Best Seeds to Start in Winter for Spring
Winter is here, and for those of us in the northern climate, we’ve got another 4-5 months before we can really get our hands in the soil. But if you’re up for a patience challenge, here are my top 12 best seeds to start in winter to get your garden rolling by spring. This list covers leafy greens, flowers, and perennials—so let’s get into it!
1. Marigolds
I gotta start with marigolds because they’re my favorite flower to grow every year. They’re easy to take care of, and once you get a couple going, expect a whole lot more to pop up in no time. One flower can give you 50+ seeds, making it a champion plant for any garden.
2. Echinacea (Purple Coneflower)
You can’t go wrong with this perennial. Once planted, they’ll keep coming back year after year. Their beautiful purple flowers add a pop of color, attract pollinators, and even make a great immune-boosting tea—perfect for fighting off winter colds. Plus, they produce plenty of seeds, so you’ll never run out.
3. Rhubarb
This one really tests your patience since it takes 10-12 weeks to establish, but once it’s in your garden, you’re set for years. It thrives through spring and summer, and if you want an early jumpstart, dig up the root, store it in the freezer over winter, and replant in spring.
4. Sage
A must-have herb that takes about 6-8 weeks before it’s ready to transplant. It flowers beautifully, but make sure to harvest a good bunch of leaves first—otherwise, the flavor can get a bit bitter. Great for cooking, medicinal uses, and even as a natural bug repellent.
5. Asparagus
One of the best perennial veggies to have in your garden. Once established, it just keeps coming back. But patience is key—start them in January or February to give them enough time to grow strong before transplanting.
6. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
Nothing stands out more than these tall, bright yellow or pink flowers with their bold cone centers, a true celebrity of gardens! Start them 6-8 weeks before transplanting in spring for a stunning summer display.
7. Lavender
If you want a little aromatherapy in your green space, lavender is the way to go. They have a slow germination rate, so don’t panic if you don’t see much action for the first few weeks. Just make sure they get plenty of light, whether from a grow light or a sunny windowsill.
8. Delphiniums
A true standout flower with tall, striking spikes of color. These guys benefit from cold stratification, so starting them at the beginning of winter gives them a head start for spring. Patience pays off with this one!
9. Thyme
A powerhouse herb that thrives with minimal care. Start thyme indoors 8-10 weeks before spring, and you’ll have a fragrant, drought-resistant plant ready to go. It’s great for cooking, attracts pollinators, and even works as ground cover in your garden.
10. Spinach
If you’re itching for some fresh greens before spring, spinach is one of the best leafy vegetables to start indoors. It germinates fast and can handle the cold, so once the weather warms up a bit, you can transplant it outside early for a quick harvest.
11. Foxglove
A stunning biennial flower that adds height and drama to your garden. The tall, bell-shaped blooms attract pollinators, and they reseed themselves once established. Start them early in winter for the best springtime results.
12. Milkweed
If you want to help out the butterflies—especially monarchs—milkweed is a must-grow. It needs cold stratification, so winter is the perfect time to start it indoors. Once planted in spring, it will establish itself and keep coming back every year.
Starting these seeds will be a task at hand, but nevertheless you’ll be most proud of your work when it gets warmer! (bonus points on being the champ that starts gardens from seeds too!)
Happy Gardening
Issac
