Winter may seem like a quiet time for gardeners, but it’s actually the perfect season to start sowing flower seeds indoors. By planting early, you give your flowers a head start, ensuring strong and healthy blooms by spring and summer. Starting seeds indoors also protects delicate seedlings from harsh winter conditions and extends the growing season.
Here’s a list of 16 beautiful flowers that you can start indoors in January or February to enjoy a garden full of vibrant colors later in the year.
1. Petunias (Petunia spp.)
Why Grow Indoors? Petunias are slow growers, so starting them early ensures they bloom in time for summer.
How to Sow: Use a well-draining seed-starting mix and keep the soil consistently moist. Petunia seeds need light to germinate, so don’t cover them with soil.
2. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Why Grow Indoors? Marigolds germinate quickly, making them a great choice for beginners. They are excellent at repelling pests in the garden.
How to Sow: Plant seeds in small pots, covering them lightly with soil. Keep them in a warm location (65–75°F or 18–24°C) and expect germination in 5-7 days.
3. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Why Grow Indoors? Snapdragons take longer to establish and prefer cooler temperatures, making early sowing essential.
How to Sow: Scatter seeds over moist soil and press them in lightly. Keep them in a cooler spot (55–65°F or 13–18°C) for best results.
4. Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
Why Grow Indoors? These tiny flowers need extra time to grow and bloom beautifully in hanging baskets and borders.
How to Sow: Sprinkle seeds on top of the soil without covering them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the humidity high.
5. Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)
Why Grow Indoors? Geraniums have a long germination period (10–14 days), so starting them early ensures early blooms.
How to Sow: Soak seeds overnight before planting in well-draining soil. Keep them in a warm place (70–75°F or 21–24°C).
6. Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)
Why Grow Indoors? Sweet peas bloom early and produce fragrant flowers in spring if started in winter.
How to Sow: Soak seeds overnight before planting them in deep containers. Keep them in a cool location (50–60°F or 10–15°C).
7. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Why Grow Indoors? Cosmos grow quickly and bloom continuously throughout summer.
How to Sow: Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in moist soil. Keep them in a warm spot (70°F or 21°C) for quick germination.
8. Dahlias (Dahlia spp.)
Why Grow Indoors? Growing dahlias from seeds instead of tubers allows for unique and diverse flowers.
How to Sow: Plant seeds in well-draining soil, keeping them at 70°F (21°C). Provide bright light for healthy seedlings.
9. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
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