What Seeds to Plant in October and December: Lisianthus, Anemone, Ranunculus, Geraniums & More
October and December might feel like the garden is winding down — but for serious flower growers, these two months are prime seed-starting season. Cool-season superstars like lisianthus, anemone, ranunculus, geraniums, pansies, and snapdragons all benefit from an early indoor start, giving you a massive head start on spring and summer blooms.
Whether you're a home gardener, cut flower grower, or flower farmer, this guide covers exactly what to plant, when to plant it, and how to get the best results from your fall and early winter seed starting.
🌸 Why October and December Are Prime Seed-Starting Months
Most gardeners think of spring as seed-starting season — but the most rewarding flowers actually need a long head start. Lisianthus, for example, takes 6–8 months from seed to bloom. Start in October or December, and you'll have stunning cut flowers by late spring or early summer. The same logic applies to ranunculus, anemone, and geraniums — all of which reward early starters with bigger, healthier plants.
Cool-season flowers also prefer germinating in cooler conditions, making fall and early winter the natural window for starting them indoors under lights.
🌿 1. Lisianthus Seeds — Start in October or December
Lisianthus is the crown jewel of the cut flower world — and it all starts with a tiny seed. These elegant blooms (often mistaken for roses or peonies) need the longest lead time of any flower on this list: 6–8 months from seed to bloom. That makes October and December the ideal starting window for late spring and summer flowers.
Lisianthus seeds are tiny and almost always pelleted for easier handling. Sow them on the surface of a fine seed-starting mix, press gently, and keep them at 70–75°F with consistent moisture. Germination takes 10–21 days. Once sprouted, they grow slowly at first — patience is everything with lisianthus.
Best varieties to start in October/December:
- Lisianthus Forever White — pure, elegant white blooms perfect for weddings and arrangements
- Florida Pink Lisianthus — soft pink, prolific, and stunning in bouquets
- Advantage Cherry Sorbet Lisianthus — a rich, warm bicolor that stops people in their tracks
👉 Browse all our lisianthus varieties →
🌺 2. Anemone Seeds — Start in October for Spring Blooms
Anemones are one of the most underrated cool-season flowers — and they're absolutely breathtaking in spring arrangements. With their jewel-toned petals and dark centers, they look like something out of a Monet painting. The key to success? Cool temperatures and patience.
Anemone seeds germinate best between 40–55°F, making October the perfect time to start them. Many growers use a cold stratification period of 2–4 weeks before sowing to improve germination rates. Sow seeds in a well-draining mix, keep them cool and moist, and expect germination in 2–4 weeks.
In Zones 7–10, anemone corms or seedlings can be transplanted outdoors in late fall for late winter and early spring blooms. In colder zones, keep them growing indoors until spring.
👉 Shop cool-season flower seeds →
🌼 3. Ranunculus Seeds — October Start for Stunning Spring Blooms
Ranunculus are the layered, tissue-paper beauties that have taken the floral world by storm — and yes, you can grow them from seed. Starting ranunculus seeds indoors in October gives you robust transplants ready for late winter or early spring planting.
Ranunculus seeds need cool germination temperatures (50–60°F) and good drainage. Sow pelleted seeds in individual cells, cover lightly, and keep consistently moist. Germination takes 10–20 days. Once established, they're surprisingly tough and will reward you with weeks of blooms.
Top ranunculus varieties to try:
- Ranunculus Mache Purple — deep, moody purple blooms that are stunning in arrangements
- Ranunculus Mache Lemon Rose Bicolor — a cheerful yellow-pink bicolor that brightens any bouquet
- Ranunculus Bloomingdale Fire Orange — bold, fiery orange for high-impact arrangements
🌹 4. Geranium Seeds — Start in December for Spring Transplants
Geraniums (Pelargonium) are a staple of spring containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes — and starting them from seed in December gives you full, blooming plants by the time warm weather arrives. They need 12–16 weeks from seed to flower, making December the sweet spot for spring color.
Sow geranium seeds in a fine seed-starting mix at 70–75°F. Germination takes 5–15 days. Once sprouted, move them under bright grow lights (14–16 hours/day) and keep temperatures around 65–70°F. Pinch seedlings once to encourage bushy growth.
Best geranium varieties to start in December:
- Black Velvet Salmon Geranium — striking dark foliage with salmon blooms — a showstopper
- Cascade Beauty Pink Trailing Geranium — perfect for hanging baskets and window boxes
- MultiBloom White Geranium — clean, classic white with exceptional bloom count
🌷 5. Pansy & Viola Seeds — October Start for Fall and Spring Color
Pansies and violas are the workhorses of the cool-season garden — and starting them from seed in October gives you transplants ready for fall planting in mild climates or early spring planting everywhere else. They're cold-hardy, cheerful, and incredibly rewarding from seed.
Sow pansy and viola seeds in a fine mix at 65–70°F. Cover lightly (they need some darkness to germinate). Germination takes 7–14 days. Once sprouted, move to cooler conditions (55–60°F) for stocky, compact growth.
- Cool Wave® Berries 'N' Cream Pansy — a trailing pansy perfect for baskets and containers
- Joker Mix Pansy — bold bicolor faces in a cheerful mix of colors
🌸 6. Snapdragon Seeds — Start in October or December
Snapdragons are cool-season cut flower royalty. They thrive in the cool temperatures of spring and fall, and starting them indoors in October or December gives you tall, fragrant stems ready to cut by late spring. They're also surprisingly cold-tolerant once established — surviving light frosts with ease.
Sow snapdragon seeds on the surface of a fine seed-starting mix (they need light to germinate — do not cover). Keep at 65–70°F. Germination takes 7–14 days. Grow under bright lights and transplant outdoors 4–6 weeks before your last frost date.
- Snapdragon Montego Mix — compact, early-blooming, and available in a gorgeous color range
📅 Quick Reference: October & December Seed-Starting Calendar
| Flower | Start Month | Weeks to Bloom | Germination Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisianthus | Oct or Dec | 24–32 weeks | 70–75°F |
| Anemone | October | 16–20 weeks | 40–55°F |
| Ranunculus | October | 16–20 weeks | 50–60°F |
| Geranium | December | 12–16 weeks | 70–75°F |
| Pansy / Viola | October | 10–14 weeks | 65–70°F |
| Snapdragon | Oct or Dec | 12–16 weeks | 65–70°F |
🛒 Shop Our October & December Seed Picks
Ready to start planting? Here are our top picks for fall and winter seed starting — all available now:
🌿 Browse Our Full Seed Collection →
📖 More Guides You'll Love
- When to Start Lisianthus Seeds Indoors (By Zone & Growing Group)
- When to Plant Ranunculus Seeds: The Complete Guide
- Anemone Seeds | Early Spring & Fall Flower Seeds for Vibrant Blooms
- The Secret to Abundant Summer Color: How to Start Geranium Seeds Indoors
- What to Plant in September by Zone: 12 Best Flowers & Seeds to Grow Now
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What seeds can I plant in October?
October is ideal for starting lisianthus, ranunculus, anemone, pansies, violas, snapdragons, and stock indoors. In mild climates (Zones 8–10), you can also direct-sow cool-season annuals outdoors for fall color.
What seeds should I start in December?
December is the perfect time to start lisianthus seeds indoors (they need 6–8 months to bloom), along with geraniums, primrose, and early-season snapdragons for spring transplants. Starting in December means blooms by late spring or early summer.
Can you plant ranunculus seeds in October?
Yes! Ranunculus seeds started indoors in October will be ready to transplant in late winter or early spring. They thrive in cool soil and produce stunning rose-like blooms that are perfect for cutting.
When should I start lisianthus seeds indoors?
Lisianthus seeds should be started indoors 6–8 months before your desired bloom date. Starting in October gives you blooms in late spring; starting in December gives you summer blooms. They're slow but absolutely worth the wait.
Are anemone seeds easy to grow?
Anemone seeds germinate best with cool temperatures (40–55°F) and benefit from cold stratification. Starting them in October indoors gives them the chill period they need for strong spring blooms. They're not the easiest, but the results are spectacular.
Can I start geranium seeds in December?
Absolutely. Geranium seeds started in December under grow lights will be full, blooming transplants by spring. They need 12–16 weeks from seed to flower and thrive under bright artificial light during the short winter days.
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