Born in January? These Are Your Birth Flowers – And Yes, You Can Grow Them From Seed
Calling all January babies! This is how best to dedicate your garden to something deeply meaningful this year…
If you or someone you love has a January birthday, you might already know the birthstones that shine for this month. But did you know that January also has traditional birth flowers that carry symbolism and make meaningful garden gifts?
That’s right: there are two classic birth blooms for January babies to enjoy, each with its own unique story, symbolism, and growing charm. And, happily, both are counted among the easiest flowers to grow – no matter which USDA Planting Zone you’re in.
Intrigued? Of course you are! Let’s dive in, then, to the meaning and magic of carnations and snowdrops, aka the two most famous January birth flowers around…
Carnations
Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) are evergreen staples in bouquets and celebrations, were once declared chic by the inimitable Carrie Bradshaw of Sex And The City fame, and they’re especially linked with January birthdays, too.
Oh yes: some might deem them 'filler flowers'. but these pretty blooms symbolize love, fascination and distinction, making them a thoughtful plant to grow for someone special... even if that someone special is, y'know, you.
Carnations are versatile: they come in a range of colours from pure white to deep reds and pinks, all with their signature fragrant petals. And, better still, they're super easy to grow from seed, whether in the ground or in pots...
What you will need:
To grow this January birth flower from seed, you’ll need to start seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before your area becomes frost-free.
Sow on the surface of a light seed-starting mix (remembering that they need light to germinate), and keep them well watered and sitting in cozy climes of about 65-70°F.
You can transplant outdoors once the soil warms up and night temperatures stay above freezing, using them to add a splash of color, Carrie-approved chicness, and symbolism to borders and containers all summer long.
Snowdrops
A whisper of winter’s end, snowdrops (Galanthus spp.) are among the earliest signs that spring is approaching – often poking delicate white blooms through chilly January soil.
Their appearance in gardens, along woodland edges or drifts through lawns is a gentle reminder that life stirs even in winter, and they’ve long been used to symbolize hope, purity, rebirth, and new beginnings, not to mention those who overcome adversity. Adversity such as, say, having a January birthday that everyone’s too cold and too poor to celebrate properly.
Unlike carnations, snowdrops are typically grown from bulbs, not seeds. You say tomato, I say tomato, right? Still, if you plant bulbs (like these double snowdrop bulbs from Amazon) in the fall, they’ll bloom in abundance over January and February – if you choose a spot with well-drained soil and partial shade, that is.
If you’re wondering why carnations and snowdrops – both planted on very different schedules (seeds for carnations in late winter; bulbs for snowdrops in the fall) – are considered January birth flowers, it’s worth noting that both can anchor a garden themed around the first month of the year.
How? Well, snowdrops can brighten borders or edges while the rest of the garden sleeps. And, if you start your carnation seeds in the same month, you’re promised plenty of color, scent, and structure in days yet to come.
From crisp winter to vibrant summer, then, they work together to mark a full cycle of the garden year. So, whether you’re planting a bed for yourself, giving a thoughtful birthday gift, or creating a garden that honours family birthdays throughout the year, birth flowers are a lovely way to connect people and plants. And growing them from seed (or bulbs, yes) adds another layer of personal meaning to the process.
