How to Sow Flower Seeds in Winter

Those of us in cold USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 5 seem to have the gardening odds stacked against us.

We must meticulously plan our gardens because our growing seasons are so short. We often spend much of the late winter and early spring months nurturing seeds and seedlings indoors.

Our homes begin to smell like potting mix and fertilizer, and the eerie purple glow of grow lights shines out from our windows, creating a Halloween vibe in the wrong season.

But what if we could make the whole process easier?

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In our guide to pre-seeding the garden, we offer tips for sowing vegetables in the fall or winter for easy springtime germination. But did you know that you can sow flower seeds in winter for springtime blooms, too?

In this guide, we’ll focus on winter-sowing flowers so you can save precious space on your window sills and countertops – and precious time in the garden.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

One of the best things about sowing seeds in winter for a spring bloom is that the plants will be hardier than they would if you had started them indoors.

Instead of beginning their lives in a warm, protected environment, the seeds will be outside instead, experiencing rain, snow, freezing temperatures, and wind – and they’ll only germinate when they’re ready.

According to experts at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), winter-sown seeds have a high germination rate, and they’re well suited to the climate they germinate in.

Another benefit is the space you’ll save. Sure, you can still start seeds indoors in late winter or early