Spring whispers are in the air! And for eager gardeners, that means one thing: seed starting! While the last frost lingers, you can get a head start on the season by starting seeds indoors. This article will guide you through the delightful process of starting two popular early spring bloomers: ranunculus and snapdragons.
I don’t know about you but once March hits in New England it seems like Spring is finally within reach. I can finally get a jump on all the projects I’ve been dreaming up all winter. Starting Seeds Indoors is a way to get a head start on the season. It makes me feel like a sunny afternoon spent in my flower garden is just around the corner! I promise starting seeds indoors is not tricky. You just need a handful of supplies, seeds, and some great music to listen to while you plant.
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Why Start Seeds Indoors?
Starting seeds indoors offers several advantages:
- Earlier blooms: Enjoy the beauty of your flowers weeks before those sown directly outdoors.
- Staggered Flowers: By starting some seeds indoors you can enjoy a steady flow of flowers.
- Controlled environment: Provide ideal conditions for germination and seedling growth.
- Improved germination rates: Protect delicate seeds from harsh outdoor elements.
What Will You Need?
The first thing you’ll need is some seeds! Ranunculus and Snap Dragons are good choices to start early since they can withstand slightly colder temperatures. I’ve had great luck with seeds from Floret Flowers, but they specialize in Dahlias and Zinnias which prefer to wait until the weather is a little warmer. For Ranunculus and Snapdragons, I turn to Amazon!
- Ranunculus Corms/Bulbs
- Snapdragon Seeds
- Seed trays or pots with drainage holes
- Seed starting mix
- Water spray bottle
- Plant labels (optional)
- Grow lights (optional)
- Clear plastic dome or humidity tray (included in the Seed Tray Kit linked above)
When To Start Seeds Indoors
- Ranunculus: Start seeds 8-10 weeks before your last spring frost. In many regions, this falls in late winter or early spring (February-March).
- Pro Tip – Soak your Ranunculus corms/bulbs in room temperature water for 2-3 hours before seeding. This will increase their chance of taking.
- Snapdragons: These cool-season flowers can be started 6-8 weeks before your last frost, typically in mid-to-late winter (February-March).
- Pro Tip – Refrigerate your Snapdragon seeds overnight before seeding. This will help them germinate.
Seeding
- Moisten the seed starting mix but avoid overwatering.
- Fill your pots or trays, leaving a ¼ inch gap at the top.
- Sow ranunculus seeds individually, pressing them lightly into the mix. Snapdragon seeds can be scattered and gently pressed.
- Label your pots with the plant variety and date.
- Mist the surface with water to settle the seeds.
Germination and Care
- Place the trays in a warm location (around 70°F) with bright, indirect sunlight.
- Cover the trays with a clear plastic dome or humidity tray to retain moisture.
- Ventilate daily to prevent mold growth.
- Mist the soil surface as needed to keep it moist, but not soggy.
- Remove the dome once seedlings emerge.
- Provide supplemental lighting with grow lights if needed, especially if seedlings appear leggy.
Transplanting
- Once seedlings have developed 2-3 sets of true leaves (around 4-6 weeks for ranunculus, 3-4 weeks for snapdragons), they are ready for transplanting.
- Wait until outdoor temperatures are steadily above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing durations over a week.
- Transplant hardened seedlings outdoors after your last frost date, spacing them according to their mature size.
With proper care, your ranunculus and snapdragons will reward you with stunning blooms in early spring. Enjoy their vibrant colors and delicate charm, and celebrate the joy of nurturing life from tiny seeds into flourishing flowers!
Bonus Tips:
- Use sterile seed starting mix to minimize the risk of disease.
- Consider using bottom watering to avoid overwatering seedlings.
- Fertilize seedlings with a diluted liquid fertilizer once they have established.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage further flowering.
By following these steps, you can successfully start seeds indoors for ranunculus and snapdragon. Then you can enjoy a bountiful spring bloom in your garden. Remember, gardening is a journey of learning and experimentation. Not all of your seeds will germinate, and not all of your seedlings will survive a transplant. But that’s okay! Plant extra, enjoy the process, and be happy with the beautiful flowers that survive. Happy planting!
