tequila, you’ll need to search for Agave tequilana seeds. Be sure to get a license to take action first, as distilling within the US with out one is a felony. The crops have a beautiful blue hue and spiked form that stands out in any backyard.
Aeonium
![Close-up of Aeonium arborescens in a white pot on a blurred background. This evergreen perennial forms a branching, shrub-like structure with stems that hold rosettes of plump, spoon-shaped leaves. The leaves are typically variegated, ranging from light green to dark purple or burgundy, and they cluster at the ends of the stems, creating a visually striking effect.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_728_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
![Close-up of Aeonium arborescens in a white pot on a blurred background. This evergreen perennial forms a branching, shrub-like structure with stems that hold rosettes of plump, spoon-shaped leaves. The leaves are typically variegated, ranging from light green to dark purple or burgundy, and they cluster at the ends of the stems, creating a visually striking effect.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_728_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
Aeoniums are nice function crops for containers, not only for their top however their spectacular colours. They kind rosettes like different succulents, however the leaves are extra rounded on the ends to melt their structural form.
To suit the goth backyard development, strive rising ‘Zwartkop’ for intriguing purple-black leaves. You’ll additionally discover Aeonium species with patterned inexperienced, purple, and purple leaves. Sow the seeds on the floor of a normal succulent soil combine and supply vivid daylight.
Pachypodium
![Close-up of a potted Pachypodium plant on a wooden round table against a beige wall. It is a succulent plant recognized for its distinctive appearance and spiky growth habit. This plant features a thick, bottle-shaped trunk covered in sharp spines or thorns, giving them a cactus-like aesthetic. At the top of the trunk, Pachypodium species produce a cluster of long, slender leaves, arranged in a rosette or whorled pattern. The leaves are dark green in color.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_278_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
![Close-up of a potted Pachypodium plant on a wooden round table against a beige wall. It is a succulent plant recognized for its distinctive appearance and spiky growth habit. This plant features a thick, bottle-shaped trunk covered in sharp spines or thorns, giving them a cactus-like aesthetic. At the top of the trunk, Pachypodium species produce a cluster of long, slender leaves, arranged in a rosette or whorled pattern. The leaves are dark green in color.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_278_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
Pachypodium is certainly one of my favourite succulent genera, purely for the lovely, bloated stems of many species. A number of the crops look virtually alien, with large spiked bases and only a few tiny leaves protruding. The smaller species are nice for containers and are usually educated like bonsai bushes.
Sowing seeds provides you the chance to decide on rarer species that could be robust to seek out. This additionally permits them to adapt to your backyard atmosphere from the get-go. They’re gradual growers however actually well worth the wait.
Adenium
![Close-up of a blooming Adenium obesum in a large gray pot in the garden. This tropical plant features a swollen, bottle-shaped trunk that stores water. At the top of the trunk, Adenium obesum produces clusters of leathery, lance-shaped leaves that are dark green in color with a glossy texture. The plant produces showy, trumpet-shaped flowers of bright pink color.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_168_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
![Close-up of a blooming Adenium obesum in a large gray pot in the garden. This tropical plant features a swollen, bottle-shaped trunk that stores water. At the top of the trunk, Adenium obesum produces clusters of leathery, lance-shaped leaves that are dark green in color with a glossy texture. The plant produces showy, trumpet-shaped flowers of bright pink color.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_168_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
Adenium species have an analogous form to Pachypodiums. Nevertheless, the standout function of those crops is the flowers, generally often called desert roses. In the appropriate environments, the ends of the branches will likely be coated in vivid blooms in a spread of colours.
Adeniums are giant crops that usually develop a number of ft tall. Nevertheless, if they’re stored indoors and confined to a container, these gradual growers will stay compact. Sow them indoors, giving them loads of daylight to permit them to adapt to your property atmosphere.
Kalanchoe
![Close-up of blooming Kalanchoe blossfeldiana in a pot outdoors. This compact plant features fleshy, dark green leaves and produces dense clusters of small, vividly colored flowers at the top of sturdy stems. The flowers come in soft pink color. The leaves are scalloped along the edges.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_862_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
![Close-up of blooming Kalanchoe blossfeldiana in a pot outdoors. This compact plant features fleshy, dark green leaves and produces dense clusters of small, vividly colored flowers at the top of sturdy stems. The flowers come in soft pink color. The leaves are scalloped along the edges.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343997_862_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
Usually stored as houseplants, Kalanchoe are supreme succulents for novices. They’re resilient crops that develop effectively in a spread of circumstances (together with oblique gentle), making them one of many simpler succulents to develop indoors.
Kalanchoe seeds are tremendous tiny, so watch out when dealing with them. Sow evenly instantly on prime of your combine, and don’t cowl. The seeds want gentle to germinate efficiently. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is without doubt one of the most generally grown for its flowers, however different lovely species like Kalanchoe thyrsiflora additionally develop effectively from seed.
Sempervivum
![Close-up of Sempervivum tectorum, commonly known as Common Houseleek, in a large gray pot in the garden. This perennial plant forms tight, compact rosettes of fleshy, pointed leaves that radiate from a central point, resembling an artistic arrangement of overlapping petals. The leaves have a gray-green hue, and their tips develop reddish and purple tinges.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343998_400_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
![Close-up of Sempervivum tectorum, commonly known as Common Houseleek, in a large gray pot in the garden. This perennial plant forms tight, compact rosettes of fleshy, pointed leaves that radiate from a central point, resembling an artistic arrangement of overlapping petals. The leaves have a gray-green hue, and their tips develop reddish and purple tinges.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343998_400_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
These crops have a protracted record of entertaining widespread names. Hens and chicks is one you’ll doubtless see most frequently, named after the best way they propagate and unfold. They’re additionally referred to as houseleeks or (reassuringly for novices) live-forever crops.
You will discover Sempervivum seeds for explicit sorts, however combined packets are much more thrilling, in my view. It provides some thriller to the method and pleasure when the totally different kinds and colours begin to take form.
Fenestraria
![Close-up of a woman's hand holding a small pot of Fenestraria on a blurred green background. The plant consists of small, cylindrical, or cone-shaped leaves that cluster together, forming a dense mat close to the soil. What sets Fenestraria apart is the translucent window-like structures at the top of its leaves. The leaves have a pale green color with bluish tint.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343999_262_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
![Close-up of a woman's hand holding a small pot of Fenestraria on a blurred green background. The plant consists of small, cylindrical, or cone-shaped leaves that cluster together, forming a dense mat close to the soil. What sets Fenestraria apart is the translucent window-like structures at the top of its leaves. The leaves have a pale green color with bluish tint.](https://zefix.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1737343999_262_15-Succulents-You-Can-Grow-From-Seed.jpeg)
Fenestraria rhopalophylla is without doubt one of the most lovable succulents you’ll be able to develop, with an equally lovely title – child toes. The clump-forming succulent produces teams of tubular leaves with barely translucent tops to permit gentle to penetrate via.
Child toes are usually stored as houseplants however want loads of solar to maintain them comfortable. After a number of years of rising from seed, you could even see them flower underneath the appropriate circumstances.
Closing Ideas
Rising succulents from seed will not be as tough as you could assume. They’ll take some time to mature, however you’ll respect them rather more rising from seed.