Best Seeds to Start in February for a Successful Spring Garden

Want to know what seeds to plant in February? Take a look at your average last frost date. It’s not your state or USDA zone that matters; it’s when the last spring frost is expected. Once you know that information, you can decide what to plant indoors and what to direct-sow.

February may not look like a busy gardening month, but when you’re growing from seed, it can be a critical time. This month is the time to set your garden up for a successful spring. It’s also important to check which seeds need cold stratification. Make sure you get those seeds in the fridge for a few weeks before planting. 

February isn’t just about planting, though. There are a few important tasks that help prepare your garden for the season ahead. For a complete checklist of what to focus on this month, see our February garden chores guide.

The first vegetable I think of for direct planting in spring is peas. So check your soil temperature for this one. Once it is at least 50ºF, you can plant peas. 

It’s also time to cold stratify seeds - Catnip, lavender, hyssop, cilantro, black-eyed Susan, and lupine are some of the seeds you can put in the fridge now so they’ll be ready for spring planting.

Depending on when your last spring frost is expected, you can start growing many flowers, herbs, and vegetables indoors. 

USDA growing zones are based on average winter low temperatures, not spring planting conditions. Knowing your zone won’t tell you when it’s safe to plant outdoors or when to start seeds indoors.

Your average last frost date is the most reliable indicator for:

• When to start seeds indoors

• When tender seedlings can safely go outdoors

• Which crops can be direct sown

That’s why we plan our February seed planting decisions by frost timing, not by zone number.

In February, you can start your cool-weather spring vegetables indoors:

Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, celery, strawberries, onions, and leeks. 

Before deciding what to plant in February, it’s essential to know when your last frost typically occurs.

The easiest way to find this information is to use the Sow Right Seeds Planting Planner, where you can enter your zip code and get planting dates tailored to your location:

👉 Sow Right Seeds Planting Planner

Once you know your average last frost date, use the sections below to determine what you can safely plant this month.

General rule of thumb:

• If your last frost is still many weeks away, February is an ideal month for indoor seed starting.
  
  

• If your frost date is approaching—or has already passed—you may be able to plant outdoors now.

• Tomatoes

• Peppers

• Tomatillos

• Eggplant

• Onions (from seed)

• Leeks

• Ground Cherries

• Artichokes

• Asparagus

These warm-season crops benefit from early sowing and consistent indoor warmth. You’ll have healthy transplants to put outdoors when the weather warms up.

(Warm, southern, and coastal climates)

When you’re gardening in a warm climate with mild February temperatures, you can plant a variety of seeds outdoors. It’s also time to transplant your indoor seedlings.

• Mustard Greens

• Swiss Chard

• Peas

• Carrots

• Beets

• Celery

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Brussels Sprouts

• Corn (weather dependent)

• Marigold

• Nasturtium

• Cosmos

• Zinnia

• Poppy

• Chamomile

• Calendula

• Parsley

• Sage

• Thyme

• Count backward from your frost date to time seed starting correctly

• Provide 12–16 hours of light daily

• Use heat mats for warm-season crops

• Harden off seedlings as frost approaches

February is one of the most important months for gardeners, even if most of the work happens indoors. By planning around your average last frost date, you can start the right seeds at the right time so you can enjoy all those beautiful flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Use this list of seeds to plant to get you started. 

In addition to planting, February is a great time to prep beds, organize seed supplies, and plan your garden layout. Our February garden chores guide covers these tasks in more detail and helps you stay on track as spring approaches.