Seed Starting Schedule: for the Beginner

Knowing when to start which seeds can feel SO overwhelming. The packets give you a general idea, but honestly, every zone is different, and depending on how long your growing season is, you’ll want to be sure you have optimal timing to enjoy your flowers for the longest period possible!

Here in the PNW, specifically Olympia, Washington, we have quite an awesome growing climate. Although it’s tough to get plants that love hot & dry climates to grow here, it’s not impossible! The key is know what your flower loves best.

Some seeds prefer a COLD start. Cold Stratification refers to the period of cold in order for the seed to recognize winter has happened, and spring is now on it’s way. We can provide this by planting seeds in the fall outdoors, so they feel the cold of winter to break their dormancy when the warmer weather comes. But, we can also mimic this by placing seed packs in the refrigerator for 5+ days prior to planting.

Seeds that benefit from cold stratification include:

• Rudbeckia / Black Eyed Susan

• Cat Mint

• Chamomile

• Echinacea/Coneflower *

• Hollyhock

• Larkspur *

• Lavender

• Lupine

• Pincushion Flower / Scabiosa

Hardy Annual refers to plants that like growing in the cooler weather (and can even tolerate frost!) There are many flowers that prefer their growing period through early March & April in order to bloom in May, June & July. Once the heat hits, these flowers tend to struggle. Waiting until May causes these flowers to struggle in the heat! I like to start most of these indoors, just so I can monitor them, but in our zone: you can also sow directly outside.

The following Hardy Annuals prefer to be sown in March (at the latest):

• Bachelor Buttons *

• Sweet Peas

• Calendula *

• Snapdragons

• Scabiosa*

• Strawflower

• Carnation *

• Baby’s Breath *

And last but certainly not least: Tender Annuals. These flowers LOVE the summer time. They will struggle if you start them too early, as they do NOT like to grow when it’s cool out. You’re better off starting them later vs. earlier, because the heat gets them growing fast. In our zone, you should wait until the last week of April to sow tender annuals, but the first couple of weeks in May are an even safer bet!

Tender Annuals that love the heat include:

• Cosmos *

• Zinnias *

• Sunflowers *

• Dahlias

There are SO many flowers out there, so this list is limited to the flowers I’m familiar with and have had success growing in our climate. I encourage you all to watch the flower’s habit as it grows, and as always: Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions! I don’t know everything about growing flowers, but I’ve made plenty of mistakes over the past 5+ years, and I’m always happy to help you avoid those mistakes!

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