What Seeds to Plant in February

February can feel cold, grey, and far removed from gardening season—but for keen gardeners, it’s an exciting time. While outdoor sowing is still limited due to frost and cold soil, February is ideal for starting seeds indoors or under cover and preparing for a productive spring.

My fingers defiantly get itching to start planting towards the end of February as do many keen growers.

What you sow now depends on whether you have a heated propagator, greenhouse, cold frame, or windowsill. Below is a practical guide to what seeds you can plant during February.

Seeds to Start Indoors in February

These plants benefit from a long growing season and should be started indoors to give them a head start.

Vegetables

• Tomatoes – Best started late February with warmth and light

• Peppers (sweet & chilli) – Slow growers that need heat

• Aubergines – Require warmth and a long season

• Leeks – Excellent time to sow for strong seedlings

• Onions (from seed) – Ideal for large, healthy bulbs

• Celery – Slow to germinate but worth early sowing

• Early cabbage

• Cauliflower

Use a heated propagator or warm windowsill, and ensure plenty of light to avoid leggy seedlings.

Herbs to Sow Indoors

Many herbs are slow starters and benefit from February sowing:

• Basil (needs warmth)

• Parsley (takes time to germinate)

• Chives

• Thyme

• Oregano

• Sage

Herbs started now can be ready to plant out once the risk of frost has passed.

Flowers to Start Indoors or Under Cover

February is perfect for flowers that take longer to grow and bloom:

• Sweet peas (can also be sown in an unheated greenhouse)

• Petunias

• Snapdragons

• Geraniums (Pelargoniums)

• Begonias

• Lobelia

• Antirrhinums

• Violas

Starting flowers early leads to stronger plants and earlier summer displays.

Seeds to Sow Under Cover or Outdoors (Weather Permitting)

If the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, and especially in milder parts of the UK or coastal areas, you may be able to sow the following:

Under cloches, fleece, or cold frames

• Broad beans

• Early peas

• Spinach

• Lettuce (hardy varieties)

Outdoors (mild conditions only)

• Broad beans (traditionally sown now)

• Garlic (if not already planted)

• Shallots

Always check soil conditions—cold, wet soil can rot seeds.

Sue

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