Garden Mastery Tips
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January/February 2005 |
Ornamental Seeds to Start Early
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Coleus |
It’s the dead of winter, the glow of the holidays has faded, and you want to plant something. For most plants, it is still too early. But there is hope. Dig out that bag of seed-starting soil, plant tags, and gardening gloves. Here is one more excuse to put off cleaning that closet.
Start the seeds indoors in a sterile seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Once the seeds germinate, provide adequate light so the plants do not become leggy. Pinch back as needed for fuller plants. Once the plants are established, all danger of frost is past, and the outdoor soil is workable, the plants can be transplanted to the garden. Take note of the night temperature before transplanting less hardy plants, such as impatiens.
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Geranium |
Early February
Coleus |
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Start 8-12 weeks before last frost. |
Geranium |
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Flowers in 4 months |
Hollyhock |
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Will flower first year when started this early. |
Pansy |
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Start 8-10 weeks before last frost. |
Snapdragon |
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Start 8-10 weeks before last frost. |
Verbena |
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Start 8-10 weeks before last frost. |
Late February
Lobelia |
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Makes a great hanging basket and pot filler. |
Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco) |
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Start 5-7 weeks before last frost. |
Petunia |
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Start 6-8 weeks before last frost. |
Viola (Johnny Jump-ups) |
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Start 7-9 weeks before last frost. |
Perennials |
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Some perennials will bloom the first year when started this early. |
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Tithonia |
Mid March
Impatiens |
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Start 6-8 weeks before last frost. |
Sweet Pea |
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Start 6 weeks before last frost. |
Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower) |
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Start 6 weeks before last frost. |
By starting seeds indoors, you will have blooms earlier, more control of your plantings, and most importantly, you will relieve that pent-up demand for dirty fingernails.
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