Although it’s still cold outside and the days are still short, there are many seeds to start in February indoors. The early start means your seedlings do some essential early development, and when they are transplanted outdoors in the spring, they’ve had a head start. This is especially important for perennial flowers and herbs that take longer to reach maturity and begin to bloom.
These recommendations are for the BC Lower Mainland, Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast, and coastal WA & OR. If you live outside this area, please have a look at our other Regional Planting Charts.
Click on the links below for full planting instructions.
Agastache
Alyssum
Artichokes
Asclepias
Asparagus
Bergamot
Catnip
Chrysanthemum
Chives
Columbine
Cosmos
Delphinium
Echinacea
Florence fennel (bulbing fennel)
Gaillardia
Hollyhock
Iberis
Lavender
Leeks
Lemon Balm
Lupins
Marigolds
Marjoram
Mint
Nemophila
Nicotiana
Nigella
Onions
Oregano
Pac Choi
Parsley
Physalis
Rosemary
Rudbeckia
Sage
Sweet Peas
Thyme
Tithonia
Verbena
Veronica
Viola
Some seeds benefit from the cold of February and March, and do better if direct sown at this time of year.
Now is the perfect time to direct sow, outdoors:
Ammi
Broad Beans
Cynoglossum
Poppies
In about three weeks it will be time to direct sow pea seeds and sweet pea seeds as well.
The number one secret to success when starting seeds indoors is to provide adequate light. As soon as seeds germinate, they should be put under intense, full spectrum lights. These days there are many economical lighting options for gardeners who want to start seeds indoors.
Also, use sterilized seedling soil if you’re planting seeds indoors. It is designed to moderate moisture – not too much, not too little.