Seeds to Start in the Winter and Early Spring

 

“The only seeds I’d consider starting in December or January are seeds that benefit from a long period of cold (called cold stratification) in order to germinate successfully,” says Owen Taylor the founder of Truelove Seeds in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The plants he subjects to cold treatment include native plants like milkweed, purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and passionflower.

The next round of planting starts towards the end of January and runs into February. During this period, Taylor suggests starting perennials like lower-growing herbs indoors: lavender, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and mints.

For Pickett, late winter and early spring is the time to plant cool-weather vegetables in Florida.

“In our climate, around March, we plant crops like fava beans, kale, arugula, chard, spinach, and other leafy greens that can take a list frost, as well as potato tubers,” Pickett says.

Tips

To determine whether seeds are suitable to be started in the winter and when, consider:

• The length of the growing cycle (days from seed starting to harvest).
• The plant’s temperature tolerance.
• The last frost date in your area.

Source: thespruce©

Photo credit: AndreaObzerova / Getty Images