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When to Start Annual Flowers Indoors

Source: NDSU Extension Horticulturists

How soon can you start flower seeds indoors? Some gardeners start annuals too late in the spring and then don't have anything in bloom until late summer. Other persons have started them too early and actually had to discard leggy, overgrown plants.

The most accessible information on starting dates is on the seed packet. You will usually find directions on how many weeks before the last outdoor frost you should sow seeds inside. Many seed catalogs will also provide information.

There are several annuals which you should start about three months before the last frost. These are generally small and the seedlings grow slowly. Petunias, pansies, begonias, lobelia, and seed geraniums, are in this category. Start them from mid-February to March.

Zinnias, marigolds, and sweet alyssum in contrast, are much faster growers. These can be started from seed indoors from late March to early April.

Salvia, snapdragons, and dusty miller are intermediate, and started in mid-March.

The many advantages of annuals started from seed are considerable. You have a great selection of available varieties and the excitement of starting them yourself. Remember to account for the right color, height and form for your flower boxes, borders or beds. Remember to send your order or buy seeds early enough, however, so you will have your annuals in bloom early in the summer.

For future reference, you may want to obtain a copy of Extension bulletin H-332, entitled, "Annual Flowers for North Dakota," which is available free of charge at your local county extension office.

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