Best Flowers for Winter Sowing Success
The Best Flowers to Winter Sow for Success (And Why They Thrive When Others Don’t)
Winter sowing is a game-changing method for gardeners looking to get a head start on the growing season. Have you ever wondered what makes for the best flowers for winter sowing?
By sowing seeds outdoors during the winter months in mini-greenhouses made from recycled containers, you can enjoy strong, hardy seedlings without the need for grow lights or indoor space.
However, not all seeds are well suited for winter sowing. Choosing the right flowers is the key to success.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the best flowers to winter sow and explain why they work so well when others don’t.
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Why Certain Flowers Are Best for Winter Sowing
Winter sowing mimics the natural process that occurs in the wild. Seeds that are cold-hardy or require cold stratification (a period of cold exposure to break dormancy) thrive in this method. These seeds are biologically adapted to survive freezing temperatures and germinate when conditions are right in the spring.
Flowers that don’t work well for winter sowing typically need consistent warmth, such as tropical or heat-loving annuals.
Note: There is a free printable list of these flowers at the end of this article for your convenience.
The best flowers for winter sowing include perennials, cold-hardy annuals, and self-seeding biennials. These plants not only survive the cold but often emerge as sturdier, more robust seedlings compared to those started indoors.
Best Winter Sowing Containers
The Best Flowers to Winter Sow
1. Poppies (Papaver)
- Why They Work: Poppy seeds require light and exposure to cold to germinate, making them a perfect candidate for winter sowing.
- Varieties to Try: Iceland poppies, Shirley poppies, and California poppies.
- Bonus: Poppies dislike root disturbance, so direct sowing or winter sowing directly in the garden ensures minimal transplant shock.
Related: Easy Guide to Growing Poppies
2. Larkspur (Delphinium consolida)
- Why They Work: Larkspur seeds need cold stratification to germinate successfully.
- Tip: Sow these seeds in late fall or during the coldest months for optimal results.
- Bloom Benefit: Tall, elegant spires of blue, pink, or white flowers are perfect for cottage gardens.
3. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)
- Why They Work: Snapdragons are surprisingly cold-tolerant and can handle frost as seedlings.
- Varieties to Try: Look for classic tall varieties or compact types suited for borders and containers.
- Benefit: They bloom in early spring when many flowers haven’t yet woken up. The ones I grew this past year bloomed from early Spring all the way th
4. Bachelor’s Buttons (Centaurea cyanus)
- Why They Work: Bachelor’s Buttons are a self-seeding annual that thrives in cooler weather.
- Benefit: These cheerful blue flowers attract pollinators early in the season.
- Garden Style: Perfect for wildflower meadows and cottage gardens.
5. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)
- Why They Work: Rudbeckia seeds benefit from cold stratification, ensuring strong germination come spring.
- Varieties to Try: Rudbeckia hirta (annual), Rudbeckia fulgida (perennial).
- Bonus: They offer long-lasting summer blooms and are drought-tolerant.
Grow Black Eyed Susans with Ease
6. Echinacea (Coneflower)
- Why They Work: Echinacea seeds need a cold period to break dormancy and germinate.
- Garden Use: A staple for pollinator gardens, with daisy-like blooms that persist through summer.
- Perennial Bonus: Winter sowing gives you robust plants that return year after year.
See all about planting, growing and enjoying Echinacea in your garden!
7. Milkweed (Asclepias)
- Why They Work: Milkweed seeds require cold stratification to germinate naturally.
- Varieties to Try: Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) or swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata).
- Wildlife Benefit: Milkweed supports monarch butterfly larvae and pollinators.
8. Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)
- Why They Work: Sweet pea seeds are naturally cold-tolerant, and winter sowing encourages early blooming.
- Tip: Soak seeds overnight before sowing to speed up germination.
- Benefit: These fragrant climbers are perfect for trellises and garden fences.
9. Columbine (Aquilegia)
- Why They Work: Columbine seeds benefit from a period of cold exposure to germinate.
- Garden Style: Graceful, nodding flowers add charm to shaded or woodland gardens.
- Perennial Bonus: Winter sowing leads to strong plants that naturalize beautifully.
10. Lupines (Lupinus)
- Why They Work: Lupine seeds are cold-hardy and thrive with winter sowing.
- Varieties to Try: Russell hybrids for bold colors or native lupines for pollinator support.
- Soil Tip: Lupines improve soil quality by fixing nitrogen, making them garden-friendly.
11. Violas (Viola spp.)
- Why They Work: Violas are frost-tolerant and germinate well in cool conditions.
- Benefit: Their cheerful, small blooms provide color in early spring.
- Tip: Perfect for borders, containers, and even edible flower gardens.
12. Coreopsis (Tickseed)
- Why They Work: Coreopsis seeds benefit from cold stratification and thrive with winter sowing.
- Varieties to Try: Coreopsis lanceolata (perennial) or Coreopsis tinctoria (annual).
- Bonus: Drought-tolerant and perfect for pollinator gardens.
13. Penstemon (Beardtongue)
- Why They Work: Penstemon seeds need a period of cold to break dormancy.
- Garden Use: These tubular blooms attract hummingbirds and bees.
- Varieties to Try: Native penstemons like Penstemon digitalis thrive with minimal care.
14. Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist)
- Why They Work: Nigella seeds germinate best in cool conditions.
- Garden Style: Delicate blooms and lacy foliage add charm to cottage gardens.
- Bonus: Self-seeds easily for years of blooms.
15. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
- Why They Work: Foxglove seeds need cool, moist conditions to germinate.
- Benefit: These biennials provide dramatic height and color to shady garden spots.
- Wildlife: A favorite for bees and hummingbirds.
16. Annual Phlox (Phlox drummondii)
- Why They Work: These hardy annuals handle cool weather well and germinate reliably after cold exposure.
- Benefit: Early, colorful blooms make them a great addition to borders and wildflower gardens.
These are different from perennial phlox that are spread by both seed and underground runners.
Grow Garden Phlox
17. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Why They Work: Yarrow seeds require a cold period to germinate effectively.
- Garden Benefit: These drought-tolerant perennials attract pollinators and add soft texture to the garden.
18. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
- Why They Work: Cold exposure helps these seeds break dormancy for strong spring germination.
- Benefit: Gaillardia produces bright, cheerful blooms and thrives in poor soil conditions.
19. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
- Why They Work: Sweet alyssum seeds germinate well in cool temperatures.
- Benefit: These tiny white or purple flowers are perfect for groundcovers and container edges.
20. Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
- Why They Work: Hollyhock seeds germinate best after cold stratification.
- Garden Style: Their tall, stately blooms add height and drama to cottage gardens.
Grow Hollyhocks in Your Garden with Ease!
21. Monarda (Bee Balm)
- Why They Work: Monarda seeds need cold stratification to germinate and handle cool conditions well.
- Benefit: These pollinator favorites attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Tip: Monarda thrives in sunny spots and naturalizes beautifully.
22. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)
- Why They Work: Shasta daisies benefit from cold stratification for reliable germination.
- Garden Use: These classic white blooms brighten perennial beds and pair well with other cottage garden flowers.
- Bonus: Hardy and low-maintenance for years of blooms.
Masses of Daisies!
23. Dianthus (Sweet William)
- Why They Work: Dianthus seeds germinate well in cool conditions, making them perfect for winter sowing.
- Garden Style: Compact, fragrant blooms are ideal for borders, rock gardens, and containers.
- Benefit: They add early-season color with minimal care.
24. Catmint (Nepeta)
- Why They Work: Nepeta seeds require a cold period to germinate naturally and thrive with winter sowing.
- Benefit: This tough, drought-tolerant perennial produces soft, lavender-blue blooms that attract pollinators.
- Bonus: A perfect low-maintenance groundcover or border plant.
Grow this Fabulous No Fuss Perennial for your Garden: Nepeta!
25. Calendula (Pot Marigold)
- Why They Work: Calendula seeds handle cold well and germinate easily in cooler conditions.
- Garden Use: Cheerful yellow and orange blooms brighten flower beds and edible gardens.
- Bonus: Calendula is edible and has natural medicinal properties.
Tips for Winter Sowing Success
- Use the Right Containers: Recycled milk jugs, plastic bottles, or clear takeout containers make excellent mini-greenhouses. The deeper the better, you want at least 2 inches of soil in the container for best results.
- Add Drainage Holes: Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged seeds.
- Label Everything: Use waterproof markers or tags to identify your seeds.
- Set It and Forget It: Place your containers in a sunny, sheltered spot and let nature do the work.
- Monitor in Spring: Once seedlings emerge, ventilate containers during warm days to avoid overheating.
Winter Sowing, What You NEED to Know
Why Winter Sowing Works Better Than Indoor Starting for These Flowers
- Hardier Seedlings: Plants grown outdoors are naturally stronger and more resilient to temperature changes.
- No Transplant Shock: Winter-sown seedlings adapt easily to garden conditions.
- Less Effort: No need for grow lights, seedling trays, or constant monitoring.
- Budget-Friendly: Winter sowing uses recycled materials and nature’s free resources.
By choosing flowers that thrive with winter sowing, you’re working with nature rather than against it. This method not only saves time and energy but also sets you up for a garden filled with strong, beautiful blooms come spring and summer.
Ready to give winter sowing a try? Start with these flowers, and you’ll see why this method has become a favorite among gardeners looking for success with minimal fuss.
