How To Choose The Best Seeds For Winter Sowing

Choosing seeds for winter sowing is easy once you know what to look for. There are tons of seeds 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 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 types of seeds work great, but 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 certain types of seeds will work or not, then check the seed packets. There are certain keywords to look for that will tell you if that is the right type of seed…

• “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 of seeds 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, 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 how to mix the different seed starting methods to easily grow anything you want from seed, 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 you want so that you can save tons of money every year on garden plants! Enroll in the course and get started today!

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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.