20 Flower Seeds You Can Start Indoors in February For a Stunning Garden

February is the perfect time to start planning your spring garden, even if there’s still snow on the ground. By sowing flower seeds indoors, you can get a head start on the growing season and ensure a vibrant display of blooms come warmer weather.

Starting flowers from seed in February allows you to have young, healthy plants ready to transplant outdoors after the last frost.

With proper care and attention, you can nurture a wide variety of flowers indoors during the late winter months. From colorful snapdragons to fragrant sweet peas, there are numerous options to choose from that will thrive when started early.

By selecting the right seeds and providing them with adequate light, warmth, and moisture, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning garden filled with homegrown flowers.

Understanding The Need For Indoor Starting In February

Starting flower seeds indoors in February gives your garden a head start on the growing season. This early preparation allows you to have robust seedlings ready for transplanting when spring arrives.

Last Frost Dates And Their Impact On Seed Starting

Your local last frost date is crucial for planning your indoor seed starting schedule. This date marks when it’s generally safe to move tender plants outdoors. By starting seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date, you’ll have strong seedlings ready for transplanting.

Check your local extension office or gardening guides for your area’s average last frost date. Remember, this date can vary by year, so it’s best to use it as a general guideline.

Starting seeds indoors protects young plants from harsh winter conditions. It allows you to control their environment, ensuring optimal growth before outdoor planting.

Importance Of Adequate Light For Seedlings

Proper lighting is essential for healthy seedling development. In February, natural daylight may not be sufficient for robust growth. You’ll need to supplement with artificial light sources.

Fluorescent or LED grow lights are excellent options for indoor seed starting. Position these lights 2-4 inches above your seedlings, adjusting as they grow. Provide 14-16 hours of light daily for best results.

Without adequate light, seedlings may become leggy and weak. This can lead to poor performance once transplanted outdoors. Investing in proper lighting now will pay off with stronger, healthier plants in your garden later.

Consider using a timer to automate your lighting schedule. This ensures your seedlings receive consistent light exposure, even when you’re away or busy.

20 Flower Seeds To Start Indoors In February

February is an ideal time to start many flower seeds indoors. By sowing early, you’ll have robust seedlings ready for spring planting. This gives your flowers a head start, resulting in earlier and more abundant blooms.

1. Agapanthus

Agapanthus, also known as Lily of the Nile, is a striking perennial. Start seeds in a warm, bright spot indoors. Use well-draining soil and keep it consistently moist.

Germination can take 4-6 weeks. Once seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light. Transplant outdoors after the last frost when plants are 4-6 inches tall.

2. Alyssum

Sweet alyssum is a charming, low-growing annual. Sow seeds in seed trays filled with sterile potting mix. Lightly press seeds into the soil but don’t cover them, as they need light to germinate.

Keep soil moist and warm, around 70°F. Seedlings usually appear in 5-10 days. When they have several true leaves, thin or transplant to individual pots.

3. Aster

Asters bring vibrant color to late summer and fall gardens. Start seeds in trays with seed-starting mix. Cover lightly with soil, as asters need darkness to germinate.

Maintain temperatures around 70°F. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings typically emerge in 7-14 days. Provide bright light once sprouted.

4. Baby’s Breath

Baby’s breath adds a delicate, airy touch to gardens and bouquets. Sow seeds in cell trays or small pots filled with well-draining potting mix. Cover seeds lightly with soil.

Keep soil consistently moist and warm, around 65-70°F. Germination usually occurs in 10-14 days. Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves, transplant to larger containers.

5. Beardtongue

Pestemon

Beardtongue, or Penstemon, is a beautiful native perennial. Start seeds in trays with a light, well-draining mix. Barely cover seeds, as they need some light to germinate.

Maintain temperatures between 65-70°F. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Germination can take 2-3 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant to individual pots.

6. Black Eyed Susan

Black Eyed Susans bring cheerful color to summer gardens. Sow seeds in cell trays or small pots. Cover seeds lightly with soil, as they need darkness to germinate.

Keep soil moist and warm, around 70-75°F. Seedlings usually emerge in 7-14 days. Provide bright light once sprouted. Thin or transplant when seedlings have several true leaves.

7. Columbine

Columbine’s unique flowers add charm to spring gardens. Sow seeds in trays filled with moist seed-starting mix. Barely cover seeds, as they need some light to germinate.

Keep soil consistently moist and cool, around 60-65°F. Germination can take 3-4 weeks. Once seedlings have several true leaves, transplant to individual pots.

8. Coneflower

Coneflowers, or Echinacea, are hardy, long-blooming perennials. Start seeds in trays with a well-draining potting mix. Cover seeds lightly with soil.

Maintain temperatures around 65-70°F. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings typically emerge in 10-20 days. Provide bright light once sprouted.

9. Coreopsis

Flowering-Coreopsis

Coreopsis offers cheerful, daisy-like flowers all summer. Sow seeds in cell trays or small pots. Cover seeds lightly, as they need some darkness to germinate.

Keep soil moist and warm, around 70°F. Seedlings usually appear in 7-14 days. Once they have several true leaves, thin or transplant to individual pots.

10. Dianthus

Dianthus, including carnations and pinks, add fragrance and color to gardens. Start seeds in trays with sterile potting mix. Barely cover seeds with soil.

Maintain temperatures around 65-70°F. Keep soil consistently moist. Germination typically occurs in 7-14 days. Provide bright light once seedlings emerge.

11. False Sunflower

False Sunflower, or Heliopsis, brings sunny cheer to summer gardens. Sow seeds in cell trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix. Cover seeds lightly with soil.

Keep soil moist and warm, around 70-75°F. Seedlings usually emerge in 7-14 days. Once they have several true leaves, transplant to larger containers.

12. Globe Thistle

Globe Thistle’s unique spherical blooms add interest to gardens. Start seeds in trays with well-draining potting mix. Cover seeds lightly, as they need some darkness to germinate.

Maintain temperatures around 65-70°F. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Germination can take 2-3 weeks. Provide bright light once seedlings appear.

13. Gaura

Gaura, also known as Wand Flower, adds airy elegance to gardens. Sow seeds in cell trays or small pots. Barely cover seeds with soil, as they need some light to germinate.

Keep soil consistently moist and warm, around 70-75°F. Seedlings typically emerge in 7-14 days. Once they have several true leaves, transplant to individual pots.

14. Hollyhock Mallow

Hollyhock Mallow brings cottage garden charm to borders. Start seeds in trays filled with seed-starting mix. Cover seeds lightly with soil.

Maintain temperatures around 65-70°F. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs in 7-14 days. Provide bright light once seedlings sprout.

15. Red Hot Poker

Red Hot Poker, or Kniphofia, adds dramatic vertical interest to gardens. Sow seeds in cell trays or small pots. Cover seeds lightly with soil.

Keep soil moist and warm, around 70-75°F. Seedlings typically emerge in 14-21 days. Once they have several true leaves, transplant to larger containers.

16. Sweet Peas

These fragrant climbers need an early start to produce abundant blooms. Soak seeds overnight in water before planting them 1 inch deep in rich, well-draining soil.

Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Sweet peas thrive in full sun and prefer cool temperatures.

Give them support to climb, and they’ll reward you with waves of colorful, perfumed flowers perfect for cutting.

17. Snapdragons

These charming spikes of dragon-shaped blooms prefer cool weather for best flowering. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost.

Don’t cover the dust-like seeds – they need light to sprout. Snapdragons flourish in rich, well-draining soil and full sun. They make excellent cut flowers and will bloom again in fall when temperatures cool.

18. Larkspur

Larkspur (Delphinium) adds tall spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers to your garden. These eye-catching blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Start larkspur seeds indoors in January for early summer flowers. Sow them in seed trays with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

For better germination, chill the seeds in the fridge for 1-2 weeks before planting. This mimics their natural winter conditions.

Once seedlings appear, place them in a cool, bright spot. Transplant them outside 3-6 weeks before the last frost date in your area.

19. Violas

Violas are charming flowers that can brighten up your winter garden. You can start these seeds indoors in January to get a head start on spring blooms.

To plant violas, fill seed trays with compost and lightly water. Sprinkle the tiny seeds on the surface and gently press them in. Don’t cover them completely, as some viola varieties need light to grow.

Keep your seed trays in a cool, bright spot between 50-65°F. Violas, or Viola x wittrockiana, are tough little plants that can handle cooler temperatures. They’re perfect for adding pops of color to your early spring garden beds or containers.

20. Primula (Primrose)

Primrose

Primroses bring early spring cheer with their bright, cheerful blooms. Start Primula seeds indoors in February for colorful flowers later in the year.

Use a peaty potting mix and barely cover the tiny seeds. They need light to sprout, so a gentle misting of water is enough.

Primroses come in many eye-catching varieties. Try pale yellow common primrose or showy, multicolored auricula for a stunning display.

These flowers attract pollinators and add a pop of color to shady garden spots. Plant them in partial shade and keep the soil moist for best results.

Tips For Starting Flower Seeds Indoors

Starting flower seeds indoors gives you a head start on the growing season and allows you to nurture delicate seedlings. Proper light, moisture, and care are essential for success.

Choosing The Right Location For Seed Starting

Select a warm, draft-free area in your home for seed starting. A spare room, basement, or heated garage works well. Aim for temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) for most seeds.

Use a sturdy table or shelving unit to hold your seed trays. Ensure it can support the weight of multiple containers filled with moist soil.

Consider using a heat mat under your trays to maintain consistent soil temperature. This can boost germination rates for many flower varieties.

Keep pets and young children away from your seed-starting area to prevent accidental damage.

Providing Adequate Light

Most flower seedlings need 14-16 hours of light daily. Place seed trays near a south-facing window for natural light. However, window light alone is often insufficient.

Supplement with grow lights for best results. LED or fluorescent shop lights work well. Hang lights 2-4 inches above seedlings and raise them as plants grow.

Use a timer to automate your lighting schedule. This ensures seedlings receive consistent light each day.

Rotate trays regularly to promote even growth, as seedlings tend to lean towards light sources.

Monitoring Watering And Humidity

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water from the bottom by placing trays in a shallow container of water for 10-15 minutes.

Use a spray bottle for gentle top watering if needed. Avoid strong streams that can displace tiny seeds or damage delicate seedlings.

Cover seed trays with clear plastic domes or plastic wrap to maintain humidity. Remove covers once seedlings emerge.

Check moisture levels daily. Seedlings can dry out quickly under grow lights or in warm rooms.

Providing Occasional Fertilizer

Start fertilizing when seedlings develop their first true leaves. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Apply fertilizer every 7-10 days. Over-fertilizing can burn tender roots, so err on the side of caution.

Organic options like compost tea or fish emulsion work well for flower seedlings. Follow package instructions for dilution rates.

Watch for signs of nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. Adjust your fertilizer schedule as needed.

Additional Considerations

When starting flower seeds indoors in February, it’s crucial to account for your specific location and climate. Pay attention to regional planting charts and last frost dates to ensure optimal timing for your seedlings.

Regional Planting Charts And Specific Guidance For Different Areas

Your local climate plays a significant role in determining the best time to start seeds indoors. Consult regional planting charts for tailored advice. In warmer southern areas, you may have more flexibility to start seeds earlier.

Northern regions often require later indoor sowing dates. Coastal zones typically have milder temperatures, allowing for earlier starts. Mountain areas may need to wait longer due to late frosts.

Check with your local extension office or gardening groups for area-specific recommendations. They can provide valuable insights on which flower varieties thrive in your region and when to start them indoors.

Timing Based On Last Frost Dates

Your area’s average last frost date is a critical factor in seed starting. Count backwards from this date to determine when to sow your seeds indoors.

Most flower seeds need 6-8 weeks of indoor growth before transplanting. Some may require up to 12 weeks. Check seed packets for specific timing recommendations.

To find your last frost date, consult online frost date calculators or local gardening resources. Remember, these dates are averages and can vary year to year.

Keep an eye on long-term weather forecasts as your planned transplant date approaches. Be prepared to adjust your timeline if unusually cold weather is predicted.