Seeds to Start Indoors in February on the Sunshine Coast
Lots of people have been wondering lately, “What seeds can I start indoors now?” We’ve totally got that gardening itch too, so we hear you on wanting to get started for the 2021 gardening season already.
Luckily, here on the Sunshine Coast, our long growing season means we have tons of options for plants to start from seed in February. Starting seeds indoors is a fun way to add some cheer and hope to these last few weeks of winter, and it’s a great way to make sure you’ll have all the seedlings you need for your garden when the time comes for planting.
The Best Seeds to Start Indoors in February
Wondering what seeds you can start indoors in February? You’ve got lots of options; here are flowers, vegetables, and herbs to start this month.
Flowers to Start from Seed Indoors
Whether you have your own cutting garden, or you just grow flowers because they’re beautiful, smell good, and make you happy, there are so many that you can start now. You’ll have plenty to fill your flower beds, hanging baskets, and planters if you start several of these now. Why not try growing a completely new-to-you flower in your garden this year?
Alyssum
Baby Blue Eyes
Blanket Flower
Candytuft
Chinese Lantern
Chrysanthemum
Columbine
Cosmos
Delphinium
Echinacea
Giant Hyssop
Hollyhock
Lupines
Marigolds
Mexican Sunflower
Milkweed
Nicotiana
Nigella
Rudbeckia
Sweet Peas
Verbena
Veronica
Viola
Vegetables to Start from Seeds Indoors
There are lots of cool-season vegetables that actually prefer to be started early in the year when temperatures are still cool. With many of these, if you do succession planting, you may be able to get 2-3 fully mature crops in our growing season. Starting some things indoors also gives us the chance to extend our growing season, so we can still grow things that need a really long growing season.
Artichokes
Asparagus
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cauliflower
Celery
Collards
Kale
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce
Onions
Pac Choi
Peppers
Spinach
Swiss Chard
Tomatoes
Herbs to Start from Seeds Indoors
February is also an excellent time to start many of your favorite herbs from seed. Some herbs may be more challenging to start than others. Chances are you’ll only need a few plants of each type of herb you want to grow, so don’t plant every seed in the packet. You can save seeds for a couple of years just fine. If you want 3-4 plants, start 5-8 plants, and then select the strongest seedlings to keep growing on.
Basil
Bergamot
Catnip
Chives
Dill
Fennel
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Marjoram
Mint
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
What Do You Need to Start Seeds?
Starting seeds indoors isn’t too complicated, but there are a few different things you’ll need for planting seeds indoors. It’s worth the investment to get set up with the right items because they’ll last you for many years of gardening.
- Seed starter trays and humidity covers
- Seedling pots
- Seed starting soil mix
- Grow lights
- Labels
- Seeds
A few other things can make seed starting easier, like seedling heat mats, but they’re not essential for starting seeds. Grow lights and seed starting mix are important. Labeling your seed containers as you plant them might be the most important thing, so you’re not guessing at what’s growing when you’re planting things out later in spring! If this is your first time starting seeds indoors, have a read through our comprehensive seed starting guide.
Our staff at the garden centre can also help answer any questions you might have about starting or as your seedlings get growing. Stop by early for the best seed selection for the 2021 season!