February marks a transitional period in North Carolina’s gardening calendar. It’s a time when winter is slowly loosening its grip, offering gardeners an opportunity to get a head start on the planting season across various USDA zones within the state, which range from Zones 7a to 8a.
Whether you’re hoping to harvest fresh vegetables, cultivate beautiful flowers, grow aromatic herbs, or enhance your landscape, February is ripe with opportunities. In this guide, we will explore the best plants to sow in February across different categories, including vegetables, flowers, herbs, and landscape plants.
Vegetables To Plant In February
When it comes to vegetables, February is an exciting time for North Carolina gardeners. The earlier you start, the better your yields will be come harvest time. Below are ten vegetables you can plant this month, including their temperature tolerances and ideal planting dates.
1. Lettuce
Temperature Tolerance: Lettuce thrives in cool weather, with optimal germination around 60-65°F. It can withstand light frosts, making it an excellent choice for early planting.
Planting Dates: In North Carolina, you can start planting lettuce seeds outdoors as early as February 15 in the Piedmont and coastal areas, while in the mountains, you might want to wait until the last week of February to reduce the risk of frost damage.
2. Spinach
Temperature Tolerance: Spinach is another cool-season vegetable that can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40°F. It grows best in temperatures between 50-70°F.
Planting Dates: Sow seeds in February in all regions. You might start as early as February 1 in the coastal regions and up until February 28 in the higher elevations of the mountains.
3. Peas
Temperature Tolerance: Peas are hardy and can tolerate light frosts. They germinate best between 45-75°F.
Planting Dates: You can start planting peas in mid-February in the southern and coastal regions, while gardeners in the northern mountains should wait until later in the month to avoid frost.
4. Radishes
Temperature Tolerance: Radishes are quick-growing and can germinate at temperatures as low as 40°F. They prefer cooler environments under 70°F.
Planting Dates: Begin planting radish seeds outdoors in early February throughout North Carolina, particularly in well-drained, prepared soil.
5. Carrots
Temperature Tolerance: Carrots prefer cooler weather, and while they can germinate at temperatures as low as 40°F, they develop best between 60-70°F.
Planting Dates: Early-to-mid February is the optimal time for planting carrots in the coastal and Piedmont zones, while the mountain regions can start planting by the end of the month.
6. Broccoli
Temperature Tolerance: Broccoli prefers cooler temperatures, thriving best between 60-70°F and can handle light frosts.
Planting Dates: You can begin transplanting broccoli seedlings outdoors in mid to late February in most areas, while the western parts of the state should wait until late February to ensure a stable environment.
7. Kale
Temperature Tolerance: Kale is exceptionally cold hardy and thrives in temperatures between 50-70°F, making it suitable for early spring gardening.
Planting Dates: February is a perfect time to sow kale seeds directly in the ground, especially as the month progresses; it can be seeded throughout the state.
8. Mustard Greens
Temperature Tolerance: Mustard greens are cold-tolerant and can survive light frosts, preferring temperatures below 75°F for optimal growth.
Planting Dates: Similar to kale, you can sow mustard greens by mid-February in most of the state, depending on the specific region.
9. Swiss Chard
Temperature Tolerance: Swiss chard is quite resilient, germinating best in temperatures between 50-85°F but can withstand some cooler temperatures.
Planting Dates: While it can be planted in late February in the mountainous areas, the coastal regions can commence planting by mid-February.
10. Cabbage
Temperature Tolerance: Cabbage can withstand frost and grows well in cooler temperatures ranging from 60 to 70°F.
Planting Dates: Begin sowing cabbage seedlings outdoors in mid-February across North Carolina, particularly in the coastal and Piedmont zones.
Flowers To Plant In February
Gardening in February isn’t just about vegetables; you can also begin planting a vibrant array of flowers. This month is prime time for getting a jump start on your floral garden, especially in the warmer lowland regions. Here are ten flowers suitable for planting this month.
1. Pansies
Temperature Tolerance: Pansies thrive in cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frost, making them perfect for early spring planting.
Planting Dates: In North Carolina, pansies can be planted starting in early February all over the state, particularly in the Piedmont and coastal areas.
2. Snapdragons
Temperature Tolerance: Snapdragons prefer cool weather, ideally germinating at temperatures from 50-70°F.
Planting Dates: These flowers can be seeded outdoors in early to mid-February, mainly in the southern regions, and later in the month for the mountains.
3. Calendula
Temperature Tolerance: Calendulas can survive light frosts and prefer cooler temperatures between 50-68°F.
Planting Dates: For optimal blooming, you can start planting calendula seeds in mid-February across most of North Carolina.
4. Dianthus
Temperature Tolerance: Dianthus prefers cooler weather and grows well in temperatures around 60°F, surviving light frosts.
Planting Dates: You can start sowing dianthus in mid to late February in the warmer zones of North Carolina.
5. Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)
Temperature Tolerance: This flower is hardy and thrives best in cooler temperatures, making it suitable for February planting.
Planting Dates: Sweet William can be seeded in mid-February throughout all regions of North Carolina.
6. Ornamental Cabbage
Temperature Tolerance: Ornamental cabbage is tolerant of cold weather and continues to show good color even under frost conditions.
Planting Dates: This unique plant can be set out in the garden from early to mid-February, especially in coastal zones.
7. Foxglove (Digitalis)
Temperature Tolerance: Foxgloves prefer cooler conditions and can endure frost in their early stages.
Planting Dates: For flower diversity, sowing foxglove seeds can commence mid-February in the warmer regions, like the Piedmont and coastal areas.
8. Johnny Jump Ups
Temperature Tolerance: These small flowers can handle cold weather and will bloom brightly in cool temperatures.
Planting Dates: Begin planting Johnny Jump Ups outdoors in early to mid-February across North Carolina.
9. Spring-blooming Bulbs.
Temperature Tolerance: Bulbs prefer cool to moderate temperatures, as too much warmth can hinder their growth.
Planting Dates: Mid-February is suitable for planting various spring-blooming bulbs across most areas in North Carolina.
10. Larkspur
Temperature Tolerance: Larkspur thrives in cooler temperatures, typically around 60-70°F, and can survive gentle frosts.
Planting Dates: Seeds can be planted in late February throughout the state to enjoy their rich colors come spring.
Herbs To Plant In February
If you enjoy growing your own herbs, February is a fantastic month for starting a variety of flavorful and aromatic plants. Herbs often thrive in cooler temperatures and can be started soon for a bountiful harvest later. Below is a list of herbs you can plant in February in North Carolina.
1. Parsley
Temperature Tolerance: Parsley germinates best in cooler temperatures, around 60°F, and can tolerate light frosts.
Planting Dates: You can seed parsley directly in your garden by mid-February across North Carolina.
2. Cilantro
Temperature Tolerance: Cilantro thrives in cooler temperatures and prefers to germinate between 50-75°F.
Planting Dates: Sow cilantro seeds directly in your garden as early as mid-February, particularly in the warmer coastal regions.
3. Chives
Temperature Tolerance: Chives are hardy perennial herbs that can withstand frost and prefer cooler temperatures.
Planting Dates: You can start planting chive seeds outdoors in early to mid-February in all regions.
4. Mint
Temperature Tolerance: Mint also tolerates cooler weather quite well but prefers temperatures above freezing for germination.
Planting Dates: In North Carolina, you can set out mint seedlings by mid-February in the coastal and southern areas.
5. Thyme
Temperature Tolerance: Thyme is quite hardy and can tolerate frost, making it ideal for planting in February.
Planting Dates: In warmer regions, thyme can be seeded in mid-February, while in the mountains, later in the month is safer.
6. Oregano
Temperature Tolerance: Oregano prefers moderate temperatures for germination (60-70°F) but can tolerate light frosts.
Planting Dates: Start oregano seeds in late February across North Carolina, especially in the warmer areas.
7. Basil
Temperature Tolerance: Basil does not fare well in cold temperatures; however, you can start seeds indoors to transplant later.
Planting Dates: Begin basil indoors in January, but for outdoor planting, wait until temperatures are consistently warm, typically in early March.
8. Dill
Temperature Tolerance: Dill prefers cool to moderate temperatures for germination but can grow well in warmer temperatures up to 75°F.
Planting Dates: Mid to late February is appropriate for sowing dill seeds across North Carolina.
9. Sage
Temperature Tolerance: Sage is quite resistant to frost and can thrive in cooler temperatures.
Planting Dates: Start sowing sage seeds in mid-February primarily in the southern regions.
10. Tarragon
Temperature Tolerance: Like other hardy herbs, tarragon can survive light frosts while preferring temperatures around 60°F.
Planting Dates: You can begin planting tarragon seeds outdoors by the end of February, especially in the coastal regions.
Landscape Plants To Plant In February
February is also an excellent time to focus on enhancing your landscape. By choosing the right plants for your environment, you can create a stunning and diverse garden that increases in beauty as the months progress. Below are ten landscape plants suitable for planting in February.
1. Camellias
Temperature Tolerance: Camellias prefer cooler seasons for planting, as they enjoy well-drained soil and can handle mild frosts.
Planting Dates: You can plant camellias any time from early February onwards in North Carolina’s warmer regions.
2. Azaleas
Temperature Tolerance: These popular shrubs thrive in moderate temperatures and can handle cooler conditions.
Planting Dates: February is a great time to plant azaleas in the coastal and Piedmont areas, though the mountain regions may wait until late February.
3. Dogwoods
Temperature Tolerance: Dogwoods prefer temperate conditions and can handle light frosts, which is suitable during this time of year.
Planting Dates: Mid to late February is ideal for planting dogwood trees across North Carolina.
4. Hydrangeas
Temperature Tolerance: Most hydrangeas are resistant to cooler temperatures but prefer temperatures that do not drop below freezing too frequently.
Planting Dates: Begin planting hydrangea shrubs in mid to late February in warmer regions.
5. Forsythia
Temperature Tolerance: Forsythia is a hardy shrub that can withstand cold weather and blooms vibrantly in spring.
Planting Dates: February is an excellent time to plant forsythia in North Carolina as it is the right time to reposition or plant new bushes.
6. Hellebores
Temperature Tolerance: Hellebores are perfect for early planting as they can tolerate frost and prefer moderate temperatures.
Planting Dates: Start planting hellebores in early to mid-February, taking into consideration soil temperature stability.
7. Junipers
Temperature Tolerance: Junipers are frost-resistant and hardy plants, making them good candidates for planting in February.
Planting Dates: Mid-February is an excellent time to plant junipers throughout North Carolina.
8. Liriope
Temperature Tolerance: Liriope can tolerate cold and thrives in temperatures that are mild and moderate.
Planting Dates: Liriope can be planted in February for both ground cover or as an accent plant in all regions.
9. Heather
Temperature Tolerance: Heather can handle some frost and prefers cooler temperatures for optimal blooming.
Planting Dates: Mid to late February is suitable for planting heather across North Carolina.
10. Nandina
Temperature Tolerance: Nandina is another hardy shrub that survives in cool temperatures and doesn’t require much maintenance.
Planting Dates: February is an ideal time to plant nandina shrubs in warm and temperate regions of North Carolina.
Conclusion
February in North Carolina presents a golden opportunity for gardeners. With the right planning, you can sow a fruitful spring garden filled with vibrant vegetables, lovely flowers, aromatic herbs, and robust landscape plants. By understanding the temperature tolerances and specific planting timelines for the varying regions across the state, you can maximize your gardening success.
