As February rolls in, it’s the perfect time for aspiring gardeners to kickstart their indoor herb garden.
Starting your seeds this month not only helps in developing strong root systems but also ensures lush foliage, leading to an earlier bounty when spring arrives.
Gardening expert Katherine Rowe shares her top herb suggestions for February planting, tailored to various regional climates and frost schedules.
Importance of Early Planting
The passage of February hints at the gradual transition away from winter, with the promise of the last frost lingering just around the corner.
For many gardeners, this month marks a crucial window for sowing herb seeds indoors.
Selecting the right herbs to grow should reflect both your personal preferences and the climate conditions in your area.
Properly timing your seed planting will synchronize the germination period with favorable transplanting dates, minimizing the risk of frost damage.
Sowing seeds during this late winter period offers a crucial head start.
Many herbs have lengthy germination phases, making early planting especially advantageous.
Conversely, some herbs readily transform into hardy seedlings and adapt quickly to outdoor life, allowing for a smooth transition as the weather warms.
Top Herb Seeds for Indoor Planting in February
- Garlic Chives
- Scientific Name: Allium tuberosum
- Sun Requirements: Prefers full sun
- Expected Height: Grows 6-20 inches tall
- Suitable Zones: Thrives in zones 3-9
- Lavender
- Scientific Name: Lavandula spp.
- Sun Requirements: Enjoys full sun
- Expected Height: Reaches about 3 feet
- Suitable Zones: Grows well in zones 5-9
- Chamomile
- Scientific Name: Matricaria recutita
- Sun Requirements: Adaptable to full sun or partial shade
- Expected Height: Stands 1-2 feet tall
- Suitable Zones: Flourishes in zones 2-8
- Mexican Tarragon
- Scientific Name: Tagetes lucida
- Sun Requirements: Likes full sun but tolerates partial shade
- Expected Height: Can grow up to 2 feet
- Suitable Zones: Best in zones 8-11
- Parsley
- Scientific Name: Petroselinum crispum
- Sun Requirements: Prefers full sun or partial shade
- Expected Height: Can reach between 8-36 inches
- Suitable Zones: Grows in zones 2-11
- Lemon Balm
- Scientific Name: Melissa officinalis
- Sun Requirements: Thrives in full sun or partial shade
- Expected Height: Generally 2-3 feet tall
- Suitable Zones: Suitable for zones 3-7
- Lovage
- Scientific Name: Levisticum officinale
- Sun Requirements: Enjoys full sun or partial shade
- Expected Height: Grows between 3-6 feet
- Suitable Zones: Flourishes in zones 2-11
- Pineapple Sage
- Scientific Name: Salvia elegans
- Sun Requirements: Prefers full sun or partial shade
- Expected Height: Reaches 3-5 feet
- Suitable Zones: Grows well in zones 8-10
- Fennel
- Scientific Name: Foeniculum vulgare
- Sun Requirements: Thrives in full sun
- Expected Height: Can grow between 4-6 feet
- Suitable Zones: Suitable for zones 4-9
- Spearmint
- Scientific Name: Mentha spicata
- Sun Requirements: Thrives in full sun or partial shade
- Expected Height: Stands 1-3 feet tall
- Suitable Zones: Grows in zones 4-9
- German Chamomile
- Scientific Name: Matricaria recutita
- Sun Requirements: Enjoys full sun or partial shade
- Expected Height: Grows 1-2 feet tall
- Suitable Zones: Flourishes in zones 2-8
- Sage
- Scientific Name: Salvia officinalis
- Sun Requirements: Prefers full sun or partial shade
- Expected Height: Typically 1-2 feet tall
- Suitable Zones: Thrives in zones 4-8
- Sorrel
- Scientific Name: Rumex spp.
- Sun Requirements: Prefers full sun
- Expected Height: Grows 12-18 inches tall
- Suitable Zones: Flourishes in zones 3-7
Now is an excellent opportunity to plan and plant your herb garden, setting the stage for a vibrant spring season.
February serves as a key month for starting seeds, empowering your seedlings to establish robust growth before they face the outdoors.
So gather your materials, and get ready to sow!
Source: Epicgardening.com