Flower & plant growing guide for February

February may seem like an odd month to start thinking about which flowers and plants to add to your garden because of the cold and frosty weather, but for plants that may live under the soil for months before they germinate in the warmer weather, February is a great month for it. For those who struggle with their mobility and rely on aids like stairlifts or those who are often working indoors or busy out and about, gardening can be a great outlet for stress and unwanted anxiety.

In this guide, we talk to gardening enthusiasts to get their guidance and tips on what to start planting through the month of February and why, as well as a few other top tips.

Flowers to plant in February:

• Seeds
• Bulbs
• Lilies
• Cosmos
• Sweet peas
• Liatris

Seeds 

If you’re looking to get your favourite plants in the ground so they have time to settle  before they germinate, then planting seeds is a great way to get the effect you want. Abi Peacock, part of the team at Sarah Raven explained a little more about the seeds you should be planting throughout February.

“If you like the idea of a jam-packed, flower-filled garden, there are some plants you can get sowing now in February. We sow seeds that take time to germinate, like Antirrhinums, and the seeds of plants and climbers like Cobaea Scandens which, if you leave too late, will be cut down by autumn frosts just as they go into bloom.”

As she mentions, the best seeds to plant in February are ones that take time to germinate such as antirrhinums and scandens, which are often left too late to plant and can be damaged and destroyed by harsh weather. She continues to explain some of the hardy seeds that are great for planting inside if you’re looking for some early blooms:

“You can also start sowing hardy annual seeds inside now if you are impatient for early flowers. Some of my favourites include: Ammi Majus, Calendula Officinalis ‘Indian Prince’, Cerinthe Major and all the Scabious. Don't be tempted to sow too many seeds this early in the sowing season – they may become leggy and drawn out due to low light levels at this time of year.”

Seeds to sow in February:

• Antirrhinums
• Cobaea Scandens
• Ammi Majus
• Calendula Officinalis ‘Indian Prince’
• Cerinthe Major

Bulbs

Many flowers and plants come in the form of bulbs and these hardier ways of planting mean you can sow more delicate plants earlier in the year, including lily bulbs, snowdrops, roses and peonies as Abi explained to us:

“Don’t forget bulbs – now is a good time to plant snowdrops in the green and deliciously-scented lily bulbs in pots and in your borders. Choose the amazing taller varieties for the back of the beds like ‘Casa Blanca’ and the shorter ones like Speciosum Var. Rubrum ‘Uchida’ in the pots. February is also the best time to plant bare-root roses and peonies, and this is the best way to buy a good range without spending an arm and a leg.”

Bulbs to plant in February:

• Lily bulbs

• Snowdrop bulbs

• Rose bulbs

• Peony bulbs

Lilies 

Lilies are one of the most popular flowers in the garden or freshly cut and given as a lovely gift. They are a wonderful spring flower and can withstand the colder months of February so can be planted now for a range of blooming buds in a few months.

“Winter bedding plants are a low-cost way to perk up the garden this month while you’re waiting for spring flowers to put on a show. Violas, pansies, heathers, and primroses are all good options,” Catherine from Growing Family explained a little more.

Catherine continued and explained why lily bulbs are a great option for early planting: “Looking ahead to summer blooms, you can plant lily bulbs this month. They like a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Lilies will be happy growing in a container too; if you go for this option for the bulbs are more exposed so make sure you protect the pot from frost.”

Cosmos

Cosmos are a great filler plant and work wonderfully in borders and tubs for a spot of colour between greener grasses and plants. Gardeners World recommends this plant as one to plant in February, commenting: “Cosmos are easy flowers to grow and they look great in borders or meadows. The seeds need light to germinate, so sow on top of peat-free seed compost in a tray or plant pot placed indoors in a sunny spot such as a windowsill, then prick out when large enough to handle.”

Cosmos flowers come in a variety of stunning shades and colours, so they are perfect for gardens of all types, no matter the size, space, or colour palette.

READ MORE: Fruit & vegetable growing guide for February

Sweet peas

Sweet peas are a pretty flower with green leaves but are petite and delicate in their own right. They are great in the summer months and can be planted in beds or deep sown in larger pots for spots of colour around the garden. Once the plants reach 10cm tall you should pinch out the top to encourage bushiness on the stem.

Catherine from Growing Family also recommended sweet peas as a great plant to start sowing in February: “If you’ve got a spare windowsill indoors, you can also start off some sweet pea seeds in February. It’s a good idea to snip off the growing tip once the plants have 3-4 pairs of leaves, this will give you bushier, healthier plants. Once the weather warms up in spring you can transfer the seedlings outside.”

Liatris

Originally from North America, Liatris are a tough herbaceous perennial that is popular with butterflies and bees. The extravagant blooms come in shades of white, purple, and pink and are very pretty on the eye.

Longfield Gardens explains how to plant Liatris into your garden on their website, reporting: “The corms may be planted individually, or you can dig a larger hole and plant several bulbs at the same time. Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8”. Dig a 3” deep hole and place the corm(s) inside with the smooth side down and the sprouts facing up. Space the corms about 5" apart on centre.”

If you’re looking to get ahead with your spring and summer planting and want to know which flowers can withstand the colder winter months, then hopefully this guide has given you a little inspiration.

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