I will admit this is my first year doing this. I have always wondered what flower seeds to start indoors, but haven’t ever been able to do it because of space. I like to start a lot of my vegetable plants indoors. Luckily, I was able to get an indoor greenhouse to use this year, so I have a lot more room for seed starters! If you are interested in that, we shared a post about it here.
One thing you have to know about planting flowers or any type of garden is what your plant hardiness zone is. You don’t want to plant something meant for warm weather only in a place that gets too cold – it will die. This free plant hardiness zone map is great at helping you learn your zone. I am in a 6B zone which means I need to make sure all my perennials can withstand -5 degree temps.
You can also get an idea of the first and last frost dates with this free calculator. If you have already planted your flowers and garden and a freeze is expected, be sure to cover everything to keep your plants safe. Also, make sure the flowers/plants you choose are planted outside during the correct time. You may need to way a couple of weeks past the last frost to make sure it is warm enough. Choose the flowers you want and then research them better for your zone to understand if they are good for your area or not.
Flower seeds to start indoors
We have broken up the list of Flower seeds to start indoors by planting time. We haven’t differentiated zones. Make sure you research what you want to plant and when would be a good time to plant.
8-12 weeks before planting:
- Pansies
- Petunia
- Snapdragons
- Hollyhock
I have always enjoyed pansies and petunias in my garden. It’s a little cold here for Snapdragons, but I still try most years. I haven’t tried Hollyhock’s yet but I am going to this year! I can’t wait. Those were one of my sister’s favorite flowers to have in her yard.
6-8 weeks before planting:
- Bachelor’s Button
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Hyacinths
- Morning Glory
- Portulaca/Moss Rose
- Marigold (Calendula)
- Celosia
- Four-o-Clock
- Phlox
- Alyssum
- Lobelia
- Angelonia
I have had several of these in my yard and my sister and mother have as well. They are all so beautiful, it is hard to choose with so many options!
4-6 weeks before planting:
- Zinnia
- Pansy / Johnny Jump Up
- Nasturtium
- Cosmos
Zinnia’s and Cosmos are so beautiful and really easy to grow! These seeds all germinate quickly and will grow fast in the soil so you don’t have to pre-start them in the house if you don’t want.
Flower to plant directly into the soil:
- Sunflowers
- Zinnia
- Celosia
- Cosmos (every 2-3 weeks in the summer)
Have you tried growing any of these indoors? How did they turn out?
Flower seeds to start indoors
We also made this comprehensive list of What to Plant in your garden (and when) so you can understand the growing season better and have a yard that is always thriving!
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My parents loved to garden in their spare time.