Introduction

February is an exciting month in the gardening calendar. The days begin to stretch, the soil slowly wakes up, and it's the perfect time to get ahead by sowing early seeds. Whether you’re using a windowsill, a greenhouse, a propagator, or a heated mat, February offers a brilliant opportunity to start hardy vegetables, early flowers and slow‑germinating crops that benefit from an early boost.

Here’s your complete guide to what to sow in February for a productive and colourful spring.

🌿 Vegetables to Sow in February

Chillies & Peppers

Slow to germinate and needing warmth, February is ideal for getting these started indoors.

Aubergines

Require similar conditions to tomatoes — warmth, light and a long growing season.

Tomatoes (Early Varieties)

Sow indoors with heat. Choose compact or early types for the best head start.

Broad Beans

Hardy and tough. Can be sown directly outdoors in mild areas or in modules for later planting.

Early Peas

‘Meteor’ and ‘Kelvedon Wonder’ are good early performers. Start under cover to protect seedlings.

Lettuce & Salad Leaves

Hardy varieties can be sown in trays or undercover for a continuous supply.

Onions & Leeks from Seed

Slow growers that benefit from early sowing under cover.

🌸 Flowers to Sow in February

Sweet Peas

A February favourite. Sow in root trainers or deep modules for long, strong roots.

Hardy Annuals

Great for early colour when sown indoors:

• Calendula
• Cornflower
• Nigella
• Antirrhinum

Perennials to Start Early

Some perennials need a long germination period:

• Delphinium
• Echinacea
• Verbena bonariensis

Geraniums (Pelargoniums)

Slow-growing but rewarding — a great choice for early sowing on a windowsill.

🌱 Herbs to Sow in February

Parsley

Germinates slowly — perfect to sow now.

Coriander (Indoor Only)

Ideal for bright, frost-free windowsills.

Chives & Dill

Can be started indoors for early cutting.

🌿 What to Sow Under Cover

If you have a greenhouse or heated propagator, this is where February really shines.

Sow under cover:

• Cucumbers (late Feb)
• Courgettes (late Feb, warm conditions)
• Early brassicas (cabbage, kale, cauliflower)
• Spinach
• Beetroot (modules only)

❄️ What You Can Sow Outdoors (Weather Permitting)

In milder areas or with fleece protection:

• Broad beans
• Garlic
• Shallots
• Early peas
• Spinach
• Carrot ‘Early Nantes’ (very sheltered beds)

Using cloches or fleece dramatically improves success at this time of year.

🌞 Sowing Tips for February

Use Heat Wisely

Most February sowings benefit from a heat mat or propagator to encourage germination.

Give Seedlings Good Light

A bright windowsill is fine; grow lights prevent legginess.

Avoid Overwatering

Soil should be moist but never soggy — seedlings dampen off easily in February.

Harden Off Gradually

Plants started now need slow acclimatisation to cooler outdoor temperatures in spring.

🌼 Why February Sowing Matters

Starting seeds in February gives you:

• Earlier harvests
• Stronger plants
• Better flowering displays
• More choice in varieties
• A head start on the gardening season

It’s also a great way to shake off the winter blues and reconnect with the growing season ahead.