
Seeds to Sow in February
As winter begins to ease and spring approaches, February is a great time to start sowing seeds. While the weather is still cold, many vegetables, herbs, and flowers can be started indoors or under cover, giving them a head start for the growing season. Whether you have a greenhouse, a sunny windowsill, or a cold frame, there are plenty of options for early sowing.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best seeds to sow in February, along with tips to ensure successful germination and growth.
Table of Contents:
Vegetable Seeds to Sow in February
February is ideal for starting hardy vegetables indoors or under protection. Here are the top picks:
1. Broad Bean Seeds
- One of the easiest crops to start in February, broad beans are hardy and can be sown in modules, root trainers, or directly outdoors if the soil isn’t frozen.
- Best varieties for February: Aquadulce Claudia (early cropping, cold-tolerant).
2. Pea Seeds
- Early pea varieties can be sown in trays, guttering, or under cloches to get a head start on spring.
- Best varieties for February: Oasis (reliable, fast-growing).
3. Spinach Seeds
- A hardy leafy green that thrives in cool temperatures. Can be grown in pots or directly outdoors with protection.
- Best varieties for February: Santa Cruz (fast-growing, productive).
4. Carrot Seeds
- Early carrot varieties can be sown in cold frames, cloches, or deep containers in a sheltered location.
- Best varieties for February: F1 Charisma (early, smooth roots).
5. Lettuce Seeds
- Mixed-leaf lettuces and cut-and-come-again varieties can be sown indoors or in greenhouses for an early crop.
- Best varieties for February: Iceberg, Mixed Leaf (hardy and crisp).
6. Beetroot Seeds
- Can be started indoors in modules or under cloches for an early harvest.
- Best varieties for February: Boston (smooth-skinned, great flavour).
7. Cress Seeds
- Super quick-growing, cress and pea shoots can be sown indoors and harvested within weeks.
- Best varieties for February: Cress (Lepidium Sativum), Pea Shoots (Oasis).
Herb Seeds to Sow in February
Many herbs can be sown in pots indoors during February, ready for planting outside later in spring.
1. Chive Seeds
- Hardy and easy to grow on a windowsill.
- Growing Tip: Sow in a shallow tray and keep in a warm, bright spot.
2. Coriander Seeds
- Can be started indoors for an early herb supply.
- Growing Tip: Prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering.
3. Parsley Seeds
- A slow-germinating herb but worth starting early indoors.
- Growing Tip: Soak seeds overnight before sowing to speed up germination.
4. Basil (Genovese) Seeds
- Needs warmth, so start on a sunny windowsill or in a heated propagator.
- Growing Tip: Pinch out growing tips for bushier plants.
5. Thyme Seeds
- Can be sown indoors in small pots, ready for transplanting outdoors in spring.
- Growing Tip: Prefers well-draining soil and a warm position.
Flower Seeds to Sow in February
February is an excellent time to sow hardy annuals and early perennials indoors, ensuring strong plants for the warmer months ahead.
1. Sweet Pea Seeds
- Sow in deep pots or root trainers and keep in a greenhouse or cold frame.
- Growing Tip: Soak seeds overnight before sowing to improve germination.
2. Poppy Seeds
- These hardy wildflowers can be sown in trays or directly outdoors if conditions allow.
- Growing Tip: Lightly rake the soil and scatter seeds thinly for a natural look.
3. Cosmos Seeds
- Best started indoors in pots for transplanting after the last frost.
- Growing Tip: Provide plenty of light and avoid overwatering.
4. Sunflower Seeds
- Can be started indoors for earlier blooms in summer.
- Growing Tip: Use individual pots to avoid disturbing roots when transplanting.
Top Tips for Sowing Seeds in February
✅ Use a propagator or heated mat – This helps speed up germination, especially for warmth-loving crops.
✅ Choose the right compost – Use a light, free-draining seed compost for best results.
✅ Provide plenty of light – A bright windowsill or grow lights help prevent seedlings from becoming leggy.
✅ Label your trays – It’s easy to forget what’s been sown where!
✅ Harden off before planting out – Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
Conclusion
February is the perfect time to get a head start on the growing season, with many vegetables, herbs, and flowers ready for early sowing. Whether indoors, in a greenhouse, or under protection, starting now ensures strong, healthy plants for spring and summer harvests.
Looking for high-quality seeds to sow in February? Browse our full selection and start growing today! 🌱✨