No-Fail Winter Sowing: 15 Easy Seeds to Try

Save space indoors and winter sow seeds outside! All you need to start are cold-tolerant seeds, old containers, and potting soil. Seasoned grower Jerad Bryant shares the 15 easiest plants to winter sow for the first time.

Close-up of an upright stem covered with a cluster of small, compact, cabbage-shaped sprouts, dusted with snow in the garden, one of the easy seeds for winter sowing.

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Why winter sow instead of direct sowing or starting seeds indoors? While indoor seed starting and direct sowing have their use cases, they aren’t the best methods for growing cold weather-loving crops. Winter sowing combines the best of both methods. 

Your seedlings will enjoy the cold weather of the outdoors and have protection from snow storms, extreme frosts, and ice storms. They’ll germinate when the climate is most suitable for optimal growth. You’ll have healthy seedlings without having to work too hard! 

The best plants to sow in winter are perennials, native plants, cold-tolerant crops, and frost-tolerant ornamentals. Look for these words on seed packets; they indicate that the plants will sow well in winter. 

Kale

Red Russian Kale Seeds

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Red Russian Kale Seeds

Viola

Johnny-Jump-Up Viola Seeds

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Johnny-Jump-Up Viola Seeds

Swiss Chard

Five Color Silverbeet Swiss Chard Seeds

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Five Color Silverbeet Swiss Chard Seeds

How to Winter Sow

Close-up of various reused plastic containers with sown seeds, each labeled with white tags bearing seed names, placed in a large plastic container using the winter sow method in a garden.
Drainage holes and duct tape make containers garden-ready.

Before we discover the easiest plants to sow, let’s break down the planting process! It starts with the right materials. You’ll need containers to hold soil and seeds. Milk jugs are the most common ones, though you can repurpose any containers you have at home. Yogurt, sour cream, and takeout containers also work well. 

This is how to transform milk jugs, though you can modify the process for whichever container you’re using:

  1. Cut the jugs in half, leaving the handle side attached. 
  2. Create drainage holes in the bottom. Use a glueless hot glue gun to burn small holes, or try a sharp knife or a drill. 
  3. Put dirt inside the jug, and plant your seeds on top.
  4. Add water so the dirt is moist, not soggy.
  5. Place the top half of the jug back on, and duct tape it down. Remove the jug’s cap on top to let air and water flow through.
  6. Label the jug, then place it in partial shade outdoors during the winter.

And that’s all there is to it! The container creates a mini-greenhouse that encourages germination. Once the seeds sprout, you’ll remove them from the jug and transplant them into your garden. 

15 Easy Seeds to Try

We’re ready to pick our favorite seeds now that we know how to winter sow. Whether you like native plants, vegetables, or flowers, there are options on this list for you. Without further ado, here are the 15 easiest seeds to try winter sowing with.

Asparagus

Tall, woody stems of pale green color emerge from the soil, reaching toward the sun in a garden.
Starting plants from rootstocks cuts years off the wait time.
botanical-name botanical name Asparagus officinalis
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 3-5’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-9

Most growers sprout asparagus from crowns. Crowns are pre-grown rootstocks that transplant easily into gardens. You’ll have harvestable asparagus shoots in a year or two rather than three to five years. If crowns are easier, then why grow seeds?

Asparagus seeds are cheaper than crowns and more cost-effective for planting in large spaces. Sow a few dozen in mini-greenhouse milk jugs, and transplant the sprouts throughout the garden after they germinate. 

Sow asparagus seeds in containers from December through February. They need at least three weeks to germinate, and they begin sprouting once soil temperatures stay above 50ºF (10ºC). Growers in warm zone 9 should direct sow seeds during the coolest months of the year.

Brussels Sprouts

Tall, sturdy stems support large, dark green leaves with small, rounded sprouts growing along the stem.
Cool climates and patience yield vibrant, healthy harvests every season.
botanical-name botanical name Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 2-4’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-11

Brussels sprouts are unique vegetables with interesting structures. Tiny bunches of cabbage-like leaves sprout off long, slender stalks with strappy foliage on top. 

Brussels sprouts belong to the Brassica genus. This genus includes our favorite cold-loving vegetables called cole crops. Cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli are all close relatives. While Brussels sprouts are one of the more cold-tolerant cole crops and perfect for sowing in winter, you may do so with any cole crop.

This leafy vegetable needs a long growing season of three to four months and prefers maturing under chilly weather. Sow seeds early for the best results, planting them months before your last average frost date. If you have a short, cool season, consider growing a quick maturing variety like ‘Silvia.’

Blazing Star

Tall, slender stems with narrow, lance-shaped green leaves bear dense clusters of vibrant purple flowers at the top.
Hardy plants offer lasting beauty and support for wildlife.
botanical-name botanical name Liatris spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-5’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Native perennials are must-have plants in the flower garden. They bloom year after year with little maintenance, and their flowers feed local pollinators with nectar and pollen. Blazing stars are a favorite; they produce large flowering spikes with purple, white, or pink hues. 

Blazing stars form corms underground that propagate new plants easily. Although corms are the most sure way of propagating, you may also sow seeds in jugs or containers during winter. Blazing star seeds need cold stratification for four to six weeks; plant seeds in winter for early spring germination. 

California Poppy

Bright orange flowers with delicate, papery petals bloom on thin stems surrounded by soft, feathery green foliage.
Vibrant wildflowers thrive in mild climates with little effort.
botanical-name botanical name Eschscholzia californica
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 6-24”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-10

California poppies are gorgeous low-growing wildflowers that excel on the West Coast. They’re slightly cold-tolerant, growing as perennials from USDA hardiness zones 6 through 10. Winter sow them and they’ll sprout earlier than direct plantings. 

California poppy seeds germinate once temperatures reach between 50-60ºF (10-16ºC). Separate the seedlings and transplant them, leaving at least four inches of space between each one.

Nowadays, dozens of unique California poppy cultivars exist with new colors, shapes, and structures. Opt for the classic species for the hardiest type, or choose a funky new variety like ‘Mikado.’ It has blooms with orange centers and red petals that attract pollinators by the dozens.

Columbine

Delicate, spurred flowers in shades of purple bloom above fan-shaped leaves with deeply lobed edges.
Grow hybrids with cold stratification for colorful garden displays.
botanical-name botanical name Aquilegia spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Columbines are native perennials like California poppies and blazing stars. Numerous species thrive across North America. As columbines are incredibly popular, many plant breeders combine pollen and ovules from different species to form new, exciting hybrids. 

Whether you’re growing hybrids or native species, using mini-greenhouses to start seeds is a perfect method for columbines. They have cold stratification requirements; seeds need three to four weeks of cold temperatures before they germinate successfully. Sow seeds months before your last frost, and you’ll have ready seedlings in time for spring!

Colorado gardeners should try growing the state flower, the Rocky Mountain blue columbine. It sports lovely blue-lavender blossoms with white inner petals. If you’re looking for colorful specimens, try the ‘McKana Giants Blend’ for a mix of large flowered, multi-color specimens.

Johnny-Jump-Up

Small, heart-shaped purple, yellow, and white flowers bloom on slender stems with green, jagged-edged leaves.
Enjoy these wildflowers in gardens, salads, and charcuterie boards.
botanical-name botanical name Viola tricolor
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 3-12”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-10

These European wildflowers are avid self-seeders. Johnny-jump-ups sprout perennially in zones 3 through 10. After successful pollination, they’ll sow seeds at the end of the growing season. They’ll quickly cover bare soil in sunny or shady sites, providing gorgeous blossoms that are edible! Use them in salads, charcuterie boards, or sandwiches. 

Johnny-jump-ups don’t require cold stratification to germinate, though they appreciate frosty conditions while they sprout. If you have long, hot summers, treat them as annuals during fall and early spring. Then, collect seeds as the plants fade away so you can grow them next year. 

Kale

Thick, curly green leaves with prominent veins grow from a central stem, with edible foliage forming a rosette.
Harvest nutritious greens that last through frosty months.
botanical-name botanical name Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-4’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-11

Kale refers to a few dozen leafy greens in the Brassica genus. They’re exceptionally frost-hardy, providing nutritious, edible greens throughout the winter in zones 2 through 11. Kale may also survive frosty winters in cold zones 6 and below, though it grows best as an annual during spring or fall.

Unlike spinach and lettuce, this leafy green resists frosts, high winds, and insect pests. It won’t perform well under the summer’s heat. This is why sowing the seeds in jugs is an expert way to grow kale. The seedlings sprout when they’re ready, maturing into adult plants quicker than if you transplanted or direct sowed them. 

I have two favorite kale types, though yours may be different! Grow whichever type you’ll enjoy eating. Try ‘Lacinato’ for scaly-textured leaves and incredible frost tolerance. Try ‘Red Russian’ if you prefer colorful leaves; they have red veins that stand out in the winter garden. 

Lavender

Thin vertical stems support narrow, silver-green leaves, with tall spikes of purple flowers arranged in whorls.
Patience rewards you with vibrant, fragrant spring blossoms.
botanical-name botanical name Lavandula spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-9

Most garden centers sell potted lavender plants, but you can grow these plants from seeds! They’re good candidates for this method because they like cold stratification. They’ll appreciate four to six weeks of winter weather before spring warmth arrives. 

To start lavender, sow seeds in enclosed containers a few months before your last frost. Keep the soil moist, not soggy, and ensure the seeds have access to bright light. These seedlings require extreme patience! They’ll take between 15 and 90 days to emerge after planting. 

Lettuce

Tender, pale green leaves form a low rosette, with rounded, frilled edges, and edible, crunchy heads growing in tight clusters.
Harvest crunchy leaves while frost still lingers outdoors.
botanical-name botanical name Lactuca sativa
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 6-12”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-11

Lettuce prefers sprouting while the weather is mild and chilly. It’s fast-growing, easy to cultivate, and survives transplanting well. I like to direct sow and winter sow lettuce seeds. That way, if the direct sowings fail, I have backup plants to put in their place. 

When choosing lettuce cultivars, opt for ones that thrive under cold rather than heat. They’ll perform better in winter, sprouting ruffly leaves while frosts still occur. Varieties like ‘Ice Queen’ excel while chilliness is common. You’ll harvest delicious, crunchy leaves when not much else grows outdoors!

Sow lettuce seeds when you plant other early crops like arugula, parsley, and leeks. They perform well inside containers, and they’ll sprout as days begin lengthening in early spring. Take care when transplanting the tender seedlings, as their small root systems are sensitive to disturbance.

Milkweed

Tall, erect stems with broad, pointed leaves bear clusters of small pink flowers.
Support butterfly life cycles with native plants in gardens.
botanical-name botanical name Asclepias spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-6’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-10

Milkweeds are essential for butterfly gardens. Butterflies feed on the nectar the flowers provide, then they lay eggs on the leaves. The eggs hatch into larvae that feed on the green leaves before turning into butterflies. 

The best milkweeds to cultivate will naturally grow wild in your local region. Try showy or narrowleaf milkweed near the West Coast, and opt for butterfly weed or common milkweed in the central and eastern regions of the U.S. 

Milkweed seeds require cold stratification to germinate. They’ll undergo it naturally while inside their containers outdoors. They benefit from three weeks of near-freezing temperatures, though some varieties may need more

Penstemon

Upright stems with tubular flowers in shades of pink grow above lance-shaped green leaves.
Long, slender spikes bring colorful beauty to any garden.
botanical-name botanical name Penstemon spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-4’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-8

Penstemons come in all shapes and sizes! Most are native to the U.S., growing underneath tree canopies, in meadows, and on the sides of mountains. They’re a diverse group of plants with spectacular flowers—long, slender spikes emerge with tubular blooms.

The native penstemons are the best species to winter sow, though you can also plant cold-hardy hybrids from seed retailers and garden centers. Each type varies in its cold hardiness; consult the seed packet for information on what your chosen variety prefers. 

Rosemary

Woody, aromatic stems support narrow, needle-like green leaves, with small purple flowers blooming along the branches.
This coastal plant thrives in dry conditions and partial shade.
botanical-name botanical name Salvia rosmarinus
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 4-5’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-10

Herbalists, home chefs, and warm climate gardeners should all have a rosemary bush in their garden. This heat-tolerant plant originates from the Mediterranean regions, where it grows on coastal hillsides. It excels despite salty sea spray, dry conditions, and high heat. 

Though it shines in summer, this plant is a perfect candidate for planting in the middle of winter. Rosemary seeds are slow to germinate, and they appreciate the extra time that winter sowing allots. Keep their soil moist, place them under partial shade, and have patience! They’ll take between 15 and 30 days to sprout.

Sweet Violet

Small purple flowers with heart-shaped petals emerge above glossy, dark green leaves in a spreading form.
Low-growing plants bring vibrant purple beauty to cottage gardens.
botanical-name botanical name Viola odorata
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 4-6”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

Sweet violets are essential perennials in the cottage garden! They’re low-growing spreaders with fragrant purple blooms. The blooms are edible, blending well in vinegar infusions, sugary drinks, and desserts. The leaves are also edible, working like spinach, either fresh or cooked in recipes. 

Like lavender, sweet violets appreciate a winter chill period before germinating. Grant them at least four weeks of cold stratification and sow them during mid-winter instead of spring. Transplant them a month before the last frost while conditions are cool, wet, and frosty. 

Swiss Chard

Broad, pink stems with large, dark green leaves, and vibrant white veins, grow in a rosette shape.
Vibrant stems add beauty and nutrition to your garden.
botanical-name botanical name Beta vulgaris var. cicla
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1-2’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-11

Swiss chard, like kale, often survives harsh winters. It’s a biennial leafy green. Cultivars grow long, strappy leaves with red, orange, white, pink, or yellow stems and veins. Choose your favorite color, or opt for a blend with all five! 

Indoor plantings of Swiss chard tend to bolt or struggle to adapt after transplanting. They excel with the winter sowing method, as they appreciate cool, frosty conditions while sprouting. Transplant mature seedlings into the garden two weeks before your last frost date. 

Yarrow

Tall stems with fine, feathery foliage produce clusters of small, bright white flowers at the top.
Vibrant flowers provide pollen for hungry pollinators year-round.
botanical-name botanical name Achillea millefolium
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 1-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Rounding out this list is an essential wildflower for pollinator gardens. Yarrow grows large flowers that look like landing pads for bumblebees! Each pad contains dozens of tiny flowers that offer pollen to hungry pollinators. 

Whether you like yellow, red, pink, or white flowers, there are yarrow cultivars for you and your garden. Opt for the species type for a traditional white yarrow flower, or choose a mix with many colors like ‘Colorado Blend.’ Yarrow appreciates a one-month chill period before sprouting, so the earlier you plant it, the better it will grow!

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Close-up, top view of white reusable plastic milk jugs used as pots for winter seed sowing.

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