Winter Sowing Made Simple with Bumbleseeds
Winter sowing is an incredible, low-maintenance way to grow strong, healthy plants that thrive in your garden—and it all starts during the quiet days of winter! At Bumbleseeds, we’re here to help you make the most of this eco-friendly, high-germination method. Plus, with our Wildflowers A-Z Mix and Deer Resist Mix, you’ll have everything you need to create a stunning, sustainable garden that’s a haven for pollinators.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to get started this season:
What Is Winter Sowing?
Winter sowing is the practice of starting seeds outdoors in containers during winter. The seeds rest in natural conditions, experiencing the cold, rain, and snow. When spring arrives, they sprout naturally as the weather warms, giving you strong, hardy seedlings ready to transplant.
What You’ll Need
• Containers: Anything that holds at least 3-4” of potting soil and has headroom for seedlings. Clear or translucent options (like salad containers or milk jugs) work best, but milk jugs are NOT required.
• Potting Mix: A well-draining potting soil that holds moisture.
• Drainage Holes: Essential to avoid waterlogging.
• Labels: Waterproof markers or plant tags to note what you’ve planted.
• Seeds: Start with perennials like our Wildflowers A-Z Mix that need cold stratification, followed by hardy and tender annuals.
How to Winter Sow
1. Prepare Containers:
• Add drainage holes in the bottom of your container.
• Fill with moist potting soil. Ensure it’s damp but not soggy—if water pools, add more drainage holes.
2. Sow Seeds:
• Press small seeds into the soil surface for good contact.
• Cover larger seeds lightly with soil.
• Label containers clearly to avoid mystery plants in spring!
3. Seal and Vent:
• Close containers securely. Create small ventilation holes on top to allow airflow, rain, and snow to enter.
4. Place Outside:
• Position containers in a light-filled area where they’re safe from heavy winds but can receive rain and snow.
5. Check Moisture Levels:
• If rain or snow is sparse, check your containers to ensure the soil stays moist. Smaller containers dry out faster, so monitor those more frequently.
6. Let Nature Work:
• Seeds will germinate at the perfect time for their species, taking the guesswork out of timing!
Transplanting Your Seedlings
Once your seedlings develop two sets of true leaves or reach about 2” high, it’s time to transplant them to your garden or larger pots with fresh soil. Don’t leave them in the containers too long—this can weaken their growth.
Why Choose Bumbleseeds for Winter Sowing?
Our seeds are carefully selected for natural growth cycles and include mixes like:
• Wildflowers A-Z Mix: Perfect for pollinators, packed with perennials that thrive with cold stratification.
• Deer Resist Mix: Gorgeous blooms that keep deer at bay while adding beauty to your landscape.
Benefits of Winter Sowing
• Eco-Friendly: No grow lights or indoor setup needed!
• Low Maintenance: Minimal watering or fussing.
• Hardy Seedlings: Plants grow stronger outdoors, accustomed to the elements.
Winter sowing is simple, rewarding, and perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. As the saying goes: If it’s not easy, you’re not doing it right!
Top Seeds to Winter Sow with Bumbleseeds
Winter sowing is a fantastic way to get ahead on your garden while letting nature do the hard work. Certain seeds thrive when started in the cold months, mimicking their natural germination cycles. Here’s a curated list of seeds that are ideal for winter sowing, including perennials, hardy annuals, and even some vegetables.
Perennials (Cold Stratification Required)
These seeds need a period of cold to germinate, making them perfect for winter sowing:
• Wildflowers A-Z Mix (available from Bumbleseeds)
• Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
• Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
• Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) – Great for monarch butterflies!
• Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)
• Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
• Blanket Flower (Gaillardia spp.)
Hardy Annuals (Can Handle the Cold)
These tough flowers will sprout early and bloom beautifully come spring:
• Poppies (Papaver spp.)
• Larkspur (Consolida ajacis)
• Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
• Bachelor’s Button (Centaurea cyanus)
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
• Snapdragons (Antirrhinum spp.)
• Nigella (Nigella damascena, or “Love-in-a-Mist”)
Vegetables & Herbs (Cold Hardy Varieties)
Winter sowing isn’t just for flowers—try these veggies and herbs for an early harvest:
• Kale (Brassica oleracea)
• Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
• Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
• Broccoli (Brassica oleracea)
• Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
• Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
• Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Shrubs and Trees (Grow Something Long-Term)
These seeds also benefit from cold stratification:
• Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
• Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
• Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)
• Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Specialty Mixes from Bumbleseeds
• Deer Resist Mix: Hardy flowers that deer avoid—ideal for winter sowing!
• Wildflowers A-Z Mix: A diverse blend of blooms to support pollinators all year long.
Tips for Success
• Label Everything: You’ll thank yourself in spring! Use waterproof markers and plant tags.
• Start with Perennials: They’re the easiest to manage and germinate first.
• Experiment: If you’re unsure about a seed type, try sowing a few indoors and a few outdoors for comparison.
Ready to start your winter sowing journey? Order your seeds now and take advantage of free delivery for Mayne Island residents. Let’s grow something beautiful together—naturally!
