What to plant in February

BY The Gardener January 28, 2025

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What to plant in February

Sweet peas on a wigwam. Marsha Arnold

In the UK, February is a good month to sow seeds of annuals such as cosmos, and greenhouse crops such as tomatoes. By sowing seeds early on in the year, you can enjoy flowers and vegetables for a larger part of the year – the growing season can then be extended by carrying out repeated sowings from March onwards.

If you have a heated propagator and grow lamp, you can start sowing chillies, aubergines and tomatoes in February. Otherwise, sow seeds of hardier vegetables such as peas, kale, and hardy annual flowers such as cosmos, in pots on a warm, sunny windowsill.

February is also a good time to plant summer-flowering bulbs in pots, most of which do best in free-draining soils. You can plant hardy perennials such as Japanese anemones and hardy geraniums, too. Most are dormant in February, with little or no foliage growing above the ground. However, by planting them in February you can get them off to a good start, as they will start growing as soon as temperatures increase.

You will need:

It’s exciting to be able to start sowing a variety of different seeds at this time of year, and to give them the best chance you might find that it’s worth investing in additional kit, which we’ve suggested below.

  • Heated propagators:Available in a range of shapes and sizes, we’ve suggested the best heated propagators, which provide the perfect growing conditions for seedlings.
  • Cold Frames:If you’re prepared to add a bit of extra insulation, a cold frame offers protection against wintry weather and can help hardy seeds get off to a flying start too – check out our pick of the best garden cold frames.
  • Greenhouses:For those of you who have been toying with the idea of a greenhouse, we’ve got handy guides packed with information about how to choose the best greenhouse, as well as 12 of the most useful greenhouse accessories. No outside space? No problem – our round-up of the best indoor greenhouses is just for you.

Vegetables to grow in February

Leeks

[image id=”71130″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Harvested leeks. Sarah Cuttle” alt=”Harvested leeks. Sarah Cuttle” classes=””] Harvested leeks. Sarah Cuttle

When to harvest:August to February.

How to grow: sow leeks indoors during February, into modular trays or pots. Seed should be sown about 1cm deep. Indoors, they’ll need a temperature of 10-15ºC to germinate. Use a heated propagator or put the pot inside a plastic bag until the seeds have germinated. Germination should take 14-21 days. once the seedlings outgrow their trays or initial pots, move them into bigger pots. After around eight weeks, when the seedlings are about 20cm tall, they can be transplanted outdoors.

Peas

[image id=”38306″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Opening a pod of pea ‘Hurst Greenshaft. Jason Ingram” alt=”Opening a pod of pea ‘Hurst Greenshaft. Jason Ingram” classes=””] Opening a pod of pea ‘Hurst Greenshaft. Jason Ingram

When to harvest: June to October.

How to grow: sowing peas indoors in February gives you an earlier crop. Sow into pots, modular trays or toilet roll tubes, filled with peat-free multi-purpose compost. Push the seeds into their pots, about 5cm deep as peas need deep pots for their roots. Seedlings can be planted out between March and April, once they have reached 20cm tall.

Kale

[image id=”30729″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Red kale” alt=”Red kale” classes=””] A red kale plant

When to harvest:September to March.

How to grow: while very hardy, kale seeds need to be started off indoors during winter, as it’s too cool outside for the seeds to germinate. Sow seeds indoors in modules or 7cm pots, with 2-3 seeds per module, then thin to leave the healthiest seedling. Keep on a sunny window sill.

Tomatoes

[image id=”30731″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Sowing tomato seeds” alt=”Sowing tomato seeds” classes=””] Sowing tomato seeds in a tray in a propagator

When to harvest:July to September.

How to grow: tomato seeds need a minimum temperature of 10ºC to germinate, so are best started off in a heated propagator. However, if you wait until the end of the month, a sunny windowsill should be warm enough to encourage germination, just make sure the pots or trays are covered to stop temperatures falling dramatically at night.

Chillies

[image id=”24765″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Chilli pepper” alt=”Chilli pepper” classes=””] Crop of red chillies

When to harvest:July to October.

How to grow: chillies are a good crop to start in February, but only if you have a heated propagator as most varieties need a minimum temperature of 21ºC to germinate. Sow 2-3 seeds thinly per small individual pot using peat-free seed compost. Cover to own depth with vermiculite. Once seeds have germinated, remove the propagator lid. Transplant seedlings into 7.5cm pots when the first true leaves appear.

Aubergines

[image id=”23392″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”A selection of aubergine varieties on a wooden table” alt=”A selection of aubergine varieties on a wooden table” classes=””] A selection of aubergine varieties on a wooden table

When to harvest:July to September.

How to grow: like chillies, aubergines need a minimum temperature of 21ºC to germinate, but the earlier you sow them, the longer their season of growth and the greater chance they have to fruit. Sow 2-3 seeds thinly per small individual pot using peat-free seed compost. Cover to own depth with vermiculite. Once the seeds have germinated remove the lid of the propagator. Seedlings need a room temperature of 16-18ºC. Once they have their first set of true leaves prick out the seedlings and transplant into individual 7.5cm pots.

Basil

[image id=”24763″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Basil leaves” alt=”Basil leaves” classes=””] Basil leaves

When to harvest:May to October.

How to grow: basil needs a minimum temperature of around 20ºC to germinate, so it’s best sown in a heated propagator, but you may have success on a sunny window sill from the end of the month. Sow basil thinly on the surface of pots or trays of seed compost, and cover with vermiculite. Pot on into individual pots and place on a warm windowsill. Seedlings can be planted outside from June onwards, once the danger of frost is over.

Broad beans

[image id=”24406″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Sowing broad beans” alt=”Sowing broad beans” classes=””] Sowing broad bean seeds

When to harvest:May to August.

How to grow: sow broad beans in February for a head start on spring sowings. Sow direct outdoors if conditions are mild or if you have pre-warmed the soil using cloches or fleece. In cold conditions, sow in multi-celled trays in a greenhouse or cold frame, and then plant the young plants out when temperatures have increased. Sow into modular trays or small pots, 5cm deep. Seeds will germinate in around three weeks. Plant out seedlings from March onwards. Harden off plants first, acclimatising them to outdoor temperatures before planting them out.

Fruit to grow in February

Raspberries

[image id=”192826″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Harvesting raspberries. Neil Hepworth” alt=”Harvesting raspberries. Neil Hepworth” classes=””] Harvesting raspberries. Neil Hepworth

When to harvest: June to October.

How to grow: plant raspberry canes between November and March, avoiding any times when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Plant raspberries 45cm apart in moist, well drained soil. Use the soil mark on the stem as a guide and plant at the same level, taking care not to plant too deeply. Although raspberries can grow in light shade, you will get a better crop in a sunny site.

Strawberries

[image id=”38576″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Strawberry ‘Irresistible’. Tim Sandall” alt=”Strawberry ‘Irresistible’. Tim Sandall” classes=””] Strawberry ‘Irresistible’. Tim Sandall

When to harvest:May onwards.

How to grow: bare-root strawberries can be planted between autumn and April, although don’t plant if the ground is frozen. If you miss autumn planting, it’s best to plant towards the end of February. Plant them in soil that is rich in organic matter, 45cm apart. Dig a hole big enough to hold the roots and make sure the crown isn’t too deep, it should be level with the soil surface.

Rhubarb

[image id=”218871″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Rhubarb ‘Timperley Early’. Jason Ingram” alt=”Rhubarb ‘Timperley Early’. Jason Ingram” classes=””] Rhubarb ‘Timperley Early’. Jason Ingram

When to harvest: March to July.

How to grow: rhubarb crowns can be planted between autumn and spring. Choose a sunny spot and dig in well-rotted manure or compost before planting, leaving 75cm between plants. Rhubarb crowns should be planted so that the top of the crown is just above the soil surface.

Blackcurrants

[image id=”84097″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Blackcurrants. Paul Debois” alt=”Blackcurrants. Paul Debois” classes=””] Blackcurrants. Paul Debois

When to harvest: July to August.

How to grow: blackcurrants thrive in most soils, apart from poorly drained ground. Plant them during mild spells, between October and March. The canes should be planted 6cm deeper than the soil mark on the stem. Firm in well.

Apples

[image id=”100219″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Apple ‘Worcester Pearmain’. Sarah Cuttle” alt=”Apple ‘Worcester Pearmain’. Sarah Cuttle” classes=””] Apple ‘Worcester Pearmain’. Sarah Cuttle

When to harvest:July to October.

How to grow: choose an area in full sun for your apple tree. Bare-root trees can be planted in winter, between October and March. Dig in lots of well-rotted garden compost or manure before planting. When positioning the tree in its hole, make sure that the bulge on the stem (the graft point) is just above soil level.

Flowers to grow in February

Cosmos

[image id=”30728″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Pink single-flowered cosmos” alt=”Pink single-flowered cosmos” classes=””] A single, pink cosmos flower

Flowers:June to October.

How to grow: cosmos are easy flowers to grow and they look great in borders or meadows. The seeds need light to germinate, so sow on top of peat-free seed compost in a tray or plant pot placed indoors in a sunny spot such as a window sill, then prick out into individual pots when large enough to handle. Young plants can be moved outside once the danger of frost is over, from May onwards.

Sweet peas

[image id=”30730″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Sweet pea ‘First Flame'” alt=”Sweet pea ‘First Flame'” classes=””] Pink sweet pea ‘First Flame’

Flowers:May/June to August.

How to grow: sweet peas are a stalwart of the summer garden and they’re easy to grow. Sow seeds individually into biodegradable pots or cardboard tubes, as they can be planted out in their containers to avoid root disturbance. Keep them in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame and harden off before planting out in April.

Salvias

[image id=”30727″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Blue Salvia patens” alt=”Blue Salvia patens” classes=””] Salvia patens flowers

Flowers:July to October.

How to grow: salvias are great for providing structure and height in the garden, and many varieties can be grown from seed. Sow the seeds in February, scattering them on top of peat-free seed compost, and then cover the seeds with a fine layer of compost or vermiculite. Keep the pots in a light, warm spot indoors, ensuring the compost stays moist. Plant out tender salvias once the danger of frost is over in May or June.

Eucomis

[image id=”33888″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”98761″ alt=”98761″ classes=””] Pineapple lily (Eucomis) flowers

Flowers:July to September.

How to grow: exotic pineapple lilies (eucomis) are usually planted in spring. It’s not too early to plant them in February, but at this time of year you’ll have more success if you plant them in pots, as open ground can be wet at this time of year, causing the bulbs to rot. Plant the bulbs 15cm deep in pots in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse, and plant out into the garden when all risk of frost has passed.

Liatris

[image id=”33886″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Feathery pink liatris blooms” alt=”Feathery pink liatris blooms” classes=””] Feathery pink liatris blooms

Flowers:August to September.

How to grow: liatris are tough, herbaceous perennials hailing from North America, beloved by bees and butterflies. Large, extravagant blooms come in shades of pink, purple and white. Plant the bulbs in light, free-draining soil, around 5cm deep. If you have heavy, or waterlogged soil, plant the bulbs in pots to plant out later.

Agapanthus

[image id=”33889″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”98763″ alt=”98763″ classes=””] Tall blue flowerheads of agapanthus

Flowers:July to September.

How to grow: there are many beautiful types of agapanthus to grow, and getting them started couldn’t be easier. Containers are ideal for growing agapanthus, as you can bring them under cover in winter if you need to. Plant the bulbs 8-10cm deep, 10-15cm apart in good quality, well-drained compost. Once frosts have passed, move the pot outdoors to a warm, sunny position.

Galtonia

[image id=”33890″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”98764″ alt=”98764″ classes=””] White bluebell-like flowers of the summer hyacinth Galtonia

Flowers:August to September.

How to grow: galtonia, or summer hyacinths, are stately plants that produce tall spikes of nodding white flowers, which look particularly good when planted in large drifts. They do best in a sunny position in free-draining soil, where the bulbs should be planted 10cm deep, 10cm apart. In heavy soils, plant in pots.

Hardy geraniums

[image id=”35100″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”98776″ alt=”98776″ classes=””] Pink-lined white flowers of a hardy geranium or cranesbill

Flowers:May to September.

How to grow: geraniums, also known as cranesbills, are useful plants to have in the garden. The flowers will last for months, providing food for pollinators, and they’re easy to grow. They can also be grown in sun or shade. These robust plants will adapt to suit most soils, except those that are waterlogged. In winter, you can buy bare-root plants, which are cheaper than buying potted hardy geraniums.

Japanese anemones

[image id=”35101″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”98774″ alt=”98774″ classes=””] Japanese anemone flowers: pale pink petals around golden centres

Flowers:July to September.

How to grow: reliable and vigorous, Japanese anemones are well suited to borders, blending well with other plants and adding height and structure. During winter, you can buy bare-root plants of Japanese anemones. Grow them in partial shade, in moist, well-drained soil.

Roses

[image id=”111223″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’. David Austin. Jason Ingram” alt=”Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’. David Austin. Jason Ingram” classes=””] Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’. David Austin. Jason Ingram

Flowers:June to October.

How to grow: February is a good time to plant bare-root roses. They are cheaper to buy as bare-root plants. Choose from shrub roses like ‘Gertrude Jekyll’, which will bring flowers to your border all summer long, or try a climber to cover walls and fences. Roses do best in rich soil, with at least four hours of sun a day.

Lilies

[image id=”218071″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Lilium ‘Arbatax’ (Longiflorum-Asiatic Lily). Jason Ingram” alt=”Lilium ‘Arbatax’ (Longiflorum-Asiatic Lily). Jason Ingram” classes=””] Lilium ‘Arbatax’ (Longiflorum-Asiatic Lily). Jason Ingram

Flowers:June to August.

How to grow: plant lily bulbs between October and April in an area that gets a lot of sun. There are many varieties of both Oriental and Asiatic lilies to choose from in a huge range of colours including pink, yellow, orange and red, although Oriental lilies are usually pink. Plant Oriental lilies in either acid soil or ericaceous compost, and Asiatic lilies in neutral soil or multi-purpose compost.

Trees and shrubs to plant in February

Blackthorn

[image id=”54760″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Blackthorn hedge. Jason Ingram” alt=”Blackthorn hedge. Jason Ingram” classes=””] Blackthorn hedge. Jason Ingram

Flowers: March to April.
Fruits: October to November.

How to grow: blackthorn is a shrub with thorny branches that makes an excellent hedge. It’s good for wildlife, with food sources for birds, insects and small mammals as well as nectar for pollinators. Left unpruned, blackthorn can develop into a tree and grows to around 6m tall. Plant between October and March during a mild spell when the ground isn’t frozen.

Amelanchier lamarkii(Snow mespilus)

[image id=”65642″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Snowy mespilus, Amelanchier lamarckii. Jason Ingram” alt=”Snowy mespilus, Amelanchier lamarckii. Jason Ingram” classes=””] Snowy mespilus, Amelanchier lamarckii. Jason Ingram

Flowers: March to April.
Fruits: June to July.

How to grow: Snowy mespilus can be grown as a tree or a multi-stemmed shrub, providing year-round interest with spring flowers, berries and autumn colour. Plant this tree in moist, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. The best time to plant is autumn or early spring when the ground is not frozen.

Japanese maples

[image id=”60572″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”Acer palmatum. Japanese maple. Jason Ingram” alt=”Acer palmatum. Japanese maple. Jason Ingram” classes=””] Acer palmatum,Japanese maple. Jason Ingram

How to grow: grow Japanese maples (acers) in full sun or partial shade. These colourful trees will thrive in moist, slightly acidic soil, in a sheltered spot. Add some organic matter to the planting hole to improve the soil.

* This article was originally published here

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