The days are getting longer, the sun is more and more peeking out from behind the clouds, and summer residents are looking forward to the start of the season. Soon I will start planting seeds for seedlings. Flowers are my priority. February is on the way. Is it worth sowing so early and what to choose?
Advantages and disadvantages of early sowing
Rare flowers can be obtained by early sowing. What are the advantages of such sowing:
- growing rare flowers is more economical than buying them;
- plants planted with seedlings begin to bloom much earlier;
- flowers are less susceptible to the dominance of weeds, as they are ahead of them in development.
There are also disadvantages of early sowing:
- it is long, laborious, seedlings take up a lot of space;
- to grow a large number of seedlings, it is necessary to establish horizontal planes for containers;
- at this time there are problems with lighting, so additional lighting is required;
- a humidifier is required, as the batteries dry out the air in the apartment;
- on the windowsill, the temperature may not be high enough, it becomes necessary to protect the seedlings from the cold.
As you can see, there are still more disadvantages. But when did it stop us?
Place for growing flower seedlings
Where to place seed boxes? If you own a private home, you are in luck. You probably have a heated greenhouse, conservatory or even a conservatory.
The townspeople have one opportunity for the location of seedlings - a window sill in the apartment. My window is equipped with hinged shelves, where you can additionally place seedlings.
Time to plant flowers
First of all, I pay attention to the recommendations of the manufacturer. The date of sowing is indicated on the package. I stick to these deadlines.
With early sowing, I do not allow the seedlings to overgrow, artificially restraining their growth by reducing watering.
Elongated, overgrown seedlings take root worse in open ground. It is weakened in low light conditions.
Selection of flowers for seedlings
There are many flowers that have a long growth period before flowering. I wish they bloomed sooner!
I choose snapdragon for this. This annual has many colors, it can be simple and terry. It is cold-resistant, loves good lighting and watering. Looks great in the flower bed, suitable for cutting. Sowing seeds in February, I get flowering seedlings in May.
Verbena hybrid is loved by many gardeners for its sophistication. It sprouts long and unfriendly, loves abundant watering.
Gaillardia in appearance resembles a chamomile. It is a perennial grown as an annual. There are varieties that bloom from July until frost. Resistant to slight frosts, demanding on lighting.
Most carnations are of hybrid origin. Carnations look luxurious in flower beds. Flowering begins only six months after sowing, so it makes sense to sow it in February. Prefers open sunny places where water does not stagnate.
Perennial bellflower Carpathian can also be grown as an annual crop. Delicate flowers are white, blue, purple. An unpretentious flower grows well both in the sun and in the shade on non-acidic soil.
Elegant calceolaria is grown as an annual crop. Very long flowering begins in May and ends in September. Responds well to feeding.
Magnificent lobelia is an annual plant that has compact forms, ampelous, can be undersized. Cold-resistant, loves light and light soils, moisture-loving.
Sowing seeds for seedlings in February, I get the opportunity to admire flowering plants in May.
What flowers have you already started growing?
Read also: A way to protect a metal barrel from rust without using liners
Friends, do not forget to subscribe to the channel and leave a LIKE if the article is useful!
#planting seeds in February#seedling cultivation#flowers