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Which Flowers Can Be Started From Seed Indoors

Best annuals and perennials to start from seed

Catherine Boeckmann
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Below is a list of annuals and perennials that can be started indoors by seed.  Note: not all flowers are suitable for all growing zones, so consult your seed packet (or a nursery).

Just like vegetables, annual flower seeds can be started indoors, too. Here is a short list of the best annual and perennial flowers that can be seeded indoors. 

Annual Flowers 

Balloon vine
Bloodflower
Browallia
Coleus
Impatiens
Petunia
Sage
Sweet William
Wishbone flower
Zinnia

Read Next

Perennial Flowers 

Balloon flower
Baptisia
Columbine
Coreopsis
Delphinium
Hibiscus
Lobelia
Lupine
Purple coneflower
Statice
Windflower

See our article with tips on how to start seeds indoors!

Sowing Indoors
About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann

Growing Flowers in Containers

 

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Comments

JodieH (not verified)

9 years 9 months ago

Good flower varieties to grow for transplanting into hanging pouches? They will have sun mid-morning through afternoon and will be in zone 5.
Thanks!

Hi Jodie,
See our suggestions for sunny windowboxes at http://www.almanac.com/content/window-boxes-best-bets
You can also check our page about plants that attract butterflies at http://www.almanac.com/content/plants-attract-butterflies
 

emile (not verified)

11 years 10 months ago

Would you list some flowers that attract butterflys

Daniel Janis (not verified)

14 years 9 months ago

I just joined less than 2 hours ago and found out at least 5 reasons why last year I had so much trouble starting plants indoors!!! Thanks

Penny Durnin (not verified)

14 years 9 months ago

Water your seedlings from the bottom. set the containers in the sink or pan of water so that the roots can draw up the water. When the surface of the soil feels moist remove the seedling containers from the water and let excess water drain away. If they aren' drawing up the water, the soil is too dry which happens with soiless mixes and seed starting mix. Lightly moisten the soil with warm water rather than cold water. The warm water is more easily absorbed by dry soil.

camgreer13 (not verified)

14 years 10 months ago

I am having a problem with my tomato seedlings. They seem to be dying. Somebody out there...help:)