Sowing seeds for seedlings in February. Growing seedlings: terms, conditions. Seedlings in February, what should be sown from vegetable and flower crops What seedlings are planted in February in the Urals

Early sowing of seeds is a necessity for some vegetable and flower crops that have certain characteristics of growth and development. These plants include:

  • crops whose seeds have a long germination;
  • heat-loving vegetables with a long growing season;
  • annual and perennial flower crops with a long growing season.

Seeds are planted in pre-prepared and heated soil. Before planting, the seeds are treated in a disinfectant solution - this will protect the plant from fungal diseases.

What to plant in February for seedlings of vegetables and berries?

Tomatoes. Late-ripening tomato varieties with a growing season of up to 140 days are sown for seedlings in February, as well as varieties of early ripeness for subsequent cultivation in greenhouse conditions. Seeds are planted to a depth of 1 cm, the maintained temperature level should be at around 21 - 25 degrees. The first shoots appear after 7-9 days. Tomato seedlings are planted in a permanent place after 2 months.

Pepper. Sweet pepper seedlings grow very slowly, so seeds can be planted in February. Pepper seedlings are ready for transplanting in 60-80 days, it takes from 7 to 14 days for seeds to germinate. Seeds are planted to a depth of 5 mm and maintained at a temperature of 26 degrees. When the first sprouts appear, pepper seedlings should be regularly watered with warm water.

Eggplant. Eggplant seedlings are planted 60-70 days after sowing, seedlings appear on the 10th day. Eggplant seeds are planted to a depth of 1 cm in moderately moist soil at a temperature of 26 degrees. Picking seedlings produced after the appearance of the first three leaves.

Leek. Leek must be germinated at a certain temperature - about 20 degrees. Excessively warm growing conditions lead to the appearance of flower arrows. Onion seedlings are ready for planting in open ground at the age of 60 days. Formed leek seedlings are planted in the first decade of May, since this culture is not afraid of frost.

Celery. It is a crop with a long growing season. Celery seedlings are planted in the garden at the age of 70-80 days. Seeds germinate in about 8-9 days. After emergence, seedlings should be moved to a well-lit area.

Elite potatoes. Seeds are sown in the second half of February, before sowing they must be germinated. Potatoes have low seed germination rates, so they are sown densely. On the 25th day, the seedlings are transplanted into a separate container. Ideal conditions for the formation of good potato seedlings are sufficient light and temperature within 24 degrees. Seedlings ready for planting are transferred to heated soil or a greenhouse.

Cucumbers, zucchini and pumpkin. Planting time for these vegetables does not play a big role, they are sown for seedlings in February for an earlier harvest. Seeds are planted at a depth of 3-4 cm.

Remontant varieties of strawberries and wild strawberries. To get a harvest of berries in the first year, it is necessary to plant seeds for seedlings in early February. Seeds are sown in pre-moistened and warmed soil. Seedlings are transplanted to the garden in the last days of May.

What flowers to plant for seedlings in February?

Many flower crops popular with gardeners also have a long growing season, so early sowing seedlings is a must if you want to enjoy their flowering in the summer. Here is a list of some flowers to sow for seedlings in February:

Lobelia. The seeds of this graceful and fragile flower are planted in shallow containers with well-moistened soil. A box with planted seeds is covered with a film and placed in a bright place. In the room it is necessary to maintain the temperature at the level of 20-22 degrees. Seedlings appear 7-10 days after sowing. When the seedlings grow up to 1 cm, the film shelter can be removed. Lobelia blooms 2-2.5 months after planting.

Petunia. This is a thermophilic and beautiful plant, which is loved by gardeners for its rich species diversity and unpretentiousness in care. It is best to plant petunia seeds in peat tablets. Seeds are sown on moist soil, lightly sprinkling them with earth. If you plant the seeds a little deeper, then they simply will not sprout. 13-15 weeks after sowing, petunia seedlings are ready for planting in open ground.

Verbena. This is a beautiful and picky plant that will easily take root in any corner of the garden. Verbena seeds cannot be buried when planting, they should simply be placed on the surface of the soil and sprinkled with a little earth. Seeds germinate in 2-3 days. After the first shoots appear, the verbena seedlings are placed in a cool place. Ready planting material is planted in open ground with the onset of consistently warm weather.

Carnation Shabo. The flowering of this crop begins about 6 months after planting and continues until the frost. Seeds are planted in shallow containers (up to 6 cm high) filled with universal soil with a small amount of sand. The room temperature required for the germination of clove seeds should not exceed 18-20 degrees. Seedlings appear in about 4-5 days. Picking seedlings into individual containers occurs when the first pair of leaves appears.

Begonia. Garden begonia tubers are planted in a pot with a special substrate. In early June, seedlings are planted in a permanent place in the garden. Before planting, the plant is hardened for a week.

Marigold. This flower culture is easy to grow and unpretentious in care. Marigolds are transplanted for planting in open ground at 1.5 months of age. Marigold seedlings require nutritious soil, good lighting, regular watering and a temperature regime of 18-20 degrees. Shoots of marigolds hatch for 3-5 days. If the seedlings grow too densely, then a pick should be made.

Why are seedlings stretching?

Many summer residents note that seedlings planted in February are very stretched. This can be facilitated by a lack of light, because in the winter months the duration of daylight hours is still not enough for the development of strong seedlings. To avoid this, February seedlings must be illuminated with special lamps.

It is also extremely important to observe the measure in watering and feeding seedlings, and the ambient temperature should not be too high. Cool air, although it does not contribute to the rapid growth of seedlings, but makes it stronger and hardened. With moderate soil moisture, a more powerful root system is formed than with abundant and frequent watering. In addition, periodic light touches on the sprouts will help to restrain the stretching of the seedlings. With such a physical impact, the leaves begin to release ethylene gas, which is responsible for the growth of the plant.

February is the middle of winter. Everything that was planted in the fall in hibernation. There is at least a month before sowing and planting in open ground. However, in February, it's time to start preparing for spring activity. So that the flowers have time to bloom before the cold weather, and vegetable crops to bear fruit, it's time to start growing seedlings.
What to sow for seedlings in February and how best to do it, we will tell in our article.

Sowing seedlings of vegetables

Many vegetables in the climate of the middle lane do not have time to grow, get stronger and bear fruit. Late warming in spring and early autumn frosts prevent this. Heat-loving plants are especially affected. But many vegetable crops beloved by gardeners and gardeners are just that. The most difficult thing in growing vegetables in seedlings is choosing the right sowing time. Seedlings should grow up and get stronger by the time they are planted in open ground. Also, the calculation must be correct in terms of air and soil temperature, so that the seedlings do not suffer from the sudden return of cold weather.

Pepper

This culture is especially picky about the conditions of detention: watering, air humidity, temperature, etc. Pepper seedlings are afraid of even minimal frosts, and sowing pepper immediately into open ground with seeds is out of the question.
Timing. Sowing pepper for seedlings in February will depend on the weather and climatic conditions of your region. Make your calculations based on these data. Pepper begins to bear fruit 90-140 days after sowing the seeds (the growing season of the variety is indicated on the packaging with the seeds). Plant it in open ground a little earlier, when it reaches the age of 60-80 days. Landing is carried out when the risk of return frosts finally disappears. In regions with cold winters, this time usually comes in late May - early June. Based on this, sow pepper seedlings from the last decade of February (20th) until the first decade of March (until the 10th).
Sowing. Before sowing, disinfect pepper seeds with a solution of potassium permanganate or a fungicide. Fill a suitable container with drainage holes with soil, leaving a couple of centimeters of free space at the top. The substrate is prepared as follows: humus, peat and sand are mixed in proportions of 2: 2: 1. Moisten the soil with a spray bottle. Spread the seeds on its surface at a distance of 2 cm from each other. Cover them with a thin layer of soil. Moisten the soil with a spray bottle. Cover the crops with cling film and place in a warm place. Required temperature +25ºС. Air the seeds periodically. When the first shoots appear, remove the film and place the seedlings in a lighted place. Lower the temperature to +17ºС. Moisten the soil periodically with warm water. When the seedlings have a couple of true leaves, dive them (along with an earthy clod) into separate containers. Be careful not to damage the root system of the peppers. Fertilize during the first month after the first pick. The first feeding - after 14 days, the second - after another 14 days. A week before planting seedlings in the ground, harden the seedlings. Do it gradually. First, take it out for an hour, then increase the time the pepper is outside until it stays there all day.

eggplant

Eggplant, like pepper, is a heat-loving crop. At temperatures below + 20ºС, they do not bear fruit. Even a small minus is contraindicated in the cultivation of eggplant, the plants die. For this reason, they are grown exclusively in seedlings.
Timing. So that eggplants have time to grow up, get stronger and give a harvest, choose early varieties. The growing season of eggplant lasts 100-150 days, depending on the variety. At the age of about 90 days, in suitable weather, seedlings are planted in open ground. Based on this, sow eggplant for seedlings in February (from the 20th) - in early March (until the 10th).
Sowing. Before planting, disinfect the seeds in a solution of potassium permanganate or fungicides. It is best to grow eggplant seedlings in peat pots, as this crop does not tolerate transplanting well. However, if this is not possible, then grow in separate cups. Take suitable containers for sowing, fill them with soil substrate. The substrate is prepared as follows: mix 5 parts of soddy soil, 3 parts of humus and 1 part of sand. For better plant growth, add mineral fertilizers to the soil. Moisten the soil with warm water. Accept lightly. Make holes in it 1.5 cm deep, for example with a pencil. Spread the seeds in the holes. Fill them with soil. Moisten the soil with warm water from a spray bottle so as not to wash the seeds. Cover the crops with cling film and place in a warm place where the temperature is at least + 25ºС. Ventilate them periodically, moisten the soil if necessary. When the first sprouts appear, remove the cling film completely. Move the seedlings to a sunny location. At the age of 2-3 true leaves dive eggplants.
Plant eggplant seedlings in the ground if the weather is right outside, and the seedlings are already strong and have 5-7 true leaves. A week before planting, begin to gradually harden off the plants. First, leave them outdoors in a shady place for an hour. Increase this time each day until the plants stay outside all day.

What flowers can be planted in February for seedlings

If you want your garden and flower bed to delight you with an abundance of colors and a variety of shapes, then take care of sowing flowers in February for seedlings. Decide what you want to plant and check what growing season that plant is. Focus also on the time of planting seedlings in the ground. The calculation should be such that when the weather is right, the seedlings should be strong, but not overgrown.

Petunia

This plant loves heat and light. Petunia seedlings are planted outdoors when the risk of return frosts has finally disappeared. In regions with severe winters, this time comes in late May - early June. In regions with a mild climate - already in April.
Timing. Petunias begin to bloom 2-3 months after sowing.
Sowing. For growing petunia seedlings, use loose and well-aerated soil in which water will not stagnate. You can make a soil substrate like this: mix 2 parts peat, 1 part garden soil and 1 part sand. Disinfect the seeds before planting in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Place the soil in suitable containers, missing a few centimeters to the top. Straighten out, accept. Lay a 1 cm layer of snow. Smooth it out. Spread the petunia seeds evenly over the surface. It is not necessary to cover the seeds with earth. Cover the crops with cling film. Place the container in a bright and warm place (required temperature +25ºС). From time to time, air the seeds by opening the film. Please note that when sown in February, petunia requires additional illumination. Use a fluorescent lamp for this. When the first sprouts hatch, remove the film completely. Make sure the soil always remains moist. At the age of a few true leaves, plant the seedlings in separate cups. Use a pick peg or a toothpick for convenience. If necessary, if the seedlings have long roots, pinch them. Pay attention to the fact that the roots do not break or bend during transplantation. At the end of the procedure, moisten the soil. So that the sprouts do not stretch out, lower the temperature to + 17ºС.

Delphinium

To fully enjoy the flowering of the delphinium, it is also initially sown on seedlings.
Timing. You can sow delphinium for seedlings at the end of February (after the 15th).
Sowing. Remember that those delphinium seeds that have been recently harvested sprout better. The longer the seeds have been stored, the less likely they are to sprout. Before planting, disinfect the seed. To do this, place the seeds in a solution of potassium permanganate (for 20 minutes) or a fungicide. After that, rinse them under running water, dry. Sow the seeds in the soil substrate. You can make it like this: mix garden soil, peat and humus in proportions 1: 1: 1. The soil should be loose, breathable and not conducive to stagnant water. Fill a suitable container with potting soil. Spread the delphinium seeds on the surface at a distance of a few centimeters from each other. Cover with a very thin layer of soil. Lightly compact it. Moisten the soil with a spray bottle so as not to wash out the seeds. Cover the crops on top with cling film, put in a warm but dark place. Periodically ventilate by folding the edge of the film. If necessary, additionally moisten the soil. When the first seedlings hatch, remove the film completely and place the seedlings in a bright place. Keep the temperature no more than + 20ºС. When the seedlings have a few true leaves, make a pick. Sow them in individual containers. A week before planting in open ground, harden seedlings. At first, take the seedlings to fresh air only for an hour in partial shade. Then gradually increase this time until the seedlings stay outside all day.

For gardeners, spring begins in the middle of winter, even then they begin to buy seeds and choose varieties. What to sow in February for seedlings, what vegetables and flowers are ready for planting?

It is not always worth rushing with sowing, sometimes seedlings planted in early February are much inferior to those sown in early March. Still, plants are affected by the duration of daylight hours and the backlight cannot completely replace the spring sun.

However, some types of vegetables have a long growing season. Flowers have a long germination period. Yes, sometimes you just want to sow early so that they bloom in the spring.

Early sowing dates are simply a necessity for residents of the middle zone and Siberia, in such a short summer as ours, more than half of the vegetables have to be grown in seedlings and the main ones just require sowing in February. In our article we will find out what seedlings are planted in February 2018.

Lunar calendar for planting seedlings in February 2018

At the end of winter, seedlings are planted in greenhouses, as it is cold outside. Choose the right landing time. This will give you a positive attitude and your own strength, and you will make an effort to protect cultures from dangers. These days, a person finds harmony with his green garden, and all this is not without the help of the moon.

Lunar scheme for planting seedlings in February 2018 - the right period:

What vegetables are planted for seedlings in February 2018

Undoubtedly, the owners of summer cottages want not only to decorate them, but also to please loved ones with delicious fruits. Therefore, experts advise planting heat-loving vegetables with a long growing season or crops with low seed germination for seedlings in February. These include eggplant, bell pepper, leek, tomatoes, celery, parsley, dill. Practically all of these plants are planted at the end of this winter month.

Planting eggplant seedlings in February 2018

When planting seeds of all crops, you can use special seedling soil, which is usually represented by several types in specialized stores, or cook it yourself.

Sowing seeds can be carried out both in special boxes or cassettes, and in peat pots and tablets.

Eggplant seeds, previously treated against diseases and pests with magnesium permanganate or growth stimulants, as well as germinated, are embedded in a moistened substrate to a depth of 1 cm. After that, the container with the sown seeds is covered with plastic wrap or glass. The eggplant germination temperature is maintained within +25 - +30˚С. The seeds of this crop germinate for a long time, and usually appear on the 7th - 14th day.

Planting celery seedlings in February 2018

Celery also has a long growing season. It is very sensitive to the soil, it has to be planted in the garden at the very end of May. Seedlings are planted at the age of 70-80 days, so sowing is also before the 20th of February.

Planting seedlings of peppers in February 2018

Bulgarian pepper seeds are disinfected and germinated, after which they are sown in seedling boxes to a depth of 0.5 cm. It should be noted that they usually germinate for a very long time. The temperature for germination should be +25 - +30 C.

Planting tomato seedlings in February 2018

Sow tomato seeds in cassettes or boxes, which are filled with a substrate for seedlings. You can fill them in autumn with specially prepared soil. To do this, black soil is mixed with humus, sand and peat in proportions (3: 3: 1: 1).

Landing is carried out in a well-moistened substrate. Seeds are planted to a depth of 1 cm. Then they are sprinkled with soil and sprayed with a spray bottle. Boxes or cassettes with sown seeds are covered with foil. During the germination of seedlings, the temperature is maintained at +20 - + 25˚С. Seedlings appear in about a week.

Planting onion seedlings in February 2018

It is also advisable to plant onions in mid-February, so that in April, when it is still not hot, plant seedlings in the garden and get a harvest as early as possible. Onion seeds unprepared for planting can lie in the ground for a long time, so it is better to soak and germinate them before sowing. First, fill them with a small amount of a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate for a day, and then put them to swell in a damp cloth at room temperature. We immediately sow the nipped seeds, planting them to a depth of 1-1.5 cm.

Latest articles about gardening and gardening

We do not sow densely: both in order to save seeds, and for better ventilation, convenient transplantation. For seedlings, we lower the temperature to +10 +11 degrees for several days, and later we try to keep the onions cool - +15 degrees. In February, leeks, root and petiole celery are sown, but for a different reason. These crops have a rather long growing season and, being sown directly into the ground, they will not have time to form a full-fledged crop.

What flowers are planted for seedlings in February 2018

Fragrant and colorful plants decorate not only the backyard territory, but also terraces and balconies. If you are a connoisseur of beauty, then you should find out what flowers are planted in February for seedlings. These primarily include annual plants with a long growing season, as well as perennial tuberous plants. In February, you need to plant those flowers whose seeds require preliminary stratification.

But what kind of flowers need to be planted for seedlings in February? Consider the most popular of them:

  • Petunias should certainly be planted at the end of winter. When planting, do not deepen the seeds too much. Seedlings appear after about 14 days, and then the grown seedlings dive into pots.
  • Lobelia is an exquisite groundcover. Sow it in boxes directly on the surface of the soil. Crops are rolled a little and moistened with a spray bottle.
  • Tuberous begonia. This luxurious and unpretentious plant pleases with its flowering right up to the equator of autumn. Since its seeds germinate for a very long time, it is recommended to plant it for seedlings in February.
  • Primrose. The timing of its planting may vary depending on the characteristics of the variety and climate. But it is best to plant it in February, in order to enjoy its flowering in May.
  • Heliotrope is sown in a surface way so that the seeds can get enough light. Then the seedlings are transplanted either into flower beds or into pots.

In addition to knowing what you need and can plant for seedlings in February, it is important to know some of the subtleties of sowing. For example, you need fertilizers for better seed germination (potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen), the seeds themselves must first be sorted by size, and it is best to sow them in seed boxes with prepared soil or in peat pots.

Now almost everything can be bought in stores: from seedlings of varying degrees of maturity to ready-made vegetables, fruits and herbs. But from year to year, closer to February, all avid gardeners begin to have a "fever" in the good sense of the word, their hands are reaching for the cherished bags. It's time to sow seeds for seedlings. Experienced gardeners know absolutely everything about this, but we advise beginners to get acquainted with the information on what, how and when to plant, because all vegetable, berry and flower crops are completely different. They need different temperature conditions and soil mixtures, and seedling care is significantly different.

We suggest you start with planning, for this it is best to have your own planting calendar. The table of sowing seeds for seedlings will help you figure out the approximate dates.

Main landing dates

It is necessary to focus on how old the seedlings should be by the time they are planted in the ground. It is different for all cultures. If you are a happy owner of a good greenhouse with heating, then you can start sowing seeds for seedlings in February or even at the end of January. This is also true for cold regions, when the summer is not very long, and you really want to treat yourself to vegetables and herbs.

cultureApproximate time for sowing (decade)Age of seedlings (days) at the time of planting in the ground
Early tomato varieties and hybridsMarch (3)45-60
Tomatoes of medium and late varietiesMarch (1-2)55-60
Bulgarian peppermid February - early March60-75
eggplantMarch (3)60
White cabbagethe end of March45-50
CauliflowerApril (1)45-50
Zucchini, squash, pumpkinApril (2-3)25-30
cucumbersApril (3)25-30
Celery (root)February (2)75-85
Black onion (for turnip), leekMarch (1-2)45-55

Sowing tomato seeds for seedlings

You can grow this crop both on the sunny side and on the shady side, the main factor is the sun at least 3-4 hours a day. The choice of varieties and hybrids matters. The first thing to do is soak the seeds in a nutrient solution. Here are some options for its preparation:

  • 2 g of the drug for growth "Buton" per liter of water;
  • 1 tsp nitrophoska, means "Agricola-start" or "Ideal" per liter of water;
  • 1 st. l. "Barrier" or wood ash per liter of water.

In any of the solutions, lower the seeds, previously laid out in fabric bags, for one day. Then take them out and put them in a plastic bag, put them in the refrigerator for a couple of days to harden.

Experts recommend a soil mixture, which includes equal parts soddy soil, good humus, peat (1: 1: 1). The soil should be moist and at room temperature. Sow tomato seeds for seedlings in small bowls about 8 by 8 cm in size, to a depth not exceeding 1 cm, leave a distance of 1.5-2 cm. After that, put on a plastic cap and place the containers in a warm and, importantly, bright place . For germination, the temperature needs 20-25 ° C. Water the seedlings no more than 1 time in eight or ten days. Use for this water at room temperature, separated. The optimal regime for tomato seedlings is 18-22°C during the day, and 15-16°C at night.

The first feeding of young plants should be carried out after the first true leaf appears. Use the Agricola Forward tool for this (1 tsp per 2 liters of water). After the growth of 2 or 3 true leaves, it is required to dive the seedlings into separate cups 7-10 cm in size. They are watered a little more often - 1 time per week, until the earthy coma is completely wet. When the daytime temperature is kept at 12 ° C and above, you can start hardening the seedlings. To do this, take it out, for example, to the balcony for a couple of hours for several days.

Sowing seeds for seedlings in February is too early for tomatoes, it is best to do this on March 10-20. By the time it is planted in open ground or a greenhouse, a plant should have from 8 to 12 healthy and well-developed leaves, one or two inflorescences.

Bulgarian pepper and eggplant: seedlings

Seeds are soaked in solutions, as is the case with tomatoes. Then they must be kept at 25 ° C for a day or two, after which seeds are sown in prepared boxes with soil. Eggplant seedlings are obtained in a similar way. The soil mixture is recommended for the following compositions:

  • with humus (1:2);
  • humus, peat, small wood sawdust (2:2:1);
  • peat and humus (2:2);
  • sod land with good humus without fresh organic matter (2: 3).

The boxes should be about 10 cm deep and eggplants are sown in grooves to a depth of about 1 cm and a distance of 2 cm is left between them. Sprinkle them with earth on top and lightly compact. Germination temperature - 24-26°C. As soon as shoots appear, the boxes should be placed in the sunniest place for 6-7 days, so the seedlings will not stretch. After 2 leaves (real ones) grow, the plants should be dived into separate pots (10 by 10 cm). It is necessary to deepen when planting to the cotyledon leaves. A couple of hours before picking, be sure to water the plants. Fill the pots with earth and lightly sprinkle with a nutrient solution (Agricola Forward, Ideal, wood ash, humate or potassium sulfate).

The first days should be covered from direct sun. Watering should be regular, every 6 days, it is advisable to combine it with top dressing. Hardening of plants should begin a month before planting in the ground. By that time, the plants should have at least eight leaves.

It is necessary to sow seeds for seedlings in February, on the 10-25th, no later. In this case, grown plants can be planted in the greenhouse around the tenth of May, and in open ground - already in early June. In the second option, it is imperative to use a film shelter.

Sowing cabbage seeds for seedlings

Initially, it is necessary to carry out the prevention of possible diseases. To do this, the seeds are soaked in hot water (40-50 ° C) for 15 minutes. Then they are dipped in cold water, after which they are soaked again, but already in solution with (1 tsp of nitrophoska per 1 liter of water) for 12 hours.

Sowing cabbage seeds for seedlings begins in the first decade of March (8-10 numbers). This is optimal for early varieties. After soaking, the seeds should be slightly dried. Prepare the soil mixture from equal parts of sand and peat, sod land. Mix everything thoroughly, pour into boxes and pour with a solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection. Seeds are sown in shallow (1 cm) grooves, between which it is necessary to leave a distance of 3 cm. As soon as shoots appear, it is necessary to transfer the boxes to a room with a temperature of 7-8 ° C. Picking seedlings is required after 9-10 days in small cups, for example, from yogurt. By the time of planting, good seedlings should have 2-3 true leaves.

All the information provided concerns varieties of white cabbage, other types (kohlrabi, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, Peking) require a slightly different planting technology. Let's just focus on two.

Brussels sprouts are a more demanding crop and should only be grown in seedlings as they have a very long growing season of 150-180 days. Sowing dates - March (first and second half). Planting seedlings in the ground, as a rule, is from May 1 to May 20. Brussels sprouts do not tolerate fresh organic matter. Compost is best. When the plants reach about 70 cm in height, the top must be pinched.

Cauliflower is very popular. There are many varieties, late and early. Sowing cabbage seeds for seedlings begins in mid-March and continues until early April. Small boxes are used, the distance between rows should be left at 10 cm, and between individual plants - about 5 cm. At the stage of formation of 2-3 leaves (real), top dressing should be done. To do this, use "Ideal", sodium humate or urea (1 tablespoon per 10 liters of water). Solution consumption - 5 liters per 1 square meter. When the cauliflower seedlings have 4 true leaves, they are planted in the ground in a permanent place.

Cucumber seedlings: timing and basic rules

Most varieties of this vegetable will thrive in the open field, but greenhouses are often used to get an early harvest. Sowing seeds of cucumbers for seedlings is carried out a month before planting in the ground (all of April). Use the soil of the following composition: humus, peat, small sawdust (2:2:1). It is advisable to add nitrophoska and ash to it (1 and 2 tablespoons, respectively). Seeds are sown in cups (8 by 8 cm) one at a time to a depth of about 1.5 cm. It is advisable to soak them for a couple of days before hatching. Weak and pale seedlings are fed with fertilizers every 10 days. You can use complex preparations, such as "Breadwinner", "Fertility", "Ideal", etc.

Sowing cucumber seeds for seedlings will allow you to get a crop in the shortest possible time, in addition, there are special varieties suitable for growing on window sills and balconies.

Zucchini, pumpkins and squash: seedlings

Seeds of all three crops can be sown directly into the ground. But to get an early harvest, it is best to use the seedling method.

Zucchini seeds must first be soaked in a jar of nutrient solution for one day. For one liter of water, use 1 g of Bud or 1 tsp. "Ideal". Seedlings can be grown on a balcony, in a greenhouse or on a windowsill. Sowing is carried out in the 10-25th of April or in the first days of May (1-10). Use small pots measuring 10 by 10 cm (for example, peat). The depth at which the seeds are sown is 2-3 cm, the germination temperature is 18-22°C. Plants ready for planting in open ground or greenhouse should be 25-30 days old.

Seedlings of patissons and pumpkins are grown in a similar way, only the soaking time of the seeds increases to two or three days.

Leek: growing seedlings

Its most common varieties are Mercury, Karatan and Bulgarian late-ripening. In the conditions of a short summer, it is necessary to sow onion seeds for seedlings. Dates - mid-March (15-20 numbers). You must first soak the seeds wrapped in cloth for 5-7 days. It is best to sow in small bowls to a depth of 1-1.5 cm. After about 1.5-2 months, the seedlings will be ready. Before planting, the plant should have leaves and roots shortened by 1/3 of the length. Leek prefers loose and rich in organic soils. Leave a distance of 20 cm between plants.

Root celery seedlings

It is valued for its peculiar taste and specific smell. There are several varieties: petiole, leaf and root. Celery has a fairly long growing season (170-180 days). Therefore, it is necessary to sow seeds for seedlings in February (5-10 numbers). It is grown in shallow boxes, which are filled with a mixture of humus and soddy soil in equal amounts and with the addition of river sand. A layer of soil is required with a thickness of 3-4 cm. The seeds are not buried, only lightly sprinkled with a thin layer of earth on top (0.2 cm). If the seedlings are very thick, then it is necessary to thin them out, so the seedlings will be stronger, not stretched out. The best temperature for growth is 15-18°C. It is necessary to dive plants at the stage of 1-2 leaves in very small pots (6 by 6 cm). After 10 days after this, the seedlings should be fed with a complex mineral fertilizer. Plants are planted in a permanent place in early May.

Sowing celery seeds for seedlings is the best way to get a full harvest on time, and this is possible even in cool summer conditions.

Petunia: sowing dates

These flowers are loved by many gardeners due to the abundance of colors and shapes, as well as their high survival rate. Sowing petunia seeds for seedlings is necessary, since it is likely to be lost in the open field. This will require small bowls with loose earth, or use peat tablets. The seeds are very small, they do not need to be covered with soil mixture from above, just slightly press in. Sometimes snow is used for this - just put it on the surface. Gradually melting, it will slightly deepen the seeds. From above it is better to close them with glass. Seedlings must dive as soon as two leaves (real ones) grow. Sowing of petunia seeds for seedlings is carried out in mid-March, and adult plants are planted in the ground at the end of May. During the summer season, they need to be fed 2-3 times, the intermediate interval is twenty days. For example, use the preparations "Breadwinner", "Rainbow", "Ideal".

Astra: growing seedlings

This is a beautifully flowering, spectacular annual plant, which has a wide variety of varieties that differ in the shape of the flower, its color, and the size of the bush. Sowing aster seeds for seedlings is carried out in March-April. Prepare low boxes or bowls for this. It is recommended to include peat, soddy soil and sand (2: 1: 0.5) in the soil mixture. It is also advisable to add (2-3 tablespoons) or wood ash (0.5 cups). Water the soil with a weak solution of manganese. It is recommended to mix aster seeds with some kind of dry antifungal before sowing. For example, use "Fundazol". It is not necessary to bury the seeds when planting, just sprinkle with earth or washed dry sand. Germination temperature - 15°C. Young plants dive three or four weeks after shoots have appeared. Asters are planted in a permanent place in May. They need loose soil rich in nutrients. Remember that asters are not planted in one place for two years in a row, as this contributes to the occurrence of fusarium.

Sowing aster seeds for seedlings can not be done. Sometimes they germinate well in open ground. Choose a permanent place right away. Sowing should not be carried out too thickly, when the seedlings grow up, choose the strongest and healthiest, pinch the rest so that they do not interfere with each other.

Strawberries and strawberries: sowing seeds for seedlings

The first thing to say is that there is a fundamental difference between these species. Strawberries are forest and garden, large, varietal (pictured below). Strawberries are what we used to call wild berries. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. The second method is easier, but with the first one you can get the best varieties.

Sowing strawberry seeds for seedlings should be done in March. Buy several varieties, remontant species are very popular now, they require less care. For sowing, use a soil mixture that includes soddy soil and coarse sand (2: 1). Prepare small containers and a film with which to close them. Seeds are not deepened and do not fall asleep with earth. It is necessary to put snow on top, tighten with a film and refrigerate for 2 weeks. The process is called stratification. After that, the container with the seeds must be placed on the windowsill. Seedlings usually appear after a couple of weeks. It is not necessary to remove the film immediately, pierce holes in it and gradually accustom the plants to new conditions. If the seedlings of strawberries are too thick, then it is better to thin them out, so they will not stretch. Seedlings should be dived after the appearance of a pair of true leaves.

Sowing strawberry seeds for seedlings is not an easy task, but with a successful outcome, you will get excellent varietal bushes of fragrant berries. The choice of location in the garden matters. The gentle slopes on the southwest side are best suited. The place must be protected from winds and accumulations of cold air. You can grow strawberries in one place for no more than 4 years, after which you need to change it.

Sowing strawberry seeds for seedlings occurs in a similar way. Planting material can be prepared independently. To do this, choose the healthiest bush with large berries. Take seeds from the middle or those closer to the base. Cut off the pulp layer and put it on a napkin, let it dry. Grind the finished seeds in the palm of your hand, freeing them from the husk. It is best to store them in a glass container.

Breeding seedlings is a fascinating and interesting business, and in some regions it is simply necessary. The main thing is to do everything on time. If the time has not yet come, but you already want to plant something or just do gardening, then start by preparing the soil for seedlings, tools, cups, boxes, and in general all the equipment that you may need. Or, for example, plant a garden on the windowsill, plant aromatic herbs, onions, greens.

For you, a dacha is, first of all, a place of rest and you want it to look like a real paradise? Then let there be a flower paradise in your dacha from the very first days of summer!

And in order for the flowering process in the flower beds to start earlier, now is the time to think about preparing seedlings of flowering plants. They should be sown in January or February. What to plant in the first month of the beginning of the year, and what plants can you take your time with? Let's figure it out together.

The process of sowing seeds to obtain seedlings in flowering plants is almost the same. Flower seeds can be sown on seedlings, observing the following nuances.

General rules

1. For flowers for seedlings, first of all, we prepare the soil mixture. For seed germination, the soil needs light soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction. Most often it is a mixture of sand and peat with sheet (or sod) soil. Before use, the soil should be disinfected. To do this, it is poured with boiling water or put at full power in the microwave for several minutes. Sand - roasted.

2. In flowers, in most cases, the seeds are very small, so for better distribution they are mixed with sand. For the same reason, they are not buried, but simply pressed a little to the ground. In some cases, sprinkle with a very thin (up to 5 mm) layer of soil mixture or sand.

3. Water the crops, in order to avoid washing out or deepening the seeds, by spraying from a spray bottle.

4. After planting and watering, the container is covered with a transparent film or glass. Determined in a warm place. In most cases, the germination temperature is about 18-20 degrees.

5. It is important that the soil does not dry out, as well as regularly ventilate the crops and wipe off the condensate. Constant dampness causes black leg disease in seedlings.

6. When shoots appear, we lower the temperature a little to about 15 degrees and, since the daylight hours are still very short, be sure to add additional lighting (best with a phytolamp).

7. The appearance of two true leaves is a signal for the first pick.

We examined the general rules for growing seedlings, now we will analyze the individual characteristics of flowering plants. After all, the question - what flowers can be sown in January and February - is always relevant.

Sowing in January

In January, you need to sow the seeds of those flowering plants that have a fairly long growing season and only a few months after sowing begin to bloom. As well as perennial tuberous plants, which need more time to form a good tuber that can normally survive the next year.

Begonia

To form a good tuber, the seeds should be planted in January. A feature of begonia is a fairly high temperature (about 25 degrees), which is necessary for seed germination.

Seeds should be sown in a mixture of leafy soil, sand and peat in a ratio of 2:1:1. It is preferable to keep crops under glass.

Shoots should appear in about 10-14 days. After that, we add backlighting with a phytolamp and put them in a cool (15 degrees), bright place.

Periodically spend two or three picks. After the second pick, you should feed the seedlings a little with liquid mineral fertilizers. In May, seedlings are hardened outdoors, and planted in the garden in June.

Advice. Begonia loves light partial shade, frequent, but not very plentiful watering right under the root, mulching. The tubers are dug up in early October, the green part is cut off, dried, transferred to a dry, cool room and stored in sand or peat.

Carnation Shabo and Turkish carnation

Gvlzdik Shabo and Turkish cloves should be planted in fertile soil, sprinkled with sand on top to avoid such a nuisance as the "black leg". Sowing seeds is normal.

At the end of March, the seedlings dive a second time at a distance of 8x8 cm. During the second dive, you can immediately plant them in pots. It is advisable to harden the seedlings by placing them in a greenhouse or on a glazed balcony.

Planted in flower beds in May. Blooms from June to October.

Carnation Shabo is a fairly frost-resistant plant (can withstand temperatures down to -1). Prefers slightly alkaline soil, well-lit places, moderate moisture. It needs top dressing during the budding period (nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus), responds well to spraying with ammonium nitrate solution (0.1%).

Advice. As soon as the threat of the first frosts comes, transplant the carnation bushes into boxes or pots, bring them into a bright room. And you can enjoy its flowering until December. Then the carnation will have a short dormant period, and in the spring you can plant it again in the garden.

Lobelia

Since lobelia is a slow growing flower that blooms after planting in about 3 months, it is best to sow seeds for seedlings in January.

The process of planting seeds is normal, but you don’t need to apply fertilizers, lobelia sprouts do not like them.

An important feature of lobelia seedling care is watering. Since her shoots are very tender and tiny, she needs to be watered through a syringe with a needle.

In April, seedlings are hardened, exposing them to a glazed veranda or balcony.

Planted in the garden in May. For planting, choose sunny or slightly shaded places. Watering is necessary regular moderate, do not flood, but also prevent drying out.

We make top dressing during the budding period.

Advice. To achieve re-blooming, in August you need to cut the bush to the ground, then carefully loosen the ground between the rows, fertilize and water well. In order not to injure tender sprouts when picking, it is better to grow bush lobelia seeds on peat tablets.

Petunia

Petunia seeds are best planted in a peat pellet. The container with tablets should be closed with glass, because. stable humidity is important for petunia seedlings. Germination is long - from 3 to 4 weeks.

For more information on how to select and plant seeds and care for petunias, see HERE!

Verbena

Verbena seeds for seedlings can be sown in February-March, but often due to lack of light, the growth of seedlings slows down. Therefore, in order to get good strong seedlings at the end of April, it is worth sowing the seeds at the end of January.

As a substrate for planting, you can take perlite or sand (sometimes mixed with peat).

About a month later, when picking, plant the plants already in more nutritious soil, add soddy soil or humus and a little wood ash, you can immediately plant them in separate cups.

It will be possible to plant on flower beds in May, when the threat of the slightest freezing has passed.

Verbena care is simple. Watering is moderate, top dressing two or three times, pruning dried inflorescences. She loves sunny places. It is afraid of frost, but there are already more frost-resistant varieties.

Advice. In October, before the first frosts, it is advisable to transplant the verbena into a pot or container and store it in a cool room. In spring, the bush can be divided and planted in the garden. Creeping shoots of verbena can be rooted by sprinkling them with earth.

eustoma

Eustoma resembles a rose and is a very beautiful flower that can bloom not only in the garden, but also at home on the window. She is insanely beautiful and has won the hearts of many flower growers, but she is developing too slowly. Professionals advise planting seedlings in January, and dive this flower twice during growth.

Blooms in June-July.

Advice. Cultivation is too laborious for eustoma, therefore this plant is not suitable for everyone, but only for lovers of everything complicated.

Meconopsis Sheldon (Meconopsis sheldonii)

This flower has nothing to do with the hero of the modern series Sheldon, except for some self-confidence and impressiveness. The pure blue color of the petals of this plant will appeal to many. Mekonopsis does not tolerate laziness and slowness, it must be planted in late January - early February in order to enjoy its first flowers in summer. It germinates at a fairly low temperature - 12 ⁰С. After the emergence of seedlings, the plant dives and continues its usual care.

Advice. He does not mind sitting in the shade, but prefers constantly moist soil.

Sowing in February

It is very difficult to determine the exact timing of sowing seeds for seedlings in February. The earlier warm days come in your area, the earlier you should take care of this. Sowing seeds for flower seedlings in February is the best solution.

Pansies, Wittrock violet or tricolor (Viola wittrokiana)

This well-known flower can be grown as a biennial plant (sowing seeds in open ground in summer) or as an annual (growing seedlings in winter).

The first option will ensure violets bloom in spring, and sown seeds for seedlings in February will decorate your flower bed in summer and autumn. Sowing seeds is normal.

As soon as the first leaves appear, the seedlings are rearranged to a brighter and cooler place (about 10 degrees). And after another two weeks, the seedlings dive into pots.

Planted in flower beds in early May.

Advice. Violets grow in the sun and in partial shade. But with a very active sun, the buds cease to be tied, and in the shade the flowers become smaller and become paler. The ideal solution would be an openwork light shadow. For beautiful flowering requires regular top dressing twice a season.

Heliotrope (Heliotropium)

This perennial herb captivates gardeners with its wonderful vanilla scent, easy care, and deep blue-violet tint of small flowers that form a large corymbose inflorescence. Although it can have a white or pale lilac color.

Sowing seeds is traditional. After the appearance of the second pair of leaves, the plant is pinched and dived a second time into separate pots (preferably peat).

Transplanted to a flower bed at the end of May.

An ideal place would be a light openwork penumbra. The soil should be loose with a neutral reaction. Water moderately, but do not allow the soil to dry out. Regular feeding. To form a lush bush, the plant should sometimes be pinched.

Advice. At the end of flowering in October, the heliotrope can be transplanted into a pot or container and stored in a cool room until spring.

Delphinium (Delphinium)

Beautiful large spike-shaped inflorescences of graceful-shaped flowers leave almost no one indifferent. A fairly large color palette and undemanding nature have made it very popular with gardeners.

Seeds of annual delphiniums can be sown directly into the ground.

We will look at how to propagate perennial species by seeds. Having distributed the seeds over the surface of the soil, they are lightly sprinkled with a very thin layer (3-5 mm) of the soil sifted through a sieve. Cover the container with paper and refrigerate for two weeks for stratification (temperature about 4 degrees).

Then the paper is removed, covered with a transparent film and the container is exposed to a warm (about 20 degrees) and bright place. When three leaves appear, the plants dive.

And in early May, the seedlings are ready for transplanting to the street. The soil for planting delphiniums should be dug up with two bayonets of a shovel, as it develops a powerful root system.

Seating from each other at a distance of about 40-60 cm. Add fertilizer. Watering is infrequent, but plentiful at the root. Mulching. Three times a season top dressing. Thinning pruning is needed, sometimes tying up tall specimens.

Advice. To increase the germination of seeds, before stratification, you can soak them for a day in a solution of any growth stimulator. In order for perennials to bloom in the first year, and not in the second or third, they are grown in seedlings.

This is how flower seedlings are being prepared for sowing in February for g Aillardia spinosa(Gaillardia aristata), helenium autumn(Helenium autumnale), bluebell carpathian(Campanula carpatica). The seeding principle is the same. We plant in the garden when the time for return frosts has passed.

Helenium

Gelenium grows well in light areas, the soil should be moist with a neutral reaction. Seasonal top dressing is the usual two or three times a day. Sometimes needs a tie. For the winter, the upper part of the plant is completely cut off.

Advice. To prolong flowering, most of the stems should be shortened in June.

Carpathian bell

The Carpathian bell is very unpretentious, but it can die from waterlogging. Watering should be regular and moderate, do not flood. Top dressing in spring and during flowering. Do not forget to cut dry inflorescences.

Gaillardia

Gaillardia - likes to grow in bright areas, the soil should be light (we add a little sand or wood ash). Watering is moderate. Fertilizer per season three times. Before winter, the upper part is completely cut off.

Pelargonium zonale (Pelargonium zonale)

She is unpretentious, beautiful and very diverse. A small flowering bush (15-50 cm) with pretty rounded leaves. In addition to cuttings, it can be propagated by seeds. Planting seeds is normal.

When the first two true leaves appear, the seedlings dive into individual cups.

If the seedling is very stretched out, it can be planted a little deeper, new roots will grow over time. And after two weeks, you can already start feeding.

At the end of April, hardening of seedlings is carried out.

And planted in flower beds in the second half of May. Blooms all summer until frost. Pelargonium feels great in the sun and in partial shade. Drought-resistant and does not like excess moisture. Top dressing at planting and at the beginning of flowering.

They are transplanted into pots for the winter, and pelargonium winters beautifully on the windowsill in the house.

Snapdragon, or Antirrinum (Antirrhinum)

Snapdragon is a wonderful perennial plant, we grow it as an annual. Its cute flowers of exotic shape and variety of colors, and besides, modest care requirements make it a favorite of many gardeners.

When preparing the soil for sowing seeds, it should be noted that snapdragons do not like peat, so leafy soil and sand will be enough. The rest of the growing process is normal.

After the appearance of the first true leaves, it is advisable to feed the sprouts with calcium nitrate.

To form a more lush bush, after the formation of 4 pairs of leaves, the central shoot must be pinched.

Snapdragons planted in full sun or partial shade will grow fairly well.

The soil should be permeable, loamy, well dug up. It does not tolerate waterlogging, abundant watering is necessary only in extreme heat. Top dressing is regular two or three times a day.

Dried inflorescences must be cut. High grades require a garter.

lavender angustifolia

Lavender angustifolia (Lavandula angustifolia) is not often planted, but in vain, as this fragrant plant will not only soothe after a long day in the garden, but also looks beautiful with other plants, such as a rose. Fragrant lavender will easily survive the winter even on a balcony or loggia.

Seeds need stratification in the refrigerator for 1.5-2 months.

The seeds of this plant are planted shallowly: it is enough to bury half a centimeter in the ground and, having covered the container with glass or film, wait for shoots. Only a month and a half and lavender can be planted in separate pots, and in May or early June it is completely “evicted” to the street.

Advice. It is worth paying attention to the fact that young lavenders survive the cold worse than adults, so you need to make sure that the weather is stable before transplanting it into the ground.

Salvia (Salvia)

Many will probably think that this is some kind of overseas plant that was recently bred, but no, this is ordinary sage, or rather, sparkling sage. This plant is quite popular, but in its homeland (America) it is cultivated as a perennial, and in Russia, with its variable climate, salvia lives only one year.

This plant can also be sown in early March. When the sage has four of its leaves, you can plant it in a pot, and plant it in the ground in May-June.

Advice. Salvia does not look like a single planting, which is why it is planted in groups, because the plant attracts with its rich color from afar. The most popular among gardeners is the red color of the "American friend", but there are also other varieties of it.

We examined the seeds of which flowers should be planted now and some features of their planting. Now you should make a choice and get down to business. After all, sown seedlings of flowers in February will give you their early and abundant flowering.