As the winter months slowly fade away, February marks a pivotal point in the gardening calendar. While it’s still chilly outside, gardeners know that now is the perfect time to start planting flower seeds indoors, preparing for the spring bloom.In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of the best flower seeds you can plant in February, focusing on those that thrive when started indoors and can be transplanted outside once the risk of frost has passed. From fragrant blooms to striking colors, this month has a lot to offer when it comes to preparing your flower garden.
What flower seeds can I plant in February?
Before diving into specific flowers, it’s essential to understand why February is a good time to start planting seeds. The primary reason is that many flowers need a long growing season to develop properly, and starting them indoors gives them a head start. Additionally, this early planting will give your plants enough time to grow into sturdy seedlings, ready for transplantation as soon as the weather warms up.
Another advantage is that starting seeds indoors gives you control over the growing environment, ensuring that your flowers receive the optimal temperature, light, and moisture they need for germination. Starting seeds in February also lets you avoid the rush of spring, allowing you to enjoy a more organized planting process.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best flower seeds you can plant in February.
1. Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)
A Classic Favorite for Early Spring
Sweet peas are a classic flower that gardeners adore for their vibrant colors and delightful fragrance. These flowers are perfect for planting in February, especially if you live in a climate with a slightly extended winter. Sweet peas should be started indoors in early February to give them enough time to grow before being transplanted outside.
Why Plant Them? Sweet peas thrive in cooler temperatures, making them an excellent choice for early spring. They’ll bloom in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, white, purple, and red. Sweet peas also grow quickly, producing lush, cascading vines that are perfect for trellises, fences, or any vertical garden space.
How to Plant:
- Soak seeds overnight to encourage germination.
- Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Keep the temperature around 60–65°F for optimal germination.
- After the seeds sprout, give them plenty of light, either from a sunny window or grow lights.
- Transplant outdoors once the last frost has passed.
2. Begonias (Begonia spp.)
Bright Colors for Indoors and Outdoors
Begonias are known for their bold, beautiful blooms and their adaptability to different environments. While they are often grown as houseplants, begonias can also thrive outdoors in shaded garden spaces. Starting begonias indoors in February ensures that they will be ready to brighten up your garden when spring rolls around.
Why Plant Them? Begonias are perfect for creating a colorful contrast in your garden with their large, waxy leaves and delicate flowers. They come in a wide range of colors, including red, orange, white, and pink. Begonias are great for container gardening or hanging baskets, as they do not require a lot of space.
How to Plant:
- Start with high-quality begonia seeds.
- Lightly press the seeds into the soil without covering them, as they need light to germinate.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Place them in a warm spot (70–75°F) with indirect light.
- Once the seedlings have grown large enough, move them to a cool, bright location.
- Transplant to outdoor beds once the weather warms.
3. Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)
The Cold-Resistant Charmers
Pansies are the perfect flower to plant in February, particularly if you want to start seeing some early color in your garden. These flowers can tolerate the chillier temperatures of early spring, making them a great choice for planting in February. Their cheerful blooms are a favorite for gardens, hanging baskets, and window boxes.
Why Plant Them? Pansies are cold-hardy, which means they can survive through light frosts, and their vibrant colors will continue to bloom well into the colder months. They are available in an array of colors, including purple, yellow, white, and orange, and often have striking “faces” that give them their charming look.
How to Plant:
- Pansy seeds should be planted indoors in late winter to ensure they are big enough to survive the transition to outdoors.
- Plant the seeds about 1/8 inch deep in a light, well-drained seed-starting mix.
- Keep the seedlings in a bright, cool spot.
- Once the seedlings are large enough and the outdoor conditions are favorable (above freezing), you can begin to harden them off and transplant them outdoors.
4. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Towering Blooms for Your Garden
Snapdragons are a perfect choice for gardeners looking for tall, dramatic flowers that provide a bold statement in any flowerbed. These beauties can be started in February to ensure a full and vibrant display in the late spring to early summer months.
Why Plant Them? Snapdragons come in various heights and colors, from dwarf varieties for smaller spaces to tall varieties that can grow up to 3 feet. They are ideal for adding vertical interest to your garden. They are also known for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
How to Plant:
- Start snapdragon seeds indoors about 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost.
- Plant the seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them in without covering.
- Maintain a consistent temperature of 65–70°F for germination.
- Provide plenty of light, whether from natural sunlight or grow lights.
- Harden off the seedlings before transplanting them into the garden.
5. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Fragrant and Beautiful
Lavender is another flower you can plant in February that will reward you with its calming fragrance and striking purple blooms. Although lavender typically takes a little longer to grow, starting it indoors early will ensure it flourishes by summer.
Why Plant It? Lavender has a delightful scent that can fill your garden and home, and its flowers attract pollinators such as bees. Additionally, lavender is an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardeners, as it is drought-tolerant and relatively hardy once established.
How to Plant:
- Start lavender seeds indoors about 8–10 weeks before the last frost.
- Lavender seeds need light to germinate, so scatter them over the surface of a well-draining soil mix.
- Maintain a temperature of 65–70°F and provide plenty of light.
- Be patient as lavender seeds can take up to three weeks to germinate.
- Transplant outdoors once the weather is consistently warm and frost-free.
6. Dianthus (Dianthus spp.)
Carnation-Like Flowers with a Sweet Fragrance
Dianthus, often called “pinks” for their frilled edges, are another fantastic flower to start indoors in February. They’re known for their sweet, spicy fragrance and vibrant pink, red, or white blooms.
Why Plant Them? Dianthus plants are perfect for those who want a colorful, fragrant flower in their garden early in the season. They are great for attracting pollinators and can be planted in garden beds, hanging baskets, or containers.
How to Plant:
- Start dianthus seeds indoors about 8–10 weeks before the last frost date.
- Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Maintain a temperature of 65–70°F for germination and place them in a location with plenty of light.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Conclusion
February may still feel like winter, but it’s a great time to begin planting flowers indoors that will grace your garden with their beauty in just a few months. From sweet peas to snapdragons, lavender, and pansies, the flowers we’ve discussed here are all perfect candidates for early planting. Start them indoors, care for them properly, and soon enough, you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant, colorful garden that will brighten up the entire spring season.
Happy gardening, and may your flowers bloom beautifully this year!
