Winter for gardeners is a time of rest and plans for the new season. But by February it’s time to start preparing for spring and sow the seeds of those flowers that will delight you with bright colors in May - June.
Petunia
One of the most popular garden annual plants. Velvety, graceful flowers that will bloom all summer long and come in a variety of colors.
Petunia has small seeds that are sown superficially in soft and loose soil. To ensure uniform sowing, they are mixed with sand.
Lobelia
A very lush annual. It forms a light blue cloud of small flowers and looks delicate and decorative.
Lobelia seeds are very small. They require surface seeding. It is best to pour a layer of vermiculite and river sand onto the soil layer, moisten it, then distribute the seeds. After this, cover the container with polyethylene and place it in a bright, warm place.
Carnation Shabo
Carnations used to be considered flowers for formal occasions. But now a large number of varieties with rich colors have appeared that will decorate the garden.
The climatic features of Russia allow you to grow carnations only if you plant the seedlings in February, since the flowering period begins 5–6 months after sowing.
Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant, graceful perennial that grows well and overwinters in the middle zone. It blooms beautifully and is quite unpretentious.
The seeds of this plant require stratification, so it is planted in February. Sow to a depth of 5 mm, after moistening the soil, cover with polyethylene and put in the refrigerator for 45 days. Then they are moved to a warm and bright window.
Salvia
This plant is also called sparkling sage. It is grown as an annual. Flower color is red, lilac or purple. Salvia looks great in large flower beds.
The best time for sowing is the end of February. The seeds are sprinkled with a thin layer of soil. After the appearance of real leaves (at least 4–5), the seedlings are picked and by the end of May they are planted in the ground, preferably in a well-lit place.
Viola
Viola, or tricolor violet, also called pansy, is a flower that has long been familiar to every gardener. It blooms all summer, does not require special care, and even allows replanting of flowering plants.
This is a biennial crop, but if you want the viola to bloom in the year of sowing by May, you need to plant the seeds in February.
Delphinium
This plant can be blue, pink, white, red. Delphinium is very decorative, with a scattering of flowers on a long stem. There are both annual and perennial varieties.
Before sowing, the seeds are soaked in a growth stimulant to improve the quality of seedlings. Sow in a wide pot, sprinkled with a thin layer of soil. By the beginning of May, the seedlings are ready for open ground.
Heliotrope
This flower with a pleasant vanilla aroma, forgotten for many years, again becomes a desirable plant in the garden. It requires good care, regular watering, and feeding. Loves the sun and warmth.
The effort put into growing heliotrope will bring results and delight the gardener. Planting seeds in February will produce seedlings by mid-May that can be planted in a flower bed.
Growing seedlings is a fascinating, but responsible activity. Proper planting and the necessary care will allow you to enjoy the bright, lush flowers of the garden all summer long.
