As the frost of winter begins to thaw, gardeners across Georgia look ahead to a bountiful spring. February is a critical month for preparing your garden, ensuring that the soil is ready and that the right seeds and plants are sown. Given Georgia’s diverse USDA hardiness zones ranging from 6a to 8b, what you can plant this month varies widely depending on your specific zone.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various vegetables, flowers, herbs, and landscape plants that thrive in February in Georgia, paying close attention to their temperature tolerances and ideal planting periods.
Vegetables To Plant In February
Peas (Pisum sativum)
Temperature Tolerance: Peas can handle temperatures as low as 28°F but thrive in the cool weather of early spring.
Planting Dates: In most parts of Georgia, peas can generally be sown from February through early March. It’s ideal to plant them as soon as the soil can be worked.
Details: These legumes are great for improving soil health due to their nitrogen-fixing capabilities. They require full sun and well-drained soil.
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Temperature Tolerance: Spinach grows best in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 60°F but can survive light frosts.
Planting Dates: Seeds can be directly sown into the garden from mid-February into early March.
Details: Spinach is rich in iron and other nutrients, making it a perfect addition to any garden. It’s best grown in a location with partial shade to prevent bolting.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Temperature Tolerance: Lettuce prefers cool temperatures between 45°F and 65°F, but it can tolerate mild frosts.
Planting Dates: You can start sowing lettuce seeds in early February for a continuous harvest until late spring.
Details: Lettuce varieties such as romaine and butterhead are easy to grow. Providing moisture and partial shade can help prolong the growing season.
Carrots (Daucus carota)
Temperature Tolerance: Carrots can withstand light frost but grow best when temperatures are consistently above 50°F.
Planting Dates: In Georgia, carrots can be sown in February through March.
Details: They require loose, well-drained soil for proper root development. Carrots can take longer to germinate, so patience is key.
Radishes (Raphanus sativus)
Temperature Tolerance: Radishes can thrive in cool conditions, tolerating temperatures down to 28°F.
Planting Dates: Start sowing radishes as early as late January and continue through February.
Details: They are quick-growing vegetables and can be harvested in as little as three weeks, making them perfect for early spring gardeners.
Onions (Allium cepa)
Temperature Tolerance: Onions can survive temperatures as low as 20°F.
Planting Dates: February is the time to start planting onion sets and transplants in Georgia.
Details: Onions prefer full sun and loose soil. Selecting varieties suited to your specific area helps ensure a successful harvest.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Temperature Tolerance: Garlic needs cold temperatures for bulb formation but can handle lows of 0°F when established.
Planting Dates: While traditionally planted in the fall, late February is also an optimal time for planting garlic cloves in milder areas.
Details: This flavorful bulb thrives in well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with plenty of sunlight.
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica)
Temperature Tolerance: Broccoli is frost-hardy down to 20°F.
Planting Dates: Start seeds indoors in late February and transplant seedlings outdoors by March.
Details: Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable that benefits from ample sunlight and regular watering. It may require some fertilization if grown in heavy clay soils.
Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla)
Temperature Tolerance: Swiss chard can tolerate light frost but prefers temperatures between 55°F and 75°F.
Planting Dates: Seeds are best sown directly in the garden from mid-February onwards.
Details: Its colorful stems and local adaptability make it a favorite in gardens. Swiss chard is tolerant of poor soil conditions.
Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica)
Temperature Tolerance: Kale is hardy and can survive down to 20°F.
Planting Dates: Sow seeds in the ground or start indoors in February, transplanting in March.
Details: This nutrient-dense leafy green is perfect for salads or cooked dishes. Kale tastes sweeter after a frost.
Flowers To Plant In February
Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)
Temperature Tolerance: Pansies can handle cold temperatures down to 25°F.
Planting Dates: In Georgia, pansies can be planted as early as mid-February.
Details: These hardy flowers offer vibrant colors and are ideal for early spring blooms. Regular deadheading encourages prolonged flowering.
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Temperature Tolerance: Snapdragons thrive in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F and can tolerate light frosts.
Planting Dates: Plant snapdragons in late February for blooming in early spring.
Details: These flowers attract pollinators and are excellent for borders. Well-draining soil and adequate sunlight are essential.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Temperature Tolerance: Calendula grows well in cool weather but can survive mild frost.
Planting Dates: Early February is the best time to sow these cheerful flowers.
Details: Known for their medicinal properties, calendulas are easy to grow from seeds and provide continuous blooms.
Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)
Temperature Tolerance: Sweet peas can withstand cool temperatures down to 25°F.
Planting Dates: Seeds can be sown directly in the garden in February.
Details: These fragrant blooms climb and require support. Planting in well-drained soil enhances growth and flower production.
Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea)
Temperature Tolerance: Foxgloves can tolerate frost but thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F.
Planting Dates: Sow seeds in February for blooms in the spring.
Details: These biennial plants produce striking spikes of flowers but require well-drained soil along with partial shade.
Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
Temperature Tolerance: Lobelia can tolerate cool temperatures and light frosts.
Planting Dates: Seeds can be started indoors in February for transplanting in March.
Details: Known for its cascading habit, lobelia thrives in containers or hanging baskets, offering beautiful blue flowers.
Johnny Jump-Ups (Viola arvensis)
Temperature Tolerance: Similar to pansies, these hardy annuals can survive cold temperatures.
Planting Dates: They can be sown in open ground in February.
Details: These charming little flowers self-seed and create an enchanting look in gardens. They prefer cooler temperatures for optimal growth.
Primroses (Primula vulgaris)
Temperature Tolerance: Primroses can survive down to 20°F.
Planting Dates: Now is a good time to plant them outdoors for early spring blooms.
Details: Primroses add color early in the season and perform well in shade with regular moisture.
Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Temperature Tolerance: Columbine can tolerate frost and thrive in cool weather.
Planting Dates: Sow seeds in February for blooms in the spring.
Details: Their unique flower shape attracts hummingbirds. Columbine prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.
Dianthus (Dianthus spp.)
Temperature Tolerance: Dianthus can handle light frost but prefers cooler temperatures.
Planting Dates: Seeds can be sown in late February for vibrant spring blooms.
Details: Known for their fragrant flowers, dianthus can adapt to different soil types. They are perfect in borders or rock gardens.
Herbs To Plant In February
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
Temperature Tolerance: Cilantro tolerates cool temperatures and light frost down to about 30°F.
Planting Dates: Cilantro can be sown directly in the garden from mid-February.
Details: This herb grows quickly and is used fresh in various culinary dishes. Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Temperature Tolerance: Chives are hardy herbs, surviving freezing temperatures once established.
Planting Dates: Seeds can be sown outdoors in February.
Details: Chives are a perennial herb that adds a mild onion flavor to dishes. Plant them in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Temperature Tolerance: Parsley can handle temperatures as low as 20°F and thrives in cooler weather.
Planting Dates: Seeds can be sown in late February.
Details: This biennial herb adds flavor to many dishes and is also rich in vitamins. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade during hotter months.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Temperature Tolerance: Thyme is a hardy perennial herb that can survive in temperatures below freezing.
Planting Dates: Sow seeds indoors in February for transplanting later.
Details: This aromatic herb requires full sunlight and well-draining soil. Regular pruning encourages a bushier growth habit.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Temperature Tolerance: Oregano is resilient and can survive light frost.
Planting Dates: Seed starting can begin indoors in February for garden planting later.
Details: This popular herb prefers sunny spots and well-drained soil. It thrives in drier conditions, so over-watering should be avoided.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Temperature Tolerance: Sage can tolerate cold and is frost-hardy once established.
Planting Dates: Sow seeds indoors in late February.
Details: Known for its distinctive flavor, sage does well in sunny areas with excellent drainage. Pruning will help maintain its vigor.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Temperature Tolerance: Basil is sensitive to cold but can thrive in warm temperatures after the final frost.
Planting Dates: Start seeds indoors in February, but be ready to transplant after frost danger has passed.
Details: This favorite culinary herb requires warm soil and full sun. Pests like aphids can be a problem, so keep an eye on your plants.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Temperature Tolerance: Fennel can tolerate cool, mild frost but prefers warmer growing conditions.
Planting Dates: Sow seeds directly in early February.
Details: This herb adds flavor and texture to dishes, and both the fronds and bulbs are edible. It thrives in rich, well-drained soil.
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Temperature Tolerance: Dill can handle cool conditions down to about 30°F.
Planting Dates: Seeds can be sown directly outdoors in late February.
Details: This annual herb grows quickly and is commonly used for pickling. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
Temperature Tolerance: French tarragon can tolerate light frost.
Planting Dates: February is an optimal time to plant this herb indoors for later transplanting.
Details: Known for its unique flavor, tarragon requires a sunny area and thrives in well-drained soil.
Landscape Plants To Plant In February
Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.)
Temperature Tolerance: Azaleas can tolerate temperatures down to 5°F.
Planting Dates: February is a great time to plant bare-root azaleas in Georgia.
Details: Known for their stunning blooms, azaleas prefer acidic, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. They make excellent foundation plants.
Camellias (Camellia japonica)
Temperature Tolerance: Camellias can withstand temperatures as low as 10°F.
Planting Dates: Plant camellias in late February for the best results.
Details: These evergreen shrubs produce beautiful flowers in winter and early spring, adding color when most other plants are dormant. They prefer bright shade.
Magnolias (Magnolia spp.)
Temperature Tolerance: Magnolias can handle frosts when established but should be sheltered if tender.
Planting Dates: February is an excellent time to plant magnolias, particularly in milder regions of Georgia.
Details: Known for their large, fragrant flowers, magnolias thrive in well-drained, rich soil and require full sun to partial shade.
Hellebores (Helleborus spp.)
Temperature Tolerance: Hellebores can thrive in temperatures as low as 0°F.
Planting Dates: Late February is ideal for planting hellebores to encourage blooms come spring.
Details: These shade-loving perennials are great for woodland gardens. Their lovely flowers can emerge even when snow is still on the ground.
Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum)
Temperature Tolerance: Japanese maples can tolerate light frosts; choose planting dates carefully in cold areas.
Planting Dates: Late February is advisable when the ground has thawed.
Details: Their striking foliage provides visual interest throughout the year. While they prefer partial shade to protect from scorching, proper watering is critical.
Liriope (Liriope muscari)
Temperature Tolerance: Liriope is hardy and can survive cold climates with minimum temperatures around 10°F.
Planting Dates: February is an excellent time to plant liriope in garden beds or borders.
Details: This drought-tolerant groundcover is useful for controlling erosion and provides lovely spikes of purple flowers in late summer.
Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)
Temperature Tolerance: Daylilies are hardy perennials capable of surviving winters in Georgia.
Planting Dates: Begin planting daylilies in late February to take advantage of the spring growing season.
Details: These robust plants offer plentiful blooms and are pest-resistant, making them a favorite among gardeners. They thrive in full sun.
Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Temperature Tolerance: Sedum can tolerate cold and is quite hardy.
Planting Dates: February is a great month for planting sedum cuttings or divisions.
Details: Known for their succulent leaves, sedums are great for drought-prone areas and are often used in rock gardens.
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Temperature Tolerance: Lantana can tolerate light frosts but prefers warm temperatures.
Planting Dates: February is when you can start seeds indoors for later transplanting, as lantana is sensitive to frost.
Details: This drought-tolerant plant attracts butterflies and provides vibrant colors, making it perfect for sunny borders.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Temperature Tolerance: Coreopsis is durable and can handle several degrees of frost.
Planting Dates: Late February to early March is ideal for planting coreopsis seeds.
Details: These bright perennial flowers bloom profusely and are excellent for attracting pollinators. They thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
In conclusion, February in Georgia is a crucial period for gardeners. With the right planning and knowledge of hardiness zones, you can sow a variety of vegetables, flowers, herbs, and landscape plants. From the frost-tolerant greens to vibrant blooms that signal the arrival of spring, this month allows you to cultivate a flourishing garden that will thrive in the months to come.
