Flower seeds that require longer germination or growth times flourish more when planted early indoors. With warm lighting, consistent moisture, and gentle warmth, tiny sprouts are encouraged to grow while winter storms outside. Bright windowsills or grow lights transform into small nurseries, and the hard work results in “fuller, earlier displays”, according to the experts at Gardening Know How.
Sowing seeds in January is ideal for cool-season annuals and slow-growing perennials. By May, your garden pots will be filled with potential. Then the timing for transplanting coincides with the local frost dates. To give you an idea of which flower seeds to sow now, the gardening gurus have shared three of their favourites.
1. Geraniums
Geraniums present clusters of colourful blooms on their foliage. Their hues vary from white to rich red. The leaves emit a fragrance when touched.
Geraniums thrive when sown on the surface in warm temperatures, ideally between 21 and 24 degrees. The germination period ranges from seven to 21 days.
For quicker growth, consider using bottom heat mats. To encourage bushier growth, pinch the tips, and provide light feeding once they are well-established.
In colder regions, make sure to bring them indoors for the winter. As an added benefit, cuttings root quite easily.
2. Snapdragons
Snapdragons create tall spikes adorned with dragon-like flowers in various pastel and vibrant colours. These plants can grow between one to three feet, making them perfect for cutting gardens or as back border plants.
A subtle fragrance enhances their charm. The flower spikes bloom from the bottom upwards and can last for several weeks in vases.
Snapdragons need to be sown on the surface of a moist mix since light helps with germination. Cover the trays with plastic until the sprouts emerge in 10 to 20 days.
Maintain cool temperatures, approximately 15.6 degrees. After hardening off, transplant the seedlings and pinch the tips to encourage branching.
Remove spent spikes to promote repeat flowering. In windy areas, tall varieties will require staking.
3. Begonias
Begonias provide a continuous splash of colour with their glossy leaves and rose-shaped flowers. These plants are well-suited for shady areas and flourish in dim lighting.
Just like snapdragons, begonias need to be sown on the surface. Warmth is crucial for them, so keep them at around 24 degrees for optimal growth. Germination can be slow, taking up to 30 days in many instances. Seedlings thrive best in bright, indirect light.
To promote bushiness, pinch the plants for fullness. Water from the bottom to prevent rot.
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