Winter Sowing Guide: 30+ Best Seeds to Plant in Winter
At Garden Starts Nursery, our working greenhouse in western Washington’s USDA Zone 8, we grow plants from seed and help gardeners choose seeds through Trailing Petunia. What seeds can you plant in winter? Hardy flowers such as columbine, coneflower and larkspur, followed by cool-season vegetables and herbs as spring approaches, are useful candidates. This winter sowing guide explains how to match each seed’s needs to your weather instead of treating every packet alike.
Winter sowing means planting in ventilated outdoor containers that act as miniature greenhouses. Rain and snow supply moisture, natural temperatures guide germination, and the containers protect the seedbed. It saves indoor growing space, but it is not a plant-and-forget method: drainage, temperature checks and spring ventilation matter.
Shop the Seeds Featured in This Guide
Which one should I choose? Choose Feeling Pink for compact perennial borders, Lilac Ripple for fragrant climbing flowers, or Orange King for cheerful cool-season annual color. Sow the annuals closer to spring in severe-winter climates. Prices below are USD at drafting and can change; check each product page before ordering.
25 Echinacea Seeds Feeling Pink Coneflower Seeds
$6.00 · 25 seeds
Best for compact sunny perennial borders. Follow packet-specific germination instructions; modern cultivars are not all dependent on chilling.
Shop Seeds: Feeling Pink
50 Sweet Pea Seeds Lilac Ripple – Fragrant Cut Flower Seeds
$4.50 · 50 seeds
Best for fragrant climbing cut flowers. Use deep containers and provide support. Ornamental only; poisonous if eaten.
Shop Seeds: Lilac Ripple
Calendula Seeds Orange King Flower Seeds 50 Seeds
$5.00 · 50 seeds
Best for bright annual color in cool-season beds. No routine cold-stratification treatment is needed.
Shop Seeds: Orange King CalendulaGrowing vegetables? Choose Green Magic for heading broccoli, Golden Cross 40 for an early cabbage, or Candy for mild yellow bulb onions rather than bunching onions. These are late-winter starts for spring planting, not a promise that seedlings will survive severe freezes. Follow packet directions and protect young plants as needed.
50 Broccoli Seeds Broccoli Green Magic F1
$5.00 · 50 seeds
Best for gardeners wanting uniform, tight broccoli heads. Time seed starting for spring transplanting; protect seedlings from hard freezes.
Shop Seeds: Green Magic Broccoli
Golden Cross 40 Cabbage Seeds – 50 Early Hybrid Cabbage Seeds
$4.00 · 50 seeds
Best for early, compact cabbage heads in home gardens. Start near your late-winter sowing window and transplant into suitable spring conditions.
Shop Seeds: Golden Cross 40 Cabbage
Candy Onion Seeds 250 Hybrid Onion Garden Vegetable Seeds (Day-Neutral)
$5.25 · 250 seeds
Best for large, mild yellow bulb onions for fresh eating and cooking. An intermediate-day selection; check local day-length suitability and allow time for transplant growth.
Shop Seeds: Candy Bulb OnionsHow to Winter Sow Seeds in Milk Jugs
Cold stratification is a period of moist chilling that helps overcome dormancy in certain seeds. Cold tolerance means a plant can withstand some low temperatures. These are different traits: a frost-tolerant seedling may come from seed that needs no chilling at all. Freezing dry seed is not the same as moist stratification.
- Prepare a container. Wash a translucent gallon jug. Cut around it below the handle, leaving a hinge. Work carefully with cutting tools. Remove the cap permanently.
- Add drainage. Make several bottom holes and confirm water drains freely. Do not stand the jug in a water-filled saucer.
- Fill with mix. Add about 3–4 inches of fresh, freely draining seed-starting or fine potting mix. Moisten thoroughly and let excess water escape. Avoid compacted garden soil.
- Sow correctly. Follow the packet’s depth and light requirements. Press light-requiring seed onto the surface rather than burying it. Sow thinly, using one variety per container.
- Label twice. Put a durable label inside and write the variety and sowing date outside. Record any required chilling period.
- Close, but ventilate. Tape the cut seam while leaving the neck open. Other container designs need ventilation holes. A sealed container is unsafe for seedlings.
- Place outdoors. Choose a stable, protected position exposed to winter weather and light, away from roof runoff. Secure jugs against wind and animals.
- Check moisture. Keep the mix damp, not saturated. Check beneath the surface; condensation alone does not tell you whether roots have water.
- Watch for germination. Seedlings appear when conditions suit the species. Inspect frequently once weather warms, opening tops before sunshine overheats them.
- Transplant thoughtfully. Move sturdy seedlings with true leaves and developed roots into workable soil. Gradually increase exposure to wind and open air first.
From our nursery perspective, consistent seedbed conditions beat an ambitious sowing date. Pelleted seeds need dependable moisture to dissolve their coating, making them less forgiving of outdoor drying and soaking cycles. Reserve some expensive or specialty seed for a controlled backup sowing.
20 Best Flower Seeds for Winter Sowing
These winter sowing flowers cover several different germination strategies. “Early winter” below means the settled cold season; “late winter” means approaching your local cool-season planting window. Always let the species and packet override a general list.
1. Echinacea / Coneflower
Species coneflowers often benefit from moist chilling, so early-winter sowing can be useful. Modern seed strains differ; do not assume Feeling Pink or Prairie Blaze requires the same treatment as a wild species. Once established, coneflowers suit sunny perennial beds.
2. Columbine
Many Aquilegia seeds benefit from cold-moist treatment. Sow early enough to provide the packet’s chilling period, then allow spring temperatures to trigger growth. Protect tiny seedlings from drying winds.
3. Delphinium
Cool conditions suit many delphiniums, but chilling requirements vary by species and strain. Start in winter according to the packet, with excellent drainage. Hunky Dory White is Delphinium grandiflorum, not a tall elatum-type delphinium.
25 Delphinium Seeds Delphinium Hunky Dory White · 25 seeds · $6.50. Best for compact white-flowered displays. Shop Seeds: Hunky Dory White
4. Lupine
Lupines may have hard seed coats; packet-directed scarification can matter more than chilling. Sow in individual deep cells or transplant young to limit root disturbance. Avoid prolonged waterlogging.
Lupine Seeds Lupini Mix 25 Seeds Perennial Seeds Lupinus Seeds · 25 seeds · $5.25. Best for compact mixed-color perennial planting. Shop Seeds: Lupini Mix
5. Digitalis / Foxglove
Many garden foxgloves germinate without mandatory chilling. Surface-sow light-requiring seed nearer late winter and protect emerging seedlings from severe freezes. All parts are poisonous if eaten; keep away from children and pets.
Digitalis Seeds Dalmatian Peach 50 Pelleted Seeds Foxglove Seeds · 50 pelleted seeds · $6.00. Best for peach-toned flower spikes; carefully manage pellet moisture. Shop Seeds: Dalmatian Peach
6. Hollyhock
Hollyhocks generally do not require cold stratification. Late-winter sowing provides an early start without unnecessary months in saturated mix. Transplant before roots become crowded and allow airflow around mature plants.
Hollyhock Seeds Halo Perfect Pink 25 Alcea Seeds · 25 seeds · $5.00. Best for tall cottage-garden accents. Shop Seeds: Halo Perfect Pink
7. Rudbeckia / Black-Eyed Susan
Check the species: perennial Rudbeckia fulgida and shorter-lived R. hirta selections are not interchangeable. Some seed lots benefit from moist chilling; others germinate readily without it. Allow extra time for perennial establishment.
50 Rudbeckia Seeds Rudbeckia Fulgida Goldsturm · 50 seeds · $4.00. Best for sunny perennial borders. Shop Seeds: Goldsturm
8. Poppies
Hardy poppies often suit cool outdoor sowing. Requirements differ among annual and perennial species. Sow thinly at packet depth and transplant very young, or direct-sow where they will grow when practical.
9. Larkspur
Annual larkspur favors cool germination and cool-season establishment. Sow during winter in mild climates, later toward spring in colder ones. Avoid disturbing developed roots. Larkspur is poisonous if eaten.
10. Dianthus
Many garden dianthus varieties need no stratification. Use late-winter sowing and free drainage. Match the particular species’ hardiness to your garden rather than assuming all dianthus survives the same cold.
Dianthus Seeds 25 Pelleted Seeds Dianthus Diana Lavender Picotee · 25 pelleted seeds · $5.00. Best for compact containers; use careful late-winter moisture management. Shop Seeds: Diana Lavender Picotee
11. Shasta Daisy
Many Shasta daisy strains germinate without chilling. Sow in late winter, following the packet’s light instructions. Plan for gradual establishment rather than guaranteed first-year flowers.
12. Yarrow / Achillea
Many cultivated yarrows need light and no mandatory stratification. Surface-sow as directed near late winter, keeping the fine seedbed moist without burying the seed under heavy mix.
13. Perennial Salvia
Choose hardy perennial species such as Salvia nemorosa, not tender bedding salvia. Many cultivated strains need no chilling. Sow nearer spring and avoid wet, stagnant conditions.
Salvia Salvatore Blue 25 Salvia Seeds Perennial · 25 seeds · $6.00. Best for compact sunny perennial borders. Shop Seeds: Salvatore Blue
14. Calendula
Calendula is a cold-tolerant annual, not a seed requiring stratification. Sow during mild winters or toward late winter in colder areas, anticipating germination during a suitable warm spell.
15. Bachelor’s Buttons / Cornflowers
These cool-season annuals generally need no chilling treatment. Sow in late winter; autumn sowing is another option in suitable mild climates. Thin promptly so seedlings develop sturdy stems.
16. Sweet Peas
Sweet peas enjoy cool growing conditions but do not routinely need stratification. Use deep containers and packet-directed seed preparation. In severe climates, wait until late winter rather than risking germinated seedlings through prolonged extreme cold.
17. Snapdragons
Snapdragons are useful cool-season flowers with tiny, light-requiring seed. Sow near late winter and monitor surface moisture. Seedlings tolerate cool conditions better than overheating inside closed jugs.
50 Seeds Snapdragon Rocket Mix · 50 seeds · $4.75. Best for taller mixed-color flower displays. We have grown Rocket snapdragons at our nursery. Shop Seeds: Rocket Mix
18. Pansies
Pansies suit cool-season gardens, but seed germination commonly needs darkness and moderate temperatures. Follow the packet’s covering instructions and sow nearer late winter. Cold-tolerant plants do not mean frozen seedbeds produce quick germination.
Pansy Seeds 50 Spring Matrix Purple And White NEW KIND!! · 50 seeds · $5.00. Best for contrasting cool-season container color. Shop Seeds: Spring Matrix Purple and White
19. Violas
Many garden violas need no cold treatment, while some species do. Use the packet’s instructions for depth and darkness. Late-winter sowing is a practical starting point for cultivated bedding strains.
Viola Seeds Sorbet XP Midnight Glow 50 Seeds · 50 seeds · $5.00. Best for compact cool-season pots and edging. Shop Seeds: Midnight Glow
20. Phlox, Where Appropriate
Perennial garden phlox can require an extended cold-moist period; sow early according to its packet. Annual Phlox drummondii does not share that requirement. Identify the species before deciding when or how to sow.
Build your winter seed selection: combine hardy perennial experiments with later-sown annuals, rather than putting every variety outdoors on one date. Explore our flower seed collection for more choices.
8 Vegetable Seeds for Winter Sowing
Winter sowing vegetables usually means a late-winter start for spring transplants, not leaving all crops outside through the coldest months. Most familiar cool-season vegetables need no stratification.
| Vegetable | Practical approach |
|---|---|
| Spinach | Use cool conditions; direct sowing may be simpler because roots dislike disturbance. |
| Kale | Start in late winter; thin for sturdy transplants and protect very young seedlings. |
| Broccoli | Time seedlings for a cool growing period, not summer heat. |
| Cabbage | Allow room for root development and move plants before containers become crowded. |
| Cauliflower | Use extra care: young plants are less forgiving of severe cold and other stress. |
| Swiss chard | Start closer to spring; prolonged cold can encourage premature bolting in susceptible plants. |
| Onions | Sow early enough for transplant development; choose day-length types suitable for your latitude. |
| Leeks | Allow a longer seedling period and keep the mix evenly moist. |
Tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers generally require warmer germination and frost-free growing conditions. A milk jug does not provide reliable freeze protection. Save them for a suitable warm-season start rather than copying the hardy-perennial calendar. Browse easy-to-grow vegetable seeds, checking each crop’s needs.
5 Herbs for Winter Sowing
Parsley can germinate slowly; late-winter sowing suits a patient grower. Chives are a practical cool-season choice. Thyme and oregano have tiny seeds: follow light and surface-sowing directions, and avoid saturated mix. Marjoram can be started nearer spring, but do not assume its seedlings tolerate the same cold as hardy perennial herbs.
These culinary herbs do not all require stratification. Wait for suitable germination temperatures, especially with tender selections, and save basil for warmer conditions. Explore our herb seed collection for packet-specific choices.
Winter Sowing Calendar by USDA Growing Zone
Use these approximate Northern Hemisphere planning windows, not fixed planting dates. USDA zones describe average annual extreme minimum temperatures, not last frost dates. Coastal and inland gardens in the same zone can need different schedules. Count backward from local transplant timing and supply any required chilling period.
| Zone | Hardy perennials needing chilling | Cool-season annual flowers | Cool-season vegetables |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | December–February | March–April | March–April |
| 4 | December–February | February–April | March–April |
| 5 | December–February | February–March | February–March |
| 6 | December–January | January–March | February–March |
| 7 | November–January | January–February | January–February |
| 8 | November–January | January–February | January–February |
| 9 | November–January; check chilling | November–February | November–February |
| 10 | Natural chilling often insufficient | November–January, crop-dependent | November–January, crop-dependent |
In Zones 9–10, prescribed refrigerator stratification may be more dependable for cold-dependent species. Avoid closed containers during warm sunny weather. In colder zones, delay frost-sensitive seedlings even if a brief thaw tempts you to sow early.
Winter Sowing Troubleshooting
Mold and seed rot: improve drainage and ventilation, remove decaying debris, and reduce crowding. A persistent swampy smell or collapsing seedlings warrants attention; fresh mix and a new sowing may be necessary.
Excessive moisture: check that holes are open and the jug is not sitting in pooled water. In wet western Washington winters, keeping containers away from roof drips and raising them on a draining surface is especially important. Shelter from driving rain if needed, while maintaining outdoor temperatures and checking moisture yourself.
Frozen containers: un-germinated seeds of appropriate hardy species can remain outdoors, but emerged seedlings have different limits. Do not repeatedly move dormant jugs into a heated house; protect vulnerable seedlings according to the forecast.
Slow germination: check the species, chilling instructions, moisture and temperature before declaring failure. Some perennial seeds emerge unevenly. Keep records so next season’s timing is based on your garden.
Early sprouting and overheating: open tops as weather demands and increase ventilation gradually. A sunny day can overheat a jug even when outdoor air feels cool. Protect new growth during a hard freeze without sealing it in sunshine afterward.
Transplant stress: move seedlings on a mild, preferably overcast day. Handle roots gently, water afterward and give temporary protection from strong wind. Wait if garden soil is frozen or waterlogged.
Shop Our Seed Collections
Choose by purpose rather than filling your cart at random: combine a perennial border variety, an annual for quicker seasonal color and a cut-flower favorite.
Browse Flower Seeds, Cut Flower Seeds, Pelleted Flower Seeds, Salvia Seeds, Snapdragon Seeds and Dianthus Seeds. Pelleting describes seed handling, not winter hardiness. Check every selection before outdoor sowing.
For food gardens, explore vegetable seeds for beginners and Herb Seeds. Visit all seed collections to plan the rest of your garden.
Winter Sowing for Flower Farmers? Shop Bulk Seeds!
Flower farmers, greenhouse growers and gardeners planting larger areas can explore larger seed packets at Trailing Petunia Bulk Seeds. Test unfamiliar varieties in small batches before scaling up, and keep records of germination and transplant survival.
Our regular store and bulk store have separate carts and checkouts. Regular-store discounts and shipping offers do not apply to bulk orders; review the bulk store’s own pricing and shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What month should I start winter sowing?
Start cold-dependent hardy perennials during settled winter, allowing their required chilling period. Start most cool-season annuals and vegetables later, as your local spring planting window approaches.
What are the easiest seeds for winter sowing?
Calendula, bachelor’s buttons and kale are approachable choices when timed correctly. Begin with inexpensive seed and a few well-drained containers while learning your climate.
Can I winter sow seeds in January?
Yes. January can suit cold-dependent perennials in many climates and selected cool-season crops in mild areas. It is not a universal starting date for every seed.
Can I winter sow seeds in February?
Yes. February is useful for many cool-season annuals and vegetables, depending on local weather. Seeds needing a long chilling period may require an earlier start or controlled treatment.
Which perennial seeds need cold stratification?
Many columbines and perennial garden phlox need or benefit from moist chilling. Some coneflowers and rudbeckias also benefit, but requirements vary by species and cultivar.
Can I winter sow vegetables?
Yes. Kale, cabbage and other cool-season crops can work as late-winter starts. Tender vegetables need warmer conditions and protection from frost.
Does winter sowing work in Zone 8?
Yes, with suitable seeds and careful management. In wet coastal Zone 8 gardens, drainage and ventilation deserve particular attention; inland Zone 8 gardens can face different conditions.
How do I prevent mold in milk jugs?
Use clean containers, fresh mix, open drainage holes and continuous ventilation. Avoid overcrowding and standing water. Check moisture instead of watering on a fixed schedule.
When should I open winter-sowing containers?
Leave jug caps off from the beginning. Open tops further when sunshine or warmer weather could overheat seedlings, then gradually increase exposure while watching cold forecasts.
When can winter-sown seedlings be transplanted?
Transplant after true leaves and healthy roots develop, once soil and weather suit the species. Gradually acclimate them to open conditions; do not plant into frozen or saturated ground.
Start Small, Grow a Beautiful Spring Garden
Choose the right seeds, provide drainage and let weather guide your next step. This guide covers 33 flower, vegetable and herb types, but your best winter sowing seeds are the ones suited to your climate and the care you can provide.
Shop flower seeds for your winter sowing plan. Buy five or more items for 15% off at checkout, and enjoy free U.S. shipping on orders of $35 or more. For larger quantities, visit our separate bulk seed store.
Keep Growing with Garden Starts Nursery
Separate stores, carts and checkouts. Regular-store discounts and shipping offers do not apply to bulk orders.
About Garden Starts Nursery
Garden Starts Nursery is a working nursery and greenhouse in western Washington’s USDA Zone 8. We grow plants from seed and bring that practical perspective to Trailing Petunia, where we sell seeds for home gardeners and growers. Explore our Gardening Network and Subscribe to us on YouTube for more growing inspiration.