Sowing eight flower seed varieties in January to cultivate the most impressive garden of the year
Boost your flower garden in January with this ingenious trick! Despite the seemingly bleak, cold days, sowing seeds can be an exciting way to anticipate warmer, brighter seasons and chase away those winter blues. It's all about dreaming of the stunning blooms that will soon greet you come spring and summer.
This early seed-planting strategy helps ensure you have the longest possible flowering season, giving plants a fantastic headstart as they'll be raring to go as soon as the last frosts fade. This proactive approach often results in strong, resilient plants.
If you live in cooler regions prone to frosts and snow, opt for indoor seed-starting. Utilize sunny windowsills or grow lights to create the ideal conditions. Gardeners in milder climates, and those blessed with a cold frame or greenhouse, might have the option to direct-sow seeds outside, but it's essential to double-check your local weather forecast and USDA zone guidelines before you begin.
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1. Sweet Peas
Few things bring more delight than sweet peas, with their ruffled petals and heavenly summer fragrance. These perennials make a fantastic beginning to your flower garden in cooler USDA zones 7 to 9. If you live in zones with colder winters, though, it's best to start seeds indoors in January. Soaking the seeds overnight in water helps soften their shells, accelerating germination.
Fill seed trays with a light, well-draining potting mix and gently place each seed about half an inch into the soil. Keep things consistently moist and offer good light exposure, either near a window or by using grow lights. Seedlings should emerge within a week or two, and you can then give them roughly 10 to 12 weeks before moving them outdoors once the ground is workable and frost risks are eliminated.
Pinching sweet peas (when seedlings have reached 4 to 8 inches) encourages fuller plants. Sign up for our newsletter to get gardening tips, videos, information, and a free e-book on how to grow delectable tomatoes.
2. Petunias
From pastel pinks and lilacs to rich purples and vibrant reds, petunia blooms are a cheerful addition to any flower garden. These annuals can withstand milder climates, but they still need a cozy germination period before moving outside. Sow the minute seeds right on top of moistened potting mix as they need light to sprout. Young seedlings will surface in about a week or two, but give them roughly ten weeks before they're ready for the great outdoors.
Keep your young plants near a bright window or under grow lights, and remember to water them regularly. In spring, once the soil warms up and frosty nights have passed, you can plant these versatile beauties in beds, borders, pots, and hanging baskets.
3. Begonias
Begonias are renowned for their showy blooms and striking foliage, and they thrive best in USDA Zones 9 through 11. For cooler regions, an indoor start in January can be beneficial to give begonias a headstart. Since begonia seeds are tiny, use a fine potting mix and gently sprinkle them on the tray's surface. Cover them with a thin layer of vermiculite. Once ready, spread them evenly on a seed-starting mix and place them in a warm area with moderate light.
Within two weeks, you should see small seedlings emerge. After the last frost date in spring, gradually move them outdoors to other containers or flower beds. Begonias favor partial shade and moderate watering; they will reward you with captivating displays for much of the season.
4. Delphiniums
Known for their tall stems and striking, daisy-like blooms, delphiniums make an eye-catching addition to any flower garden. To enjoy these beauties by late spring, consider starting seeds indoors in January. With endless color options, including the striking hues found in the Magic Fountain Mix Delphinium variety, there's a perfect option for every flower bed.
Begin by filling seed trays with a light potting mix, placing the seeds about a quarter inch deep. Maintain consistently moist soil, and offer good light exposure. Delphiniums typically germinate within two weeks. After the seedlings have developed a few leaves, you can move them outdoors, ensuring the nighttime temperatures are above freezing. They will continue to grow and bloom in their new environment.
In cooler USDA zones 3 through 7, delphiniums can thrive as short-lived perennials, while in warmer zones, they can be treated as annuals.
5. Poppies
Adored for their silky petals, stunning colors, and interesting seed pods, poppies add a pop of color and charm to any flower garden. If you live in USDA zones 3 through 7, starting seeds indoors in January can give you a headstart on enjoying their vibrant blooms come spring. For milder climates, direct sowing may be an option.
Sprinkle poppy seeds on the surface of a seed-starting mix, since they need light to germinate. Mist them gently to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, and they will typically sprout within two to three weeks. Once you see small seedlings, keep them in a cool, well-lit area. After the last frost date in spring, move them outdoors to enjoy their growth.
6. Geraniums
Geraniums, or pelargoniums, are perennials known for their hardiness, bright clusters of blooms, and attractive foliage. Popular for their cheery disposition and numerous color options, these blooms are a standout addition to any flower bed or container. These flowering beauties can be an annual in cooler regions, whereas they are typically treated as perennials in warmer zones such as USDA Zones 9 through 11.
For the best results in cooler climates, begin seeds indoors in January using a light potting mix. Place the seeds on top and gently cover them with a thin layer of soil. Set the trays in a warm area with good light. In two weeks, you'll see the tiny seedlings emerge. After their development, move them outdoors to flower beds or containers. Geraniums prefer well-drained soil and full sun; under the right conditions, they will continue to bloom throughout the season.
7. Coneflowers
Echinacea, or coneflowers, are known for their tall stems, daisy-like blooms, and attractiveness to pollinators. These perennials are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, making them a suitable choice for both cooler and warmer regions.
Begin by filling seed trays with a light potting mix and place the seeds about a quarter inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm, and once seedlings appear, give them a few weeks to grow. After their development, move them outdoors to enjoy their bright blooms.
For the best results, keep in mind that most coneflower varieties won't flower until the following year. The Cheyenne Spirit Coneflower mix offers a vibrant array of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink.
Kickstart Your Growing Year
What are the 7 best vegetables to plant in January? Enter this New Year with amazing growing inspiration to make the most of your flower garden in 2023! Click here for tips and tricks to make your garden flourish.
[1] Patty Rees. "7 Small Flower Bed Ideas." Homes & Gardens. https://www.homesandgardens.com/outdoor-spaces/gardens/7-compact-flower-garden-ideas-for-small-spaces[2] Ross, Michelle. "Start Seeds Indoors." Gardening Know How. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/sow-seed/start-seeds-indoors.htm[3] "The Best Indoor Plants." Gardening Know How. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/houseplants/indoors/indoor-plants-home.htm
- For those in cooler USDA zones 7 to 9, sowing sweet pea seeds indoors in January can lead to breathtaking blooms come spring. To optimize germination, soak the seeds before placing them half an inch into a light potting mix, and maintain consistent moisture and good light exposure.
- Petunias, with their variety of colors, are a cheerful addition to any flower garden. In cooler climates, they should be started indoors in January by sowing their minute seeds on top of moistened potting mix, with seedlings ready for outdoor transplanting after ten weeks.
