17 February 2025
February may still be cold in Virginia, but it’s the perfect time to prepare for spring gardening. If you live in Zone 7B, starting seeds indoors now will give your plants a strong head start before they can be transplanted outdoors after the last frost.
Starting seeds indoors can extend the growing season, encourage earlier harvests, and ensure your plants are strong and healthy. Here are 16 seeds that you should consider planting indoors this month.
Vegetables to Start Indoors in February
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes need six to eight weeks indoors before they’re ready to be transplanted. Starting them in February ensures they are strong and well-established when outdoors in April or May.
2. Peppers (Bell, Hot, Sweet)
Peppers are slow to germinate and grow, so they need a head start indoors—eight to ten weeks before transplanting. Keeping them warm is key to good germination and early growth.
3. Eggplant
Like peppers, eggplants need warm soil and take eight to ten weeks to develop before they are ready for transplanting. Starting early gives them a better chance of thriving.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli prefers cool weather, so starting seeds six to eight weeks before the last frost ensures they can be transplanted early in the season.
5. Cauliflower
Cauliflower takes six to eight weeks before it’s ready for outdoor planting. It does well when started indoors and transplanted before the summer heat arrives.
6. Cabbage
Cabbage is a hardy vegetable that can handle cool temperatures. Starting it six to eight weeks before the last frost gives it a strong start before transplanting outdoors.
7. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts require a long growing season, so starting them indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost gives them the time to mature.
8. Leeks
Leeks are slow growers that need eight to twelve weeks indoors before transplanting. Starting them in February ensures they will be ready to go outside in late spring.
9. Onions (Bulb & Bunching)
Start growing onions from seeds eight to twelve weeks before the last frost. These cool-weather crops can be planted outdoors early.
Herbs to Start Indoors in February
10. Basil
Basil thrives in warm conditions and grows quickly. Starting it six to eight weeks before the last frost ensures a steady supply throughout the season.
11. Parsley
Parsley takes longer to germinate, so starting seeds eight to ten weeks before the last frost gives them enough time to develop strong roots.
12. Oregano
Oregano is slow to germinate and benefits from an eight to ten week indoor start before transplanting outdoors.
13. Thyme
Thyme is a slow-growing herb that needs eight to ten weeks indoors before it is ready to be moved outside.
14. Sage
Sage prefers warm conditions and does well when started six to eight weeks before the last frost.
Flowers to Start Indoors in February
15. Marigolds
Marigolds are easy to grow and can be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. They help repel pests in the garden and add color.
16. Zinnias
Zinnias are warm-weather flowers that germinate quickly, starting four to six weeks before the last frost, allowing for earlier blooms in the garden.
Tips for Starting Seeds Indoors
- Use a quality seed-starting mix: A light, well-draining soil helps with root development.
- Provide adequate light: A sunny window or grow lights will keep seedlings from becoming weak and leggy.
- Keep seeds warm: Many seeds, especially tomatoes and peppers, require warm temperatures (65-75°F) to germinate properly.
- Water gently and consistently: Keep the soil moist but not soggy to prevent issues like damping off.
- Harden off before transplanting: Before moving plants outdoors, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over seven to ten days.
Final Thoughts
Starting seeds indoors in February is a great way to get a jump start on the growing season. Whether you are planting vegetables, herbs, or flowers, giving your plants extra time indoors will lead to healthier and more productive gardens.
What seeds are you starting this month? Let me know in the comments.