While spring might still feel like a while away, homeowners will need to plant some seeds now for them to grow and bloom in time for the warmer months.
Whether you sow seeds every year or 2026 is your first time, it’s worth knowing which seeds need to be sown now.
To help you out, we asked experts to share their tips for planting flowers to make your garden bright and colourful come spring.
Which flower seeds should you sow now to be ready for spring?
Luke Newnes, content creator and gardening expert at Hillarys, said now is a great time to get planting: “This is one of my favourite times of year, that moment where you can start planting the seeds that’ll burst into colour come spring. It always feels like a fresh start.”
He said he’s “sowing hardy annuals and perennials that don’t mind the cold snaps we still get”, including the likes of cornflowers, poppies, aquilegia and foxgloves.
He added that these plants “actually love that winter chill because it helps them establish strong roots before the warmer weather hits.”
Kate Turner, gardening guru at Miracle-Gro and its Lovethegarden blog site, said she would sow seeds for snapdragons, sweet peas and begonias in January.
When it comes to snapdragons, she suggested sowing the seeds “indoors in a greenhouse or other sheltered area”.
Fruit and veg you can grow in different months of the year
Kate added: “Sow the seeds on the surface and place them somewhere warm and bright, like a heated windowsill, and ensure the compost stays moist, but not wet. Once your seedlings are sturdy and the risk of severe frost has passed, they can be planted outdoors in borders or pots.”
If you’d like to grow some sweet peas, she advises: “Sow the seedlings in pots with a cold frame, as sweet peas are hardy and enjoy cool conditions at this stage, and so avoid overly warm indoor spaces.
“Plant one or two seeds per pot and ensure they get plenty of light. As the seedlings grow, pinch out the tips to promote bushy growth and later, provide strong supports like bamboo canes or trellis for climbing.”
For begonias, you’ll need some warmth to help them grow: “Annual begonias can also be started from seed now, but do note that they require warmth and light to germinate. Ensure you begin growing them indoors and cover them with a propagator lid or plastic wrap to retain humidity.
“Begonias should be kept around 21–25°C and once seedlings are strong, you can harden them off gradually before planting them out once frost subsides. This careful start will give your garden a splash of bright colour the minute we hit spring.”
Elise Harlock, floral expert at Prestige Flowers, also suggests sowing sweet pea seeds now as well as cornflowers, nigella and larkspur.
She said they can be started off “either in pots, seed trays or even straight into the ground if conditions are really mild.”
Elise added: “Half-hardy flowers such as cosmos, zinnias and marigolds also benefit from being started early on a bright windowsill or in a greenhouse, giving them a head start before they’re moved outside later in spring.
“Perennials like delphiniums, foxgloves and aquilegia can also be sown now, although they need a little patience as they’re slower to germinate and grow.”
How to sow seeds for spring in winter months
If you’re looking for tips when it comes to sowing these seeds, Luke advises not to think about it too much: “My biggest tip is always: don’t overthink it. Seeds want to grow. Give them a free-draining compost, keep the soil just moist but never soggy and place them somewhere cool and bright.
“If you’ve got a cold frame or an unheated greenhouse, even better. These early sowings don’t need heat; they need patience.”
Luke adds: “I always tell people that what you’re really doing now is laying the groundwork. You won’t see much happening above the soil, and that’s completely normal.
“Underground, though, those roots are setting the stage for a seriously impressive display come March and April.”
He also suggests labelling all your pots because, as the plants start to grow, they can look similar and you might get them mixed up before they fully bloom.
Elise agrees with Luke as she shared that gardeners should “always use fresh, free-draining seed compost rather than garden soil, which can be too heavy and may contain pests or disease.”
Recommended reading:
- Cleaning expert warns this laundry mistake could be damaging your health
- Brits urged to leave eggs in their gardens — Here’s the reason why
- Gardeners urged to prune these 3 plants in January before time runs out
She adds: “Sow seeds thinly to avoid overcrowding, cover lightly if required, and water gently so you don’t dislodge or drown them. A bright, warm spot with plenty of light is essential, but avoid direct heat from radiators, which can dry seedlings out quickly.
“Keeping the compost just moist, rather than wet, is key not to drowning young seedlings too. Once seedlings appear, good airflow and light help prevent them from becoming weak.
“Turning trays regularly ensures even growth, and pricking out seedlings into individual pots gives them room to develop strong root systems. As spring approaches, hardening plants off gradually by introducing them to outdoor conditions during the day will help them adapt and reduce the risk of shock.”
Have you sown any seeds for spring yet? Let us know which flowers you’re hoping to have in your garden this spring in the comments below.
Share