February is a month of transition for gardeners, marking the end of deep winter and the beginning of spring preparation. While the weather may still be cold, February is a busy time for planting activities that set the stage for an earlier, more robust bloom season. Successful planting involves a two-pronged approach: starting seeds indoors under controlled conditions and directly sowing or planting cold-tolerant varieties outside. By strategically utilizing the last weeks of winter, you can gain a significant head start on the growing year and ensure a vibrant display of flowers beginning in spring.
Determining Your Planting Zone
The most important factor determining what flowers you can plant in February is your geographical location. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zone Map categorizes regions based on their average minimum winter temperature, providing a reliable guide for plant survival. Knowing your specific zone helps determine which flowers are hardy enough for direct outdoor planting and which must be started indoors.
Equally important is the average “Last Frost Date” for your area, which is the historical marker for the last expected spring freeze. Planting guides use this date to calculate the ideal time for indoor starting or outdoor transplanting. For instance, in warmer regions like USDA Zone 9, the last frost date can be as early as late February, allowing for immediate outdoor planting. Conversely, gardeners in colder zones (Zone 7 and below) must count back eight to twelve weeks from their late April or May last frost date to know when to start seeds indoors.
Flowers to Start Indoors
February is the ideal time to start seeds indoors for many flowers that have a prolonged germination period or a slow growth rate. These plants require a long developmental window to reach a sturdy transplant size before the last spring frost has passed. Starting these seeds now ensures they are mature enough to bloom quickly once moved outside in late spring.
Petunias and Snapdragons, for example, typically need 10 to 12 weeks of indoor growth before they are ready to be transplanted outdoors. Petunia seeds are tiny and should be surface-sown, as they require light to germinate. Snapdragons benefit from a fine dusting of vermiculite for moisture retention. Lisianthus is another slow-growing favorite, often needing 12 to 15 weeks from seed to a mature seedling, making a February start essential for summer blooms.
To maximize success, indoor-sown seeds require specific environmental controls. Using a heat mat underneath the seed trays can significantly speed up germination, as a soil temperature of 70–75°F is optimal for many flower seeds. Once sprouted, seedlings must be immediately moved under supplemental grow lights to prevent them from becoming “leggy,” which occurs when they stretch toward insufficient light. Providing 14 to 16 hours of bright light daily is necessary to produce compact, stocky seedlings that will thrive once moved into the garden.
Other long-season flowers that benefit from a February start include Begonias, which germinate best with bottom heat, and certain perennials like Columbine or Echinacea. These perennials benefit from the cold stratification naturally provided by a late winter start. They can also be placed in a refrigerator for a few weeks to mimic winter conditions before sowing. Once the seedlings develop their first true leaves, they should be transplanted into larger pots to prevent root binding while they await their final move outdoors.
Hardy Flowers for Direct Outdoor Sowing
For gardeners in mild climates or those focused on cold-tolerant varieties, February offers opportunities for direct outdoor sowing and planting. These flowers are adapted to cool soil temperatures and can withstand the late-winter chill, often requiring a period of cold to successfully germinate. This technique is sometimes referred to as “winter sowing,” where seeds are planted in protected containers outdoors to experience natural freeze-thaw cycles.
Pansies and Violas are among the most reliably cold-hardy flowers, and small plants can be set out directly in the garden or in containers during February in many regions. These flowers can tolerate light frost and will provide color until the heat of summer arrives, making them perfect for early spring displays. Sweet Peas are another excellent option, best sown directly into the ground in February, especially in areas with mild winters, as they establish a deep root system before the weather warms.
Beyond seeds, February is an ideal time for planting bare-root material, provided the ground is not frozen solid or waterlogged. Bare-root roses, peonies, and certain shrubs are sold dormant, making this period perfect for their establishment before spring growth begins. Planting them while they are still dormant allows the roots to settle into the cool soil without the stress of supporting active foliage growth.
When preparing the soil for these hardy outdoor plantings, focus on improving drainage, as waterlogged, cold soil can lead to rot. Incorporating compost or aged manure helps to slightly warm the soil and provides necessary nutrients as the plants emerge from dormancy. For bare-root plantings, ensure the crown of the plant is set level with or slightly above the surrounding soil to prevent moisture accumulation and decay.