Right after Christmas, my garden always looks so empty and sad. But instead of waiting around for spring, I learned you can actually start planting in January!
These 7 flowers are perfect to plant right now, and I promise they’ll make your garden pop with color when warm weather hits.
1. Begonias
My love affair with begonias started three years ago when my mother-in-law gifted me some seedlings.
These versatile beauties can flourish practically anywhere – from your cozy windowsill to outdoor flower beds.
I’ve found they’re perfect for busy moms like me because they’re so adaptable. I have them brightening up my porch, windowsills, and even scattered throughout my garden beds.
Starting begonia seeds in January gives them plenty of time to mature before spring arrives. Just remember to gradually introduce them to the outdoors – I learned this the hard way when I rushed the process last year!
2. Snapdragons
My kids absolutely adore snapdragons – they love making the flowers “talk” by gently squeezing the sides.
These cheerful flowers come in so many colors that it’s hard to choose just one variety. I usually end up planting a rainbow mix!
Here’s a pro tip from my garden journal: start them indoors about two months before your last spring frost. And don’t forget to grab some garden stakes – these beauties can grow surprisingly tall.
3. Poppies
If you’re like me and prefer the “sprinkle and pray” method of gardening, poppies are your best friend.
These easy-going flowers actually need cold weather to thrive, making January the perfect time to sow them directly in your garden.
I scatter poppy seeds right over patches of snow in my garden. It feels a bit crazy, but Mother Nature knows what she’s doing!
4. Foxglove
Foxgloves hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of the secret gardens in fairy tales my daughter loves.
These stunning flowers can reach heights of up to 8 feet – talk about a showstopper in your garden! My youngest calls them “flower towers.”
If you’re starting them in January like I do, keep them cozy indoors until about three weeks before the last frost. Just don’t forget to support them as they grow – I use bamboo stakes tied with pretty garden twine.
5. Calendula
When my gardening friends ask me what flowers are perfect for beginners, I always recommend calendula.
These sunny blooms are practically foolproof – trust me, if I can grow them while chasing after three kids, anyone can!
In our warmer climate, I sow them directly outside, but if you’re in a cooler area, starting them indoors in January works great too.
Just sprinkle the seeds lightly on top of the soil and give them plenty of light. A little spring pruning will reward you with blooms all season long.
6. Tulips
Nothing says “spring is here” quite like tulips poking their heads through the last bits of snow.
These classic beauties typically start emerging in March, with their gorgeous blooms unfurling in April and May.
I’ve found they’re happiest in rich, well-draining soil. Give them a good drink when planting, then let them do their thing – they’re pretty low-maintenance after that.
7. Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are my absolute favorite for adding that cottage garden charm. The fragrance reminds me of my grandmother’s garden.
I love training them up my front porch trellis, where they create the most beautiful natural curtain of flowers.
These climbing sweethearts come in the prettiest colors – from soft pinks to deep purples. I plant them in groups of three seeds, spaced about a foot apart.
They look absolutely gorgeous spilling over the edges of pots too. I keep a container right by my kitchen window so I can enjoy their sweet fragrance while doing dishes.