What Seeds to Plant in January, February, and March
From our nursery at Garden Starts Nursery, we start seeds indoors every winter — and January through March is one of the most exciting times of year for gardeners who grow from seed. The seeds you sow in these three months become the transplants that fill your garden come spring and summer. Getting the timing right makes an enormous difference in how your season unfolds.
This guide covers which seeds to plant in January, February, and March — including flowers, vegetables, and long-lead crops that need extra time indoors — along with growing tips, a product grid of seeds available right now, and answers to the most common questions gardeners ask about early-season seed starting.
Why January Through March Is Prime Time for Seed Starting
Most vegetable and flower transplants need 6–12 weeks of indoor growing time before they are ready to go outside. That means a plant you want to set out in May needs to be sown indoors in February or March. Some crops — like lisianthus, onions, and slow-growing peppers — need 10–14 weeks or more, which pushes their start date all the way back to January.
Counting back from your last frost date is the key to planning. But even if you are new to seed starting, the general guide below will give you a strong starting point for each month.
What Seeds to Plant in January
January is the month for your most demanding, slow-growing crops. These plants need a long head start because they grow slowly or require additional time to develop strong transplants before going outdoors.
Top Seeds to Start in January
- Lisianthus — One of the slowest flowers to grow from seed, lisianthus needs 10–14 weeks indoors before transplanting. January sowing sets you up for summer blooms. See our Growing Lisianthus From Seeds guide.
- Snapdragons — Start snapdragons 10–12 weeks before your last frost. See our Ultimate Snapdragon Seeds Growing Guide.
- Onions and leeks — These alliums need 10–12 weeks indoors. January is the right time in most zones.
- Pansies and violas — Cool-season flowers that benefit from a January start if you want blooms by early spring.
- Peppers — Hot and sweet peppers both benefit from a long indoor season. Starting in January gives them 12+ weeks before last frost.
- Petunias — Start petunias 10–12 weeks before transplanting outdoors. January sowing means beautiful, full plants ready for baskets and beds in spring.
- Begonias — Tuberous and fibrous begonias need 12–16 weeks from seed to transplant-ready size. See our Begonia Seed Starting Schedule by Zone.
- Hibiscus — Hardy hibiscus started in January will be ready to go out after last frost. See: Growing Hibiscus from Seeds: A Complete Guide.
- Coleus — A long indoor season makes for big, lush coleus transplants. Start in January for outstanding container and bedding plants.
What Seeds to Plant in February
February is one of the busiest seed-starting months. Most gardeners in zones 5–8 will be starting a wide range of flowers and vegetables this month, aiming for transplants ready to go out 8–10 weeks later.
Top Seeds to Start in February
- Tomatoes — Start tomatoes 6–8 weeks before your last frost. February is the sweet spot for most of the US. See: The Ultimate Guide to Tomato Seeds: Heirloom vs. Hybrid.
- Snapdragons — If you missed January, February is still an excellent time, particularly for zones with a later last frost date.
- Marigolds — French and African marigolds started in February will be full and flowering by transplant season. See our Complete Marigold Seeds Growing Guide.
- Petunias — February is the most common month to start petunias for spring basket and bed season.
- Pansies — Start now for cool-season transplants that will bloom as soon as temperatures allow.
- Eggplant — Like peppers, eggplant is slow and benefits from an early February start.
- Celery and celeriac — These crops need 10–12 weeks indoors and prefer February sowing.
- Impatiens — New Guinea and standard impatiens both need 8–10 weeks from seed to transplant.
What Seeds to Plant in March
March is the most active month for seed starting across most of North America. Gardeners in warmer zones (7–10) may be starting warm-season crops now, while northern gardeners are sowing crops that need 6–8 weeks before their last frost.
Top Seeds to Start in March
- Tomatoes — Gardeners in zones 7–9 often sow tomatoes in March for a late spring transplant date.
- Peppers — March starts work well for zones with later frost dates or milder climates.
- Marigolds — Fast-germinating French marigolds can go from seed to transplant-ready in 4–6 weeks.
- Coleus — A March start still gives you nice-sized coleus by planting time.
- Cucumbers and squash — Start indoors only 2–4 weeks before transplanting; direct sowing after frost is also excellent.
- Basil and herbs — Start herb seeds indoors in March for a jump on the herb garden season.
- Sunflowers — Can be started indoors in March, though direct sowing after last frost is equally effective.
- Zinnias and cosmos — Fast growers that can be started indoors in March or direct-sown after frost.
🌱 Shop Seeds to Start in January, February & March
From our nursery, here are top seeds to get your early-season starting underway:
Browse all varieties: Flower Seeds · Snapdragon Seeds · Pansy Seeds · Petunia Seeds · Lisianthus Seeds · Pepper Seeds · Tomato Seeds · Cut Flower Seeds · All Collections
Quick-Reference Seed Starting Calendar
| Crop | Start Month | Weeks Before Last Frost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisianthus | January | 12–16 weeks | Slow grower; needs long indoor season |
| Snapdragon | January–February | 10–12 weeks | Cool-season; tolerates light frost |
| Pansy / Viola | January–February | 10–12 weeks | Needs cool germination temps |
| Pepper | January–February | 10–12 weeks | Slow-growing; early start critical |
| Petunia | January–February | 10–12 weeks | Needs light to germinate; use pelleted seed |
| Begonia | January–February | 12–16 weeks | Tiny seed; needs surface sowing and warmth |
| Hibiscus | January–February | 10–12 weeks | Nick or soak seeds before sowing |
| Coleus | January–March | 8–12 weeks | Needs warmth and light; surface sow |
| Tomato | February–March | 6–8 weeks | Do not start too early; gets leggy |
| Marigold | February–March | 4–6 weeks | Fast germinator; easy for beginners |
| Eggplant | February | 8–10 weeks | Needs consistent warmth to germinate |
| Cucumber / Squash | March–April | 2–4 weeks | Start close to transplant date only |
Tips for Successful January–March Seed Starting
- Use a heat mat — Most seeds germinate best at 70–80°F. A seedling heat mat dramatically improves germination rates for peppers, tomatoes, and lisianthus.
- Light is critical — Winter days are short. Place seedlings under grow lights for 14–16 hours per day, keeping lights 2–4 inches above the seedling tops.
- Use a quality seed-starting mix — Do not use garden soil. A fine, sterile seed-starting mix provides the drainage and aeration young roots need.
- Label everything — Seedlings look alike. Label each tray or cell clearly at sowing time.
- Water from below when possible — Bottom-watering reduces damping off and keeps foliage dry.
- Thin seedlings — Once true leaves appear, thin to one strong seedling per cell.
Also see our detailed Lisianthus Seeds Complete Guide for one of the most rewarding early-start crops you can grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seeds should I start in January?
January is the time to start slow-growing crops: lisianthus, snapdragons, pansies, peppers, petunias, begonias, hardy hibiscus, onions, leeks, and coleus. These crops need 10–16 weeks indoors before they are ready to transplant outdoors.
What seeds should I start in February?
February is the busiest seed-starting month. Start tomatoes, marigolds, snapdragons, petunias, pansies, eggplant, and impatiens. Most need 6–10 weeks of indoor growing time.
What seeds should I start in March?
In March, start tomatoes (warmer zones), peppers, marigolds, coleus, herbs, and fast-growing flowers like zinnias and cosmos. Gardeners in zones 7–10 can also direct-sow some warm-season crops outdoors.
Can I start tomato seeds in January?
Starting tomatoes in January is usually too early. Tomatoes only need 6–8 weeks indoors, and plants started in January often become leggy before it is safe to plant outside. February or March is the right window for most zones.
How early is too early to start seeds indoors?
Starting too early leads to leggy, root-bound seedlings. Always count back from your last frost date using recommended weeks for each crop. When in doubt, start a little later — except for ultra-slow crops like lisianthus and begonias.
Do I need grow lights to start seeds in January and February?
Yes, for most gardeners. Winter days are too short for strong seedling growth. Grow lights set to run 14–16 hours per day make an enormous difference in seedling quality.
What is the easiest seed to start indoors in winter?
Marigolds, tomatoes, and coleus are among the easiest seeds to start indoors. They germinate reliably, grow quickly, and are forgiving for beginners.
Can I start flower seeds in January?
Absolutely. January is the right time for lisianthus, snapdragons, pansies, petunias, begonias, and hardy hibiscus — flowers that all need a long indoor growing period before going outside after last frost.
What vegetable seeds should I start in February?
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, celery, celeriac, and onions are all good February vegetable sowing choices for most zones.
Should I use a heat mat for winter seed starting?
Yes, especially for peppers, tomatoes, lisianthus, and begonias. A seedling heat mat helps maintain the 70–80°F soil temperature these crops need for reliable, fast germination.
How do I know when to start seeds based on my last frost date?
Find your average last frost date, then count backward using the recommended weeks-to-transplant for each crop. Most seed packets list this information. Start with that guidance and adjust based on your experience each season.
About Garden Starts Nursery
Garden Starts Nursery is a real working nursery that grows plants from seed every season. We sow lisianthus in January, fill our greenhouse with snapdragons and pansies in February, and transplant tomatoes and peppers as spring arrives. Everything we sell, we grow — and we share what we learn through our blog, videos, and seed collections.
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