Roses might sell out on February 14th, but the rest of the month is the perfect time to start sowing flower, herb, fruit and vegetable seeds. Growing your own plants from seeds can save you a ton of money and help create the garden of your dreams—but you have to get started early!

Starting seeds in the winter months allows them ample time to mature before you transplant them outdoors, increasing the chance of success. As a general rule, you’ll want to wait until after the last chance of frost has passed before transplanting your seedlings outdoors. Frost and colder temperatures can damage and kill young plants, and prevent them from bearing buds and fruit.

Your plant hardiness zone will determine when it’s best to move your seedling outdoors. You’ll also want to check the back of seed packets for more information regarding soil, light, spacing and other requirements before selecting certain varieties and species for your garden.

After their estimated grow time your plants will reach maturity and will be ready for transplantation. However, depending upon your location and goals your planting time may vary. For example, a tropical perennial like Eggplant may be able to grow outside of their ideal hardiness zones, but may only survive on an annual basis under these conditions. 

Here are a few of our favorite plants that you can begin growing as seeds indoors as early as February!

FLOWERS

Growing flowers from seeds can produce a huge number of plants, offering a cost-effective alternative to purchasing fully mature plants or entire flats to complete your landscaping goals. Don’t be “impatiens”, all it takes is a little tender love and care!

Candytufts: Grow Time 6-8 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 4-8

Chrysanthemums: Grow Time 8 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 5-9

Geraniums: Grow Time 12-16 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 9-12

Heliotropes: Grow Time 4 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 10-11

Impatiens: Grow Time 10 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 9-11

Laurentia: Grow Time 10-12 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 7-10

Snapdragons: Grow Time 8 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 8-9

Sweet Peas: Grow Time 6-8 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 8-10

Violas: Grow Time 12-14 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 5-10

HERBS

Growing herbs from seeds takes a little extra  “thyme,” but is a highly rewarding activity. Many herbs can be enjoyed year round indoors. Spice up your cooking, seize their health benefits, and freshen your home with their fragrant bounties.

Basil: Grow Time 6 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 10-13

Dill: Grow Time 3-4 Weeks *Does not do well with transplanting and is best starting directly in ground in early summer or kept in pots., Hardiness Zones n/a *Annual summer herb that does not do well when transplanted.

Mint: Grow Time 8-10 Weeks , Hardiness Zones 3-11

FUN FACT: Did you know we use Organic Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil (Peppermint Oil) to create the signature Fresh Mint fragrance used in our Surface Wipes and Organic Glass Cleaner?

Oregano: Grow Time 6-10 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 5-10

Parsley: Grow Time 3-4 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 4-9

Sage: Grow Time 6-8 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 5-8

Thyme: Grow Time 3-4 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 2-10

VEGTABLES

Growing a vegetable garden is a great way to live more sustainably, enjoy organic wholesome food throughout the summer and fall, and create some outdoor fun for the whole family.

Brussels Sprouts: Grow Time 4 Weeks *Slow to harvest. Plant early to allow 3 months to bear sprouts. Hardiness Zones 2-10

Broccoli: Grow Time 4-6 Weeks. *Prefers cooler climates (45°-75°F). Hardiness Zones 3-10

Cucumber: Grow Time 7-10 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 3-13

Chard: Grow Time 2-3 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 6-13

Eggplant: Grow Time 6-8 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 10-11 *Commonly grown in Zones 5-12 as Annuals.

Lettuce: Grow Time 6-8 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 4-9

Bell Peppers: Grow Time 8-10 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 1-11

Summer Squash: Grow Time 4-5 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 1-6

FRUITS

Many fruits are temperature sensitive and can require significant time before ever bearing fruit. However, nothing beats fresh fruits from your own garden if you have the patience and opportunity to grow them.

Cantaloupe: Grow Time 2-4 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 4-11

Blueberries: Grow Time 6-8 Weeks *Can take several years to bear fruit, but can do well grown in pots. Will produce fruit for several decades. Hardiness Zones 4-10.

Honeydew Melon: Grow Time 2-4 Weeks *Plant early to allow ample time to bear fruit. Hardiness Zones 4-11.

Pumpkin: Grow Time 2-4 Weeks *Slow-growing, requiring 75-100 frost free days before bearing fruit. Seeds usually do best when planted directly in ground, but can be grown indoors if growing season is very short. Hardiness Zones 3-9.

Tomatoes: Grow Time 6-8 Weeks, Hardiness Zones 5-8

Watermelon: Grow Time 2-3 Weeks *Transplant to ground soon as seedlings form. Large watermelon seedlings transplant poorly. Hardiness Zones 3-11

What plant/s have you enjoyed growing from seed-to-start? Tag us in your garden pics on Instagram!