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Choosing The Right Seeds To Winter Sow For The Best Results

The Best Seeds To Winter Sow Choosing The Right Ones!

Choosing seeds for winter sowing is easy once you know what to look for. There are tons that will work, but there are also many that will not. In this post, I will show you exactly how to figure out which types of seeds to use for winter sowing.

How To Choose The Best Seeds For Winter Sowing

How do you choose the best seeds for winter sowing? That is a very common question, and an important one at that.

The reason this question is so important is because you can't use every type of seed with the winter sowing method. Some will work great, while others will only rot.

But don't worry, you just have to understand a few simple things in order to get it right. I'm going to break it all down for you below.

How To Choose The Best Seeds For Winter Sowing

Generally speaking, perennial seeds, cold weather vegetables, as well as hardy annual flowers and herbs will work great with winter sowing.

If you're unsure whether specific types will work or not, then read the packet. There are certain keywords to look for that will tell you if that is the right kind…

"self sowing"
"direct sow outside in the fall"
"direct sow outside in early spring"
"cold stratification"
"cold hardy"
"perennial"

Various seeds that can be used for winter sowing

Winter Sowing Seed Lists

Below you will find a few lists with examples of some of the best seeds for winter sowing, sorted by type. Of course, this isn't meant to be an "all-inclusive" list.

This is just a small sample of ones that have worked for me, and should help give you an idea of the types to try for yourself.

Seeds and supplies for winter sowing

Annuals

Calendula
Celosia
Cosmos (I like Sea Shells and Psyche White)
Datura
Lavatera
Marigold (Crackerjack and French are my favs)
Morning glory
Petunia
Snapdragon (Night and Day Snapdragon is gorgeous)
Sunflower (this dark red mix is my favorite)

Winter sown broccoli seedlings

Perennials

Black eyed Susan
Butterfly weed
Cone flowers
Gaillardia
Liatris
Poppies
Rudbeckia

Here's a great mix of flowers that would be excellent seeds for winter sowing.

Cold hardy seeds for winter sowing

Vegetables

Arugula
Broccoli (this variety did amazing in my garden this year)
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower (I love this blend of heirloom varieties)
Collard greens (this is the variety I grow every year)
Endive
Kale (I love Chinese Kale and Red Kale)
Leeks
Lettuce (I love Garnet Rose, Red Velvet and Mesclun Medley)
Mache
Pac-choy
Radicchio (Palla Rossa Mavrik is lovely)
Radish
Spinach
Swiss chard (Bright Lights Swiss Chard is a must for amazing color)
Kohlrabi (Purple Kohlrabi adds wonderful color to the garden)

This mix of veggies would be perfect if you're just getting started.

Purple kohlrabi grown from seed

Herbs

Chives (both regular chives and garlic chives are a must in my garden)
Cilantro
Dill
Anise hyssop
Lavender
Mustard (Mustard Red Giant is a must)
Oregano
Parsley (this is my favorite)
Peppermint
Sage
Salsify
Summer Savory
Chamomile

Swiss chard that I grew from winter sown seeds

You can find more winter sowing seed lists here.

Once you start experimenting, and seeing the similarities in the different types of seeds you can use for winter sowing, you'll easily be able to figure out which ones to try in the future!

Do you want to learn even more? My Winter Sowing eBook would be perfect for you! It will teach you everything you need to know about how to winter sow. Download your copy today!

If you want to learn how to start all of your seeds, and mix the different methods to easily grow anything you want, then my Seed Starting Course is just what you need! It's an in-depth training that will teach you exactly how to grow any type of seed so that you can save tons of money every year on garden plants! Enroll in the course and get started today!

More Information About Winter Sowing

When To Start Winter Sowing Your Seeds
Winter Sowing Containers: What Works & What Doesn't
Tips For Winter Sowing During A Mild Winter
Choosing The Best Soil For Winter Sowing

Share your favorite seeds for winter sowing in the comments section below.

Choosing The Right Seeds To Winter Sow For The Best Results