February is a short month of the year but very special to many gardeners since it is an indication that spring is just about to come. Gardeners need to prepare for spring farm work. Let’s look at what flowers to plant in February.
What flowers to plant in February
This period is actually the best to start hardy plants indoors, prepare greenhouse crops, and hardy annuals.
By planting flowers early in the year, you will have a longer sowing season extended up to march and longer blooming seasons. Here is a list of flowers you can plant in February:
1. Cosmos
The Cosmos flowers are easy to grow and can be used to create appealing and beautiful borders. You can start the Cosmos seeds indoors on trays placed on top of peat-free seed compost or in pots and place them near windows or anywhere they can get sufficient sunlight to germinate.
After starting them in February, you will need to wait until the last frost falls before taking them out.
2. Poppies
Poppies are perennial flowers that can be started indoors in February for a colorfully and vibrantly blooming spring season. Sow the poppies’ seeds in pots and place them in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight.
For germination to occur effectively, you need to water the seeds at least once every week as they transform from seeds to seedlings. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy for healthy and firm seedlings.
3. Pansy
February is the best time to plant cold-hardy annuals in regions that experience short winters or no frost fall. Unlike many flowers, it is unnecessary to start them indoors because they can still germinate outside despite the cold soils.
Even better, pansy seedlings are known to withstand light frost in case the temperature drops.
4. Dusty Miller
Dusty Miller has silvery sage foliage that most gardeners prefer to add to their lawns. These cold-hardy annuals can be planted in February in areas that experience mild climates.
If cold weather threatens after planting dusty miller, you can water the soil near the plants to help hold some warmth and reduce the effect of frost on the plants.
5. Geranium
These are classy window box flowers that can be started indoors in February. They can tolerate moderate light, but they will need more light to bloom as they mature.
If you are growing them indoors, you can install grow lights on top of the plants for better results and keep the lights on for about 14 hours every day.
6. Roses
While many flowers pop in and out of fashion, roses will always remain the best choice of all seasons and one of the best flowers to plant in February as you await the sweet Valentine’s day.
You can buy the already cultivated container roses and add them to your yard or garden. Make a large hole to accommodate all the rose flower roots, add compost, manure, and mulch after planting and supply the plant with adequate water to lower the transplant shock.
7. Hollyhocks
In February, you can plant hollyhocks and wait for them to produce beautiful blooms in summer. Prepare the soil and flatten the surface before watering with fresh water.
After the soil is soaked with water, sow the hollyhocks seeds undercover and apply compost on top of the seeds. Cover it with a lid and place the pots or trays near a window to get adequate light for germination.
8. Lilies
Lilies add beauty to your garden with their broad, colorful flower petals. You can plant lilies outside when the soil is warm or start them indoors in February and take them out when spring rolls out.
Plant lilies in indoor pots and trays grilled with fertile and well-draining soil types. Add manure and mix with the soil before or after planting lilies and remember to water frequently.
9. Dahlias
Although February is still too cold to plant dahlias, you can still plant them undercover, and they will grow and bloom when the time comes.
Place the dahlia tubers in large pots filled with multi-purpose compost and ensure the stalks are well attached and slightly above the soils level.
You can add water up to a few inches deep to dampen the soil. Place the pots in a greenhouse or on the light windowsill to get the maximum light they need to grow.
10. Salvia
Salvia has several species that can be differentiated by their colors and sizes. They are also good flowers that you can start in February in well-drained, moist soils and place them where they are exposed to adequate direct sunlight.
They are low-maintenance flowers and require watering once a week to make the soil moist.
11. Viola
This resilient flower easily grows in direct sun or under a shade. In February, you can plant it in moist soil and water every week to maintain the soil humidity.
12. Begonias
Planting begonias seeds inside in February is an excellent idea as you prepare them for transplanting in spring. You can use a heat mat under the plant pots to help facilitate the germination of the begonia seeds since they require warm soils.
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