Start These 10 Flower Seeds in January for a Bloom-Packed Summer

Flower seeds with longer germination or growth periods thrive when sown early indoors. Warm lights, steady moisture, and gentle heat coax tiny sprouts while winter rages outside. Bright windowsills or grow lights become mini nurseries, and the effort pays off in fuller, earlier displays.

January seed starting fits cool-season annuals and slow perennials perfectly. By May, pots crowd with promise. Transplant timing aligns with local frost dates.

1. Snapdragons

Snapdragons produce tall spikes of dragon-like blooms in a range of pastel and bold shades. Plants reach 1-3 feet (30-90 cm), which makes them ideal for cutting gardens or back borders. They're hardy in zones 7-10 but are grown as annuals elsewhere. A light fragrance adds extra appeal. The spikes open from the bottom up and last for weeks in vases. Dwarf types stay compact and work well for edging. Rust-resistant varieties help reduce disease worries.

Snapdragons require surface sowing on a moist mix because light aids germination. Cover the trays with plastic until sprouts appear in 10-20 days. Keep temperatures cool, around 60 F (15.6 C). Transplant the seedlings after hardening off, then pinch the tips for branching. Deadhead spent spikes for repeat flowering. Tall types need staking in windy spots.

You can get a lovely Fairy Bouquet Mix of Snapdragon seeds at Amazon.

2. Geraniums

Geraniums (pelargoniums) offer clusters of vibrant flowers atop zoned leaves. Colors range from white to deep red. They are perennial in zones 9-11 but annual elsewhere. Leaves release scent when brushed. Ivy types trail elegantly from baskets, and zonal types mound neatly in beds.

Geraniums prefer surface sowing in warm conditions, 70–75 F (21-24 C). Germination takes 7-21 days. Use bottom heat mats like this from Amazon for faster starts. Pinch the tips for bushiness, and feed them lightly once they are established. Overwinter them indoors in cold zones. Cuttings root easily, as a little bonus.

Consider this Border Mix seed pack from Burpee, which includes large flower heads in a variety of rich reds, purples, and whites.

3. Petunias

Petunias cascade or mound with trumpet blooms in every color imaginable. Trailing types spill from baskets beautifully. Waves and grandifloras vary in size, and they are annual in most zones. Fragrance is strongest in older varieties. Supertunias need less deadheading.

Petunias require barely covering the tiny seeds, as they need some light. Germination occurs in 7-14 days at 70 F (21 C). You can use grow lights to help prevent legginess as well. Feed lightly once the first true leaves form. Harden off gradually, and shear them midseason for a fresh flush. Heat-tolerant lines can handle summers better.

Burpee carries a large variety of petunia seeds in fun and unique colors. Mix and match for your perfect garden!

4. Lobelia

Lobelia forms mounds or trailers of tiny blue, white, or pink flowers. It is perfect for edging or containers. The plant is annual and hardy in zones 10-11. Cascading types drape elegantly, while blooms cover plants densely. Heat-tolerant series bloom longer.

Lobelia needs sowing on the surface, with gentle misting. Germination takes 15-20 days at 70 F (21 C). They like slightly warmer nights for germination, then cooler nights help after germination. Transplant carefully because the roots dislike disturbance. Deadhead them for repeat blooms. More recently, there are more heat tolerant types are available. Pair it with sweet alyssum for a nice contrast.

You can get bright blue lobelia seeds from Amazon.

5. Begonias

Wax and tuberous begonias deliver constant color with waxy leaves and rose-like blooms. They are shade tolerant plants that thrive in low light. These plants are perennial in zones 9-11. Fibrous types stay compact and manageable, but tuberous begonias can offer larger flowers that stand out. Bronze foliage adds drama to the display.

Begonias require surface sowing for fibrous types and light covering for tuberous. Warmth is essential – around 75 F (24 C) for good results. Germination is slow, up to 30 days in many cases. Bright indirect light works best for seedlings. Pinch for fullness to encourage bushiness. Water from below to avoid rot. Tubers overwinters quite easily.

Consider the stunning Dragon Wing Red Begonia from Burpee, which looks wonderful in pots and hanging baskets.

6. Coleus

Coleus shines for foliage with vivid patterns in lime, burgundy, and pink. Flowers are secondary and usually pinched off. It is a shade loving annual that usually performs well.

Coleus needs sowing on the surface since light is required. Germination is quick, 7-14 days at 70 F (24 C). Pinch early for branching and fuller growth. Colors intensify with age under proper light. Stems root in water, too, for propagation. Sun tolerant hybrids expand options. You can expect foliage to last until frost.

This heirloom coleus seed mix from Amazon contains 1600 seeds in a variety of stunning colors.

7. Impatiens

Impatiens fill shade with nonstop blooms in jewel tones that brighten dark spots. They are classic for baskets like these from Amazon and beds in shady areas. The plant is annual in cooler climates. New Guinea types tolerate sun better than standards. Double forms can resemble roses in their appearance. Sunpatiens bridge gaps between conditions.

Impatiens require surface sowing and humid conditions to germinate well. Germination can take around 15-20 days at 70-75 F (21-24 C). Avoid direct sun on seedlings to prevent scorching. Transplant once sturdy and ready. They self-seed in mild areas naturally. Disease-resistant strains are common now. Downy mildew concerns have eased a bit.

Impatiens seeds are available on Amazon in variety packs with colorful blooms.

8. Pansies

Pansies bring cheerful faces in cool weather, blooming into summer if deadheaded regularly. They are biennial or annual depending on climate. Viola relatives share traits like similar shapes. Edible flowers garnish salads nicely. Cool wave types trail from containers.

Pansies need shallow sowing with cool germination at 60-65 F (15.6-18.3 C). Darkness helps, so cover trays during the process. Sprouts appear in 10-20 days under the right conditions. Grow them in the cool for stocky plants that resist stretching. Fragrance varies by type and strength. Heat waves shorten the season, though. Fall sowing overlaps with spring.

Check out Burpee's Moulin Rouge pansy seeds with extra ruffled pink, yellow and purple petals.

9. Dianthus

Dianthus (aka pinks) offer fragrant, fringed blooms on gray foliage that stays attractive. They are perennial in zones 3-9 and reliable. Sweet William is a biennial relative with clusters. Clove scent fills the air pleasantly. Border pinks stay low and tidy.

Dianthus requires shallow sowing at 60-70F (15.6-21C) for success. Germination takes 14–21 days typically. Cool nights produce better plants overall, while their fragrance is strongest in sun locations. Deadhead for rebloom and longer display. Rock gardens suit low types perfectly, and their evergreen foliage stays neat year-round.

You can get Sweet William seeds on Amazon.

10. Verbena

Verbena spreads low clusters of vibrant flowers, attracting butterflies to the garden. It comes in trailing or upright forms for versatility. Plants are perennial in zones 8-11, and they are drought tolerant once going and established. Mildew-resistant varieties have improved greatly, as well. Colors mix well in combinations.

Verbena needs surface sowing at warm 70 F (21 C) to start. Germination ranges 14-90 days, so patience is needed. Germination can be uneven, and take quite a while. Bottom heat helps speed the process. Shear for compactness and neat shape. Colors mix well in baskets for hanging. Hummingbirds visit too for nectar.

Consider this mix of 6,000 verbena seeds from Amazon.

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