As winter begins to fade and the promise of spring emerges, February is a month filled with potential for garden enthusiasts. This transitional period offers a perfect opportunity to sow various flowers that will bloom vibrantly by the time warmer weather arrives. In this guide, we will explore a diverse array of flowers you can start in February, discussing their characteristics, care requirements, and the joy they can bring to your garden.
Cosmos
Cosmos are delightful, carefree flowers that can bring a burst of color to any garden. Known for their daisy-like appearance, these annuals are perfect for starting in February, especially in warmer climates where the ground can be worked early. They thrive in well-drained soil and require full sun, making them an excellent choice for sunny borders.
When planting cosmos, opt for varieties such as Cosmos bipinnatus and the more compact Cosmea ‘Sonata’. These flowers can grow quite tall, often reaching heights of 4 to 5 feet, with plume-like foliage that adds texture to your garden. With colors ranging from white and pink to vibrant reds and oranges, they are pollinators’ favorites.
These flowers are generally low-maintenance and can withstand a little neglect, making them excellent for beginners. Regular deadheading promotes continuous blooming, while watering during dry spells ensures they remain healthy. Planting cosmos in February ensures that they’ll be well-established by the time summer rolls around.
Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are cherished for their fragrant blooms and delicate, colorful petals. February is a prime time to sow these lovely flowers, especially in regions with mild winters. They can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors for transplanting later. These climbing annuals appreciate a support structure, such as trellises or fencing, and can reach heights of 5 to 6 feet.
When growing sweet peas, choose from a variety of types, including heirloom varieties that have rich scents. They enjoy fertile, well-draining soil and should be planted in a sunny location. While sweet peas are relatively hardy, they do require consistent moisture to thrive. The sweet fragrance of mixed colors, from soft pastels to bold, vibrant tones, can transform your garden into a fragrant oasis.
As the flowers bloom, they also draw in beneficial pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of your space. February planting allows a head start, and by late spring, your garden will be dressed in their sweet scent and vibrant colors.
Salvias
The salvia family encompasses a rich variety of flowering plants that are prized for their long blooming periods and appealing colors. Many species can be started in February, with Salvia nemorosa and Salvia splendens being popular choices. These hardy perennials and annuals are adaptable and make excellent additions to gardens for their dense flower spikes and aromatic foliage.
Salvias prefer well-draining soil and full sun, making them suitable for various garden settings. Along with their aesthetic appeal, they are known to attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. The colors range from deep blue and violet to fiery reds and yellows, offering endless choices for various design themes.
Care for salvias is straightforward: regular deadheading and occasional pruning can prolong their blooming season. They are drought-tolerant once established, making them a good option for low-maintenance gardens. Planting salvias in February will enable them to grow robustly, providing continuous bloom throughout the summer months.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are classic garden flowers appreciated for their unique, dragon-shaped blooms and vibrant color variations. Starting snapdragons in February allows gardeners to enjoy their full growth potential by the time spring is in full swing. Available in a variety of heights, from dwarf varieties to tall ones reaching two to three feet, snapdragons can fit any garden style.
These perennial plants favor a sunny position with well-drained soil that retains some moisture. They are unique in that they can bloom in cool weather, making February a splendid time to plant them in many regions. Snapdragons are also known for their longevity, providing blooms that can last into the fall if the conditions are right.
Ensure to provide some support for taller varieties to keep them upright. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, encourages lush growth and vibrant blooms. Given their charm and versatility, snapdragons are a worthy addition to any flower bed, inviting curious gardeners and pollinators alike.
Painted Daisy
The painted daisy, or Tanacetum corymbosum, brings a unique charm with its multicolored flowers that resemble a classic daisy but offer added complexity. February is an ideal month to sow these robust perennials, which can endure various weather conditions, making them a reliable choice for gardeners wanting early blooms.
These flowers prefer well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade largely, thriving in a variety of settings, from borders to wildflower gardens. The vibrant petals can vary from deep reds and bright yellows to oranges, creating a cheerful atmosphere in any garden.
Caring for painted daisies is relatively low-stress. They require moderate watering, particularly in extended dry periods. Their resilience means they often self-seed, naturalizing beautifully in garden spaces. Starting them in February will allow for ample time to take root and bloom magnificently as spring approaches.
Verbascum
Verbascum, commonly known as mullein, is a striking plant often characterized by its tall spikes filled with sizable, distinctive flowers. Starting verbascum in February is particularly effective for growers who wish to establish eye-catching vertical elements in their gardens. Mullein is known to be a biennial or short-lived perennial, offering impressive blooms in its second year.
These flowers thrive in well-draining, poor to average soil and prefer full sun. While they are adaptable, they do need ample room to grow since some species can reach heights of up to 6 feet. Verbascum flowers come in shades of yellow, white, and purple, providing a spectacular contrast in flower beds.
Verbascum is relatively low-maintenance, requiring little intervention once established. They attract pollinators, and their tall, spiky bloom formation adds visual interest. Successfully starting verbascum in February will reward gardeners with its architectural blooms come summer, elevating any garden design.
Foxglove
Foxglove, or Digitalis, is a magnificent biennial flower that offers mesmerizing tubular blooms arranged in clusters. Starting foxglove seeds in February allows plants to establish during the growing season for a stunning display the following year. Foxgloves thrive in partially shaded spots with well-draining, humus-rich soil.
While foxglove can reach up to 5 feet tall, regular watering and fertilization during their growing season significantly promote their growth and flowering potential. Their charming structures in shades of purple, pink, or white invite pollinators, adding allure to any outdoor space.
It’s essential to note that all parts of the foxglove plant are toxic, so handling with care is advisable. Despite their toxicity, they are a valuable addition to gardens, enriching the ecosystem. Starting them in February provides ample time for them to mature and dazzle with their characteristic bloom spikes that provide a romantic, wildflower feel.
Violas
Violas are charming, small flowers that are often confused with pansies but have their unique appeal. Hailing from the Viola family, these petite blooms can be planted in February, especially in colder zones where they can provide early spring color. Violas are known for their heart-shaped leaves and vibrant blooms ranging from deep purples to brilliant yellows.
These hardy annuals thrive in a variety of soil types but perform best in well-draining soil with some organic matter. They prefer partial to full sun and can handle cool temperatures, often blooming right through late spring. Regular deadheading is necessary to promote continuous blooming throughout their growing period.
Violas make excellent ground cover and can easily fill in garden spaces while helping deter weeds. Planting them in February allows for ample establishment time, providing a colorful display just as other spring flowers begin to emerge.
Cornflower
Cornflower, or Centaurea cyanus, is a charming, classic garden flower known for its rich blue color. This annual is particularly suited for late winter sowing, as it prefers cooler temperatures to germinate. Cornflowers are not only beautiful but also attract beneficial pollinators, making them an excellent choice for eco-conscious gardeners.
These flowers thrive in well-drained soils and full sun, requiring moderate watering to remain vibrant. Cornflowers can reach heights of 1 to 3 feet, and they are often seen in cottage gardens and wildflower patches, adding a naturalistic touch to any space.
Being easy to grow, cornflowers readily self-seed, which encourages ongoing productions of blooms year after year. Starting cornflowers in February allows you to witness their striking blue blooms heralding spring as they emerge vigorously.
Pincushion
Pincushion flowers, or Scabiosa, are a delightful addition to any garden. Their unique rounded blooms resemble pincushions sticking out with delicate petals creating a pleasing visual effect. February is the right time to start these flowers, particularly because they thrive in cooler temperatures and are drought tolerant.
Pincushion flowers enjoy full sun and are best grown in light to average soil, which can be sandy or clay-based. This adaptability allows them to thrive in various garden settings, from borders to rock gardens. They are prolific bloomers, providing a range of colors, including shades of blue, white, pink, and purple.
Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming and helps prevent them from becoming leggy. Starting pincushions in February will afford plant enthusiasts plenty of blooms to relish by late spring.
Marigold
Marigolds are a garden staple well-loved for their vibrant colors and pest-repelling qualities. They are among the easiest flowers for beginners and can be planted in February to ensure a robust showing by summer. With varieties ranging from French marigolds to African marigolds, their heights can vary from 6 inches to 3 feet.
These flowers thrive in full sun and are not picky about soil types, although well-drained soil is best. Their bright yellows, oranges, and reds contribute significantly to garden aesthetics while pairing beautifully with other plants in flower beds.
Marigolds can even provide natural pest control by repelling unwanted insects. Regular watering and deadheading will ensure a continued supply of blooms throughout the growing season. Beginning marigolds in February allows gardeners time to prepare for an outstanding summertime display.
Canterbury Bells
Canterbury Bells are renowned for their large, bell-shaped blooms reminiscent of the traditional English cottage garden. These biennial flowers can be started indoors in February or sown directly into the ground, benefitting from a cool growing period before blooming magnificently in summer.
They prefer well-drained, rich soil and thrive in partial to full sun. Canterbury Bells can often reach heights of 1 to 3 feet, depending on the conditions. Their color palette includes shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, creating enchanting visual harmonies in garden spaces.
Once established, these plants require moderate watering. When planted in February, expect delightful blooms in late spring through summer, perfect for bouquets or adding elegance to flower beds.
Stocks
Stocks, or Matthiola, are prized for their rich fragrance and dense clusters of blooms. Starting stocks in February offers a chance to enjoy their tumultuous layering of petals and pleasant scent that can effectively fill gardens and borders. They thrive best in cooler temperatures of spring and fall.
These annual plants prefer sunny locations with well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. They can grow anywhere from 12 to 24 inches tall, and they come in colors ranging from soft pastels to intense jewel tones, making them incredibly versatile for garden design.
Preventing overcrowding and providing adequate air circulation through spacing is essential for healthy growth. Regular deadheading will keep the blooms coming, gifting gardeners with sweet scents and vibrant colors throughout the growing season.
Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks are striking vertical flowers known for their towering stalks and large, colorful blooms. These biannual plants can be started from seeds in February, particularly in areas with milder winters. Hollyhocks can easily reach heights of 6 feet or more, making them an excellent backdrop flower in any garden.
Hollyhocks thrive best in well-drained soil, with ample sunlight, though they can tolerate some shade. They have a variety of colors from pinks to dark maroons, providing bold splashes of color ideal for creating a focal point.
Maintaining moisture, especially during dry spells, and allowing for adequate air circulation can prevent many common pests and diseases. Starting hollyhocks in February gives your garden time to establish these statuesque beauties that will bloom magnificently in summer.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is a favorite among gardeners for its low-growing habit, delightful fragrance, and beautiful clusters of small flowers. The perfect starter flower for February, sweet alyssum thrives in cooler temperatures and is suitable for containers or as ground cover.
These annual plants prefer full sun to partial shade and enjoy well-drained soil. With their trail of delicate blooms in shades of white, lavender, or pink, they can create a carpet of color and fragrance throughout gardens and pathways.
They require regular watering, particularly in dry spells, and deadheading may improve blooming duration. Planting sweet alyssum in February promises a lovely display that will attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, enhancing the ecosystem and beauty of your garden.
Larkspurs
Larkspurs, known for their stunning spikes of flowers, are ideal for starting in February to fill gardens with vibrancy during the summer months. These annuals or biennials come in a variety of colors and can grow impressively tall, creating dramatic visual interest.
Preferring well-drained soil and full sun, larkspurs can reach heights of up to 4 feet. Planting them in early February allows for their robust establishment before the warmer months arrive. Their colorful spikes, often a mix of blues, purples, pinks, and whites, offer an elegant addition to borders or cutting gardens.
This species is relatively easy to care for—regular watering during dry periods and deadheading promote continuous blooming. Larkspurs love cool weather but will bloom gloriously when planted in February, allowing for delightful summer displays.
Echinacea
Finally, Echinacea, or coneflowers, are renowned for their hardiness and stunning daisy-like blooms that attract pollinators. Starting these perennials in February ensures they have ample growing time, making them a true favorite among garden lovers. Echinaceas thrive best in full sun with well-drained soil.
These robust flowers produce long-lasting blooms in various colors, including pink, purple, and white, standing tall at about 2 to 4 feet. They also have medicinal properties, making them valuable both for aesthetics and practicality.
Echinaceas are drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal care while effectively retaining moisture in the soil. Starting them in February allows for a flourishing display by summer, providing beauty and attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.
Conclusion
February marks an exciting time for gardeners eager to bring beauty and color back to their landscapes. Starting flowers such as cosmos, sweet peas, and salvias fosters a seamless transition from winter’s dormancy to spring’s full bloom. From the fragrant sweet alyssum to towering hollyhocks, each flower has its unique characteristics that contribute to a vibrant and thriving garden.
