What to Plant in February: Your Complete Sowing Guide
Start your growing season early. Here's exactly what to sow indoors, under cover, and outdoors in February across European climate zones.
February may still feel like winter, but for keen gardeners it marks the true start of the growing season. While frost lingers outside, windowsills and heated propagators come alive with the first sowings of the year. Getting the timing right now means stronger seedlings, earlier harvests, and a head start that pays off all summer long. Here is exactly what to plant in February, broken down by where and how you grow.
What to Sow Indoors in February
Indoor sowing is the main event this month. A warm windowsill, a heated propagator, or even a simple shelf under a grow light will do the job.
Heat-Loving Crops (18–25 °C)
These slow-developing vegetables need an early start to produce a good harvest by summer:
- Tomatoes — sow from mid-February onwards. They need 6–8 weeks indoors before transplanting after the last frost.
- Peppers and chillies — sow early February. They are even slower than tomatoes, so an early start is essential.
- Aubergines — treat them like peppers. Sow early and keep them warm.
Germination Tip
Peppers and chillies germinate best at 22–25 °C. A heated propagator mat makes a real difference — without one, germination can take three weeks or more.
Cool-Season Crops (10–18 °C)
These crops tolerate lower temperatures and can be started on an unheated windowsill or in a cool room:
- Lettuce and salad leaves — quick to germinate and ready to transplant in March.
- Cabbage, kale, and broccoli — sow now for transplanting outdoors in April.
- Leeks — sow in trays or modules. They are slow, so February is the perfect time.
- Celery and celeriac — tiny seeds that need light to germinate. Press into the surface of moist compost and do not cover.
What to Sow Under Cover
If you have a cold frame, unheated greenhouse, polytunnel, or even a large cloche, you can sow directly into soil or containers under protection.
- Spinach — one of the hardiest leafy greens. Sow in rows under a cold frame for early spring harvests.
- Radishes — fast-growing and unbothered by cool temperatures. Ready in as little as four weeks.
- Broad beans — sow in deep pots or directly in the ground under cover. They handle light frost well.
- Early carrots — choose a short-rooted variety like Nantes or Amsterdam Forcing. Sow under cloches for an early crop.
- Beetroot — sow bolt-resistant varieties such as Boltardy under glass.
What to Sow Outdoors in February
Outdoor sowing in February is limited and depends heavily on your climate zone. In mild Atlantic (Cfb) areas, a few hardy crops can go straight into the ground:
- Broad beans — in sheltered spots in southern England, western France, or the Low Countries.
- Garlic — if you missed the autumn planting window, February is your last chance. Push cloves into well-drained soil.
- Onion sets — plant heat-treated sets in mild regions for an early start.
In continental (Dfb) zones such as Poland, Czech Republic, or eastern Germany, outdoor sowing is still too early. The ground is frozen or waterlogged. Focus on indoor work and wait until March or April.
In Mediterranean (Csa) zones, February is already a busy month outdoors — peas, broad beans, lettuce, spinach, and even early potatoes can go in.
Flowers to Start in February
Several popular flowers need an early indoor start because of their long development time:
- Lobelia — sow on the surface of compost under glass. Do not cover — the tiny seeds need light.
- Snapdragons (Antirrhinum) — slow to develop. Sow now for summer colour.
- Petunias — another slow starter. Sow at 20–22 °C on moist compost.
- Sweet peas — sow in deep root trainers or toilet roll tubes on a cool windowsill. They develop better with root depth.
Herbs to Grow on the Windowsill
You do not need a garden to start growing in February. A bright kitchen window is enough for:
- Cress — grows in days on damp kitchen paper. A great project for children, too.
- Chervil — sow in a small pot and keep it cool. It bolts quickly in warmth.
- Parsley — notoriously slow to germinate (up to 3 weeks), so an early start pays off.
Timing by Climate Zone
Not everyone in Europe follows the same calendar. Use this table as a guide for when to start:
| Task | Atlantic (Cfb) | Continental (Dfb) | Mediterranean (Csa) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes, peppers indoors | Mid-February | Late February | Early February |
| Lettuce, brassicas indoors | Early February | Mid-February | January–February |
| Spinach, radishes under cover | Early February | Late February | Direct sow outdoors |
| Broad beans outdoors | Mid-February (sheltered) | Too early — wait for March | February direct sow |
| Garlic, onion sets outdoors | February | Too early — wait for March | Already planted (autumn) |
| Flower seeds indoors | Mid-February | Late February | Early February |
For a deeper understanding of how these zones affect your gardening calendar, see our guide to European climate zones.
Plan Your February Sowing With Plantory
The key to a productive February is knowing what to start, where to start it, and when to move things on. With Plantory, you can map out your sowing schedule, track germination dates, and plan ahead so nothing gets forgotten in the spring rush.