Be Sure To Start Growing These Flower Seeds Early Before Spring Starts

As a dedicated gardener, I’m always thrilled to discover and share ways to give my garden a head start each year. One of the best strategies to ensure a vibrant and flourishing garden is to begin growing flower seeds early, even before spring officially arrives. Starting your seeds indoors or in a protected environment allows you to cultivate strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive once the warmer weather sets in. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just embarking on your gardening journey, planting these flower seeds early can make a significant difference in the success and beauty of your garden!

Growing flower seeds early offers numerous advantages, from extending your blooming season to enhancing the resilience of your plants. I know how disappointing it can be when late frosts or unpredictable weather stunt your garden’s progress, but by starting seeds ahead of time, you can mitigate these challenges and enjoy a more controlled and productive gardening experience. Let’s explore some of the most rewarding flower seeds to start early, each bringing its unique charm and benefits to your garden. These selections not only promise stunning blooms but also attract a variety of pollinators and add vibrant colors to your outdoor space!

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)

snapdragons
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Snapdragons are a fantastic choice for early sowing, bringing vibrant colors and unique shapes to your garden. Native to the Mediterranean region, these charming flowers thrive in cooler temperatures, making them perfect for starting indoors before transplanting outside once the weather warms up. Snapdragons come in a stunning array of colors, from bold reds and pinks to soft pastels, allowing you to create a lively and diverse floral display. They are not considered invasive, so you can enjoy their beauty without worrying about them taking over your garden!

One of the joys of growing snapdragons early is their ability to attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Their tubular flowers provide an excellent source of nectar, encouraging these beneficial insects to visit your garden regularly. Additionally, snapdragons have a fascinating pollination mechanism where their flowers resemble the mouths of dragons, snapping open when touched by pollinators. This interactive behavior not only enhances the garden’s ecosystem but also adds an element of fun and intrigue to your floral arrangements. Starting snapdragons early ensures that you have a robust and resilient plant ready to bloom beautifully throughout the spring and summer!

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

calendula
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Calendula, often known as pot marigold, is another excellent flower to start early. Originating from the Mediterranean, calendula thrives in cool weather and can be sown indoors well before the last frost date. These bright and cheerful flowers are not only stunning with their vibrant orange and yellow petals but also incredibly versatile. Calendulas are not invasive, making them a safe and delightful addition to any garden. Their hardy nature allows them to withstand cooler temperatures, ensuring a successful start even in less-than-ideal conditions.

What makes calendulas truly special is their ability to attract a range of beneficial insects, including ladybugs and hoverflies, which help control garden pests naturally. Their rich nectar also supports pollinators like bees, contributing to a healthy and balanced garden ecosystem. Additionally, calendulas have medicinal properties and are often used in herbal remedies, adding both beauty and functionality to your garden. By starting calendula seeds early, you ensure a vibrant display of flowers that not only enhances the visual appeal of your garden but also supports its overall health and productivity!

Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)

sweet pea
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Sweet peas are a beloved choice for early seed starting, renowned for their intoxicating fragrance and delicate, colorful blooms. Native to the Mediterranean, these climbing flowers prefer cooler temperatures during their initial growth stages, making them ideal candidates for indoor seed starting before transplanting outdoors. Sweet peas come in a dazzling variety of colors, including pinks, purples, whites, and blues, allowing you to create stunning vertical displays with trellises or supports. They are not considered invasive, so you can enjoy their beauty without concerns about them spreading uncontrollably.

Starting sweet peas early gives them a longer growing period, resulting in more abundant and prolonged blooms throughout the spring and summer. Their lovely scent attracts a plethora of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, enhancing the vibrancy and activity in your garden. Additionally, sweet peas are excellent for creating beautiful cut flower arrangements, adding a touch of elegance to your indoor and outdoor spaces. By planting sweet pea seeds early, you set the stage for a garden filled with fragrant, colorful blooms that delight the senses and elevate the overall ambiance of your garden!

Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist)

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Nigella, commonly known as Love-in-a-Mist, is a unique and charming flower perfect for early seed starting. Native to southern Europe, Asia, and North Africa, Nigella thrives in cool weather, making it an ideal candidate for indoor sowing before the onset of spring. These delicate flowers feature intricate, feathery foliage and captivating blooms in shades of blue, pink, white, and purple, surrounded by a “mist” of lacy bracts that add an enchanting touch to any garden. Nigella is not considered invasive, allowing you to enjoy its whimsical beauty without worrying about it overtaking your garden space.

One of the delightful aspects of growing Nigella early is its ability to attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers. The seeds of Nigella are also a favorite of birds, adding another layer of activity and life to your garden. Additionally, Nigella’s unique seed pods provide an attractive winter interest, with their intricate, spherical shapes that add texture and visual appeal even after the flowers have faded. By starting Nigella seeds early, you ensure a charming and versatile addition to your garden that continues to enchant throughout the seasons!

Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)

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Pansies are a staple for early gardeners, known for their vibrant colors and ability to thrive in cool weather. Originating from Europe, pansies can be sown indoors or directly outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. These hardy flowers come in an impressive array of colors and patterns, making them perfect for adding lively splashes of color to your garden beds, containers, and window boxes. Pansies are not invasive, so you can plant them with confidence, knowing they will enhance your garden without becoming a nuisance.

Starting pansies early allows them to establish strong roots and produce more robust blooms as the weather warms. Their cheerful and enduring flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which help to maintain a healthy garden ecosystem. Additionally, pansies are incredibly versatile, thriving in both sun and partial shade, and can even bloom through the first frosts of fall. By planting pansy seeds early, you ensure a long-lasting display of vibrant flowers that brighten your garden and provide continuous beauty throughout the cooler months!

Dianthus (Dianthus spp.)

dianthus
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Dianthus, often referred to as carnations or pinks, are a fantastic choice for early seed starting due to their preference for cooler temperatures. Native to Europe and Asia, these charming flowers are known for their spicy fragrance and fringed petals, which come in a variety of colors including pink, red, white, and purple. Dianthus thrives when started indoors early, allowing the plants to develop strong stems and vibrant blooms once transplanted outdoors. They are not considered invasive, making them a beautiful and safe addition to any garden.

Growing Dianthus early offers numerous benefits, including a longer blooming period and stronger resistance to pests and diseases. These resilient flowers attract a variety of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for a thriving garden ecosystem. Additionally, Dianthus can be used in a variety of garden settings, from borders and rock gardens to containers and hanging baskets, providing versatile design options. By starting Dianthus seeds early, you ensure a stunning and fragrant display that enhances the beauty and diversity of your garden throughout the spring and summer!

Borage (Borago officinalis)

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Borage is a unique and versatile flower that is perfect for early seed starting, bringing both beauty and functionality to your garden. Native to the Mediterranean region, borage thrives in cool weather and can be sown indoors before the last frost date. These striking flowers feature star-shaped blue blossoms and hairy, edible leaves, making them a delightful addition to any garden. Borage is not considered invasive, allowing you to enjoy its stunning appearance and beneficial properties without concern.

One of the standout features of borage is its ability to attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds, which are drawn to its abundant nectar. Additionally, borage flowers are edible and can be used to garnish salads, drinks, and desserts, adding a burst of color and flavor to your culinary creations. Borage also has soil-improving properties, as its deep roots help to break up compacted soil and bring nutrients to the surface. By starting borage seeds early, you ensure a garden that is not only beautiful and vibrant but also supports a healthy and productive ecosystem!

Bachelor’s Buttons (Centaurea cyanus)

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Bachelor’s Buttons, also known as cornflowers, are a delightful choice for early seed starting, offering vibrant blue, pink, white, and purple blooms that add a splash of color to any garden. Originating from Europe, these hardy flowers are well-suited to cool weather and can be sown indoors before transplanting outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Bachelor’s Buttons are not considered invasive, making them a safe and attractive addition to your garden without the risk of them spreading uncontrollably.

Starting Bachelor’s Buttons early provides them with the optimal conditions to develop strong stems and prolific blooms, ensuring a long and colorful flowering season. These charming flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem. Additionally, Bachelor’s Buttons are excellent for creating stunning wildflower borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens, offering versatility in your garden design. By planting Bachelor’s Button seeds early, you set the stage for a vibrant and lively garden that continues to flourish and impress throughout the spring and summer months!

Cody Medina
Small Scale Farmer
Hi there! I'm Cody, a staff writer here at The Garden Magazine and a small-scale farmer living in Oregon. I've been gardening most of my life and now live on a quarter-acre farmstead with chickens, ducks, and a big garden.