As the winter months wane, gardeners can begin dreaming and planning about a landscape in full bloom. Happily, there are plenty of seeds to start in February that will help make those dreams come true. At this time of year, most seeds will need to be started indoors and then planted out in early spring, but by doing so you can avoid the cost of those nursery packs and still have a full, lush flower garden.
Starting seeds indoors will result in plants ready to put out when the last frost has been banished. It will also provide earlier blooms than if you direct sow seeds outside. However, winter sowing seeds into the garden is possible for hardier varieties if you provide some protection.
Exactly when to start seeds indoors will vary a bit depending on your USDA hardiness zone and the last frost date in your area. But if you have containers large enough to transplant seedlings into as they outgrow their starter pots, you can continue to grow them indoors until the danger of frost passes. You may even be seeing flowers on your seeded plants before the time arrives to harden off seedlings and plant them out.
Get ahead on your garden with these gorgeous varieties you can start sowing in February. You can also plant all of our recommended flower seeds to start in January.
From unusual rare varieties to gardener's favorites, the flower seeds in the Gardening Know How Shop have been hand-picked for beauty and performance.
1. Sunflowers
Few things scream summer like sunflowers. Their happy, bright flower heads add a golden glow to the garden and are an important food source for birds and other animals. As an added bonus, you can roast the seeds for a snack. Giganteus Sunflowers, available in the Gardening Know How Shop, are the ideal variety if you prize their seeds.
Sunflowers come in mammoth sizes and diminutive dwarf forms with the standard rayed flowers or double and even triple petal blooms. In addition, gardeners may choose from an array of sunset hues including bronze and red. Italian White and Velvet Queen Sunflowers, both available in the Shop, are wonderful varieties if you're looking for more unusual colors.
Use small pots rather than flats to start sunflowers. Fill each with well-draining soil and only put one or two seeds in each container. For quicker germination, soak seeds before planting – about eight hours is enough to soften the seed coat. Keep the containers moderately moist and place them in a warm location such as the top of the refrigerator. Once they have germinated in about a week, move the little seedlings to a brightly lit area or under a plant light.
Sunflowers should be hardened off before planting them in the garden. Gradually give them longer exposure times outside over the course of a week. These plants are annuals but can be grown in USDA 2-11. Some varieties will even self-seed easily.
2. Black Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia, or black-eyed Susan, is a fun-loving plant that blooms into fall. The deep hues of the petals cavort around a dark, black center. These plants are native to North America and grow up to 36 inches (90cm) in height. They have a tendency to spread but create a delightfully bright carpet of blooms.
Black-eyed Susan is hardy in USDA zones 3-9. The flowers will self-sow and come back year after year. Many birds, including American goldfinches, adore the small black seeds of the flowers, which are also attractive to many types of pollinators.
Start the seeds in trays filled with seed starting mix. Plant the seeds on the surface of the soil and then lightly dust a bit of the mix over the top. Moisten the mix and place the tray in a warm location. Once you have seedlings, move them to a brightly lit area to grow on.
3. Nasturtium
Nasturtium is a common edible flower that brightens up salads and dinner plates. They come in a wide range of colors in pastel or bright hues of red, orange, white, and yellow. For a more unusual variety, try the bold magenta Nasturtium Baby Rose, part of the Flower Seed Bio Dome Collection, available in the Gardening Know How Shop.
When you start the seed indoors, you will have a tumble of flowers by the time you move them to the outdoors. These plants are perfect for garden beds or containers. They spill out of pots and add bright appeal when planted with other annuals.
Nasturtiums are hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and, in warmer regions, they can be planted directly into the garden. To grow them indoors, sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mixture ½ inch (1.3cm) deep. Gently press the soil over the seeds and moisten the soil. These plants require temperatures above 55°F (13°C) to germinate. Expect seeds to sprout within two weeks, then provide seedlings with bright light and moderate humidity.
4. Zinnias
Zinnias are some of the most beloved summer flowers. They are very easy to grow and come in many jewel tones. The plants can achieve 6 inches up to 4 feet (15 to 122cm.) in height depending upon the variety. Dwarf forms are perfect for containers while Zinnia elegans are medium-sized. For the really big blooms select Benary's Giants with flowers that span 6 inches (15cm) across. Funfair Mix Zinnias, available in the Gardening Know How Shop, will give you a rainbow of colors, while Whirligig Hybrid Zinnias are a kaleidoscope of form and hues.
Grown as annuals, zinnias are suitable for USDA zones 2-11. They bloom from early spring all the way until the first hard frost. Zinnia seeds are one of the easiest seeds to save. Wait until the heads have dried and pluck them from the plant. Gently press out the seeds into a plastic bag, date and label, and store in a cool, dry location until the next growing season.
Sow the seeds in small pots filled with well-draining soil. Press 3-4 seeds into each container or thin them after the seedlings emerge to an inch (2.5cm) apart. Keep the soil slightly moist and seedlings in direct sun in a warm location. Plant them out after all danger of frost has passed into prepared garden soil or containers.
Each variety in the Zinnias for Cutting Seed Collection has been selected for its captivating dahlia-style blooms and exceptional performance as cut flowers.
5. Bachelor Buttons
Bachelor buttons – also known as cornflowers – are brimming with old-fashioned charm and can be grown in almost every zone (2-11). The flowers are most often sky blue with ruffled petals and purple centers, but they may also be found in pink, purple, red, and white.
A staple of cottage and wildflower gardens, bachelor buttons are annual flowers that will happily reseed themselves in most settings. They attract many pollinators and birds, which eat the seed heads, but deer generally avoid them.
To grow bachelor buttons, sprinkle the seeds over the surface of a pre-moistened seed starter mix, and then scatter a light coat of soil over them. Cover the tray with plastic or a lid to provide humidity, then place the container in a warm location and wait for sprouts. Remove the covering when seedlings are observed. Keep the plants warm and moist until it is time to plant them outdoors.
6. Marigolds
Marigolds are prized for their long blooming period and value as companion plants for vegetable gardens. Though they are commonplace in gardens, there are dozens of varieties of these sunny flowers from which to choose, each offering a different look. French, African, and Signet are the three main forms available with many cultivars of each.
Select from the classic orange and yellow to blooms in bronze, white, and red. Super Hero Spry Marigold, available in the Gardening Know How Shop, is a deep red form with bright yellow centers.
Marigolds are heat-loving plants that need full sun and can be grown in USDA zones 2-11. They look best in mass plantings or as part of a mixed-color bowl. The flowers have a strong smell that repels many insect pests, which means they are often used around the vegetable garden as pest control.
Sow seeds in trays filled with potting mix. Sow ¼ inch (6mm) deep. Water and use a lid or plastic over the tray. Place the container in full sun. Expect germination within a week. Once the seedlings have emerged, remove the covering, and plant outdoors after the date of your last frost.
7. Four O-Clocks
Four o’clocks (Mirabilis jalapa) are bushy flowering plants native to South America. They make great filler plants that can reach 3 feet (90cm) in height and boast attractive oval leaves and bright pink flowers. These blooms are citrus-scented and typically open in the afternoon, just around 4pm.
Four o’clocks are heat lovers that grow as hardy perennials in USDA zones 9-11, but in the north, they grow quickly as annuals. The seeds have a very hard seed coat. To enhance germination, soak the seeds in water overnight prior to planting. Use well-draining soil and plant ¼ inch (6mm) deep. Water the container deeply.
To ensure bushier plants, pinch back the top leaves back to a growth node. After your last frost date has passed, harden off the plants and install them in either full sun or partial shade locations.
More Seed Starting Inspiration
- Browse seed-starting essentials in the Gardening Know How Shop – from must-have varieties to growing kits and accessories.
- Learn how to grow a windowsill full of veggies this winter, according to a top gardening expert.
- Try germinating seeds in paper towel: the easy, no-mess method for faster growth.
- Discover 8 enchanting blue flowers you can start from seed in winter to chase away the blues.
This article features products available from third party vendors on the Gardening Know How Shop.
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