January is the perfect time to start thinking about your garden for the year ahead. If you’re looking for a bright and colorful display of blooms, then planting flower seeds in January is a great way to get started. From columbine and foxglove, to lavender and dahlias – there are so many gorgeous varieties that thrive when planted early in the season. Petunias, calendula, snapdragons yarrow sweet peas milkweed dianthus delphinium ajuga bellflower – all these flowers can be sown from seed during this month. Get ready now so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy them come summertime.
1. Columbine
Columbine is a beautiful flower that blooms in the spring and adds a touch of color to any garden. It has delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. Planting columbine seeds in January will give you a head start on the growing season and ensure that your garden is full of these lovely blooms come springtime.
The best way to plant columbine seeds is to scatter them over freshly tilled soil or potting mix, or by winter sowing the seeds. Make sure they are lightly covered with soil or compost so they have enough moisture for germination. Keep the soil moist but not soggy until the seedlings emerge after about two weeks. Once they’ve sprouted, thin out any overcrowded plants by gently pulling them up from their roots and discarding them elsewhere in your garden or compost pile.
Once established, columbines need little care other than occasional watering during dry spells and an occasional trimming back if necessary to keep it looking tidy. Columbines prefer partial shade but can tolerate some sun as long as there’s plenty of water available during hot summer days. They also do well when planted alongside taller perennials like foxglove or lavender (which we’ll chat about next) as they can provide protection from harsh winds while still allowing plenty of light for growth and flowering throughout the season.
2. Foxglove
Foxglove is an elegant flower that adds a beautiful touch to any garden. With tall spires of bell-shaped blooms in shades of pink, purple, yellow and white, foxglove can be the perfect addition to your outdoor space. Planting foxglove seeds in January-February will give you plenty of time for them to germinate and bloom by summertime. Plus, they are deer resistant so you don’t have to worry about them being eaten away.
When planting foxgloves it’s important to choose a spot with partial shade or full sun exposure depending on the variety you choose. Foxgloves prefer well-drained soil with lots of organic matter added such as compost or manure. When planting your seeds make sure not to cover them too deeply as this may prevent germination from occurring properly. Water regularly but avoid over-watering which can cause root rot and other diseases in plants.
Once established foxgloves require minimal maintenance aside from deadheading spent flowers and cutting back stems after flowering has finished for the season. It’s also important to note that some varieties of foxglove are toxic if ingested so take care when gardening around children or pets who might come into contact with these plants while playing outdoors.
3. Lavender
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that can be used in many ways. It has long been prized for its calming scent, but it also has culinary uses as well. The flowers of lavender are purple and have a sweet aroma when dried or fresh. Planting lavender seeds in January will give you plenty of time for them to germinate and bloom by summertime.
When planting your lavender, make sure to choose an area with full sun exposure, good drainage, and some protection from the wind if possible. If you’re planting multiple plants together, leave at least 18 inches between each one so they don’t crowd each other out. When watering your lavender plants, do so lightly but consistently throughout the growing season; too much water can cause root rot or other diseases.
Once established, lavender is quite drought tolerant so you won’t need to worry about overwatering it. Pruning back the stems after flowering will help keep your plant healthy and encourage more blooms later on in the season as well. You may also want to consider adding mulch around your plants to retain moisture during dry spells – just be careful not to cover up any new growth coming through.
4. Dahlias
Dahlias are a great choice for any North American garden. They come in an array of vibrant colors, from bright reds and oranges to delicate pinks and whites. Plus, they’re easy to care for so you don’t have to be a gardening expert to enjoy them.
When planting dahlia seeds, it’s best to start in January or February. This will give the plants plenty of time to germinate before summertime arrives. Planting the seeds indoors is recommended as this will help protect them from extreme temperatures and other weather conditions that could affect their growth. When transferring your seedlings outdoors, make sure you choose a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil; otherwise, your flowers may not bloom properly or at all.
Once planted outside, dahlias need regular watering throughout the growing season – about once every week should do the trick – but be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot or fungal diseases. Fertilizing is also important; use an organic fertilizer specifically designed for flowering plants like dahlias twice during the growing season (spring and summer). Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers throughout the season too.
5. Petunias
Petunias are one of the most popular flowers for summer gardens. These cheerful annuals come in a variety of colors, from vibrant pinks and purples to subtle yellows and whites. Petunia blooms have trumpet-shaped petals that add texture and depth to any garden. Planting petunia seeds in January will give you plenty of time for them to germinate and bloom by summertime.
When it comes to planting petunias, there are several options available depending on your gardening style. If you’re looking for an easy way to get started with these beautiful flowers, consider buying pre-packaged flower seedlings at your local nursery or home improvement store. This is a great option if you don’t want to wait until spring or early summer when temperatures are more suitable for starting plants from seed indoors or outdoors.
If you prefer growing petunias from seed, be sure to purchase high-quality seeds that haven’t been sitting on the shelf too long as they can lose their viability over time. Start the seeds indoors six weeks before your last frost date so they’ll be ready when outdoor temperatures warm up enough for transplanting into your garden beds or containers outside after all danger of frost has passed in late spring/early summer (depending on where you live).
Once planted, keep an eye out for signs of wilting due to heat stress during hot weather spells as well as potential pests like aphids which can damage leaves and buds if left unchecked – regular inspection will help catch problems early before they become too severe. Additionally, deadheading spent blooms helps promote new growth throughout the season while also keeping plants looking tidy overall; this simple task should only take a few minutes each week but makes a big difference in how healthy & attractive your garden looks.
Finally, remember that petunias attract butterflies – so make sure there are plenty of nectar sources nearby such as other flowering plants like lavender and yarrow. Additionally, provide shallow dishes filled with water to offer essential hydration points during dry spells. With just a little bit of effort each month (watering and deadheading), these cheerful annuals will bring beauty and joy into your life all season long.
6. Calendula
Calendula is a beautiful, easy-to-grow flower that will add bright color to any garden. This hardy annual grows in full sun or partial shade and blooms from late spring through fall. Calendula has daisy-like flowers with yellow centers surrounded by petals of orange, yellow, or white. The plant can reach up to two feet tall and wide and makes an excellent addition to beds, borders, containers, and window boxes.
Calendula is low maintenance. It requires minimal care once established in the garden. It prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate some drought conditions as long as there’s adequate moisture during its growing season. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms throughout the summer months while regular watering will help keep plants looking their best all season long.
In addition to being attractive in the landscape, calendula also has many practical uses around the home. Its petals are edible and make a colorful garnish for salads or other dishes; they can also be used as natural food coloring for homemade ice cream or cake frosting. Calendula is also often used in skin creams.
7. Snapdragons
Snapdragons are a beloved flower that is popular in gardens all over North America. They come in many different colors, including yellow, pink, white, and purple. Snapdragons are known for their tall stems and vibrant blooms which make them an eye-catching addition to any garden.
The snapdragon plant is easy to care for and can thrive with minimal effort from the gardener. They require full sun or partial shade depending on the variety of snapdragons you choose. When planting snapdragons it’s important to keep them away from other plants as they need plenty of room to grow and spread out. Watering your snapdragons regularly will help ensure they stay healthy throughout the growing season.
Snapdragons are a great choice for wintertime planting as they offer beautiful blooms and thrive in cooler weather. Next up, we’ll look at Bellflower, another colorful option that will add beauty to your garden.
8. Bellflower
Bellflower is a beautiful flower that can add color and texture to any garden. It’s easy to grow, drought tolerant, and comes in many different varieties. Bellflowers are native to Europe but have been cultivated all over the world for centuries. They come in shades of blue, purple, pink, white, and yellow with bell-shaped blooms on tall stems.
The most popular type of bellflower is Campanula carpatica (or Carpathian bellflower) which grows up to 12 inches tall with star-shaped flowers that open from June through August. This variety does best in full sun or partial shade and moist soil conditions.
Another popular variety is Campanula persicifolia or peachleaf bellflower which has large clusters of cup-shaped flowers ranging from pale blue to deep violet on long stalks reaching heights of three feet or more. This variety prefers well-drained soils with plenty of organic matter added before planting as it doesn’t like wet feet.
Campanula rapunculoides (creeping bellflower) is an excellent choice for ground cover as it spreads quickly forming mats up to two feet wide with small lavender bells blooming all summer long. This one likes full sun but will tolerate some shade too if needed.
For those looking for something a bit unusual, there’s Campanula latifolia ‘Alba’ (also known as white-clustered bellflower) which produces masses of white bells throughout the summer months making it a great addition for moon gardens where nighttime bloomers are desired.
No matter what type you choose, bellflowers make a wonderful addition to any garden. Whether planted alone in mass groupings along pathways or mixed into perennial beds, they are sure to bring beauty wherever they go.
9. Yarrow
Yarrow is a flowering plant native to North America and Europe that can be found growing in many parts of the world. The flowers are usually white or yellow (although you can find pink, purple, and red), and the leaves are feathery and fern-like. Yarrow is easy to grow and requires minimal care once established. And if you’re planting in January or February, it’s easy to winter sow yarrow seeds.
Yarrow is often grown in flower beds or along pathways because it adds color and texture to any garden setting. It blooms from early summer through late fall, providing months of vibrant color with its bright yellow or white flowers. Yarrow also attracts beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, which help pollinate other plants in your garden while keeping pests away from your vegetables.
10. Sweet peas
Sweet peas are a type of flowering plant that is part of the legume family. They come in many different colors, including pink, purple, white, and yellow. The flowers have a sweet scent which is why they got their name. Sweet peas thrive in cooler climates with well-drained soil.
Make sure to prepare your soil by adding compost or fertilizer before you start planting seeds or cuttings. If you’re using seeds make sure to space them out evenly so they have enough room to grow and spread out as they mature.
Once planted, caring for sweet peas is relatively easy but does require some maintenance throughout the growing season such as weeding around plants and providing adequate water during dry spells. Pruning off dead blooms will help encourage new growth while also keeping plants looking tidy throughout the summer months when they’re in bloom. Fertilizing once every few weeks will also help keep plants healthy and promote more blooms over time too.
FAQs about flower seeds to plant in January
What can I plant from seed in January?
January is a great time to start planting from seed. Depending on your location, you can begin growing cool-season vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, and peas. Don’t forget flowers too – pansies and snapdragons will add color to your garden all winter long.
Herbs like parsley and cilantro are also easy to grow in January. If you live in warmer climates with mild winters, consider starting warm-season crops such as tomatoes or peppers indoors.
What flower seeds can I plant in winter?
Winter is a great time to plant flower seeds – especially for cold hardy perennials and long-season annuals. Depending on your climate, you can choose from a variety of hardy annuals and perennials. Some popular winter flowers include pansies, violas, snapdragons, sweet alyssum, dianthus, and calendula.
Before you go…
With so many beautiful flower seeds to plant in late winter, you can create a stunning garden full of color and texture. From columbine to bellflower, there are plenty of options for creating the perfect outdoor space that will bring joy all year round. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, these flowers will give your garden a unique look and make it stand out from the rest. With careful planning and some patience, you can have a blooming masterpiece in no time.
