Starting your garden from seeds is one of the most satisfying and rewarding ways to grow plants. If you get a head start in early spring, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful flowers, fresh vegetables, and lush greenery as soon as the weather warms up. Planting from seeds allows you to save money and grow a wider variety of plants that may not be available as seedlings in your local garden center. Here are the best plants to grow from seeds for an early spring head start, ensuring your garden is off to a great start!
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most popular and versatile plants to grow from seeds. Starting tomatoes indoors allows you to choose from a wide variety of heirloom and hybrid varieties, many of which may not be available as seedlings. You should start tomato seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date to give them enough time to grow strong. Once the seedlings are established, you can transplant them outside after the last frost has passed.
2. Peppers
Peppers, whether sweet bell peppers or fiery hot varieties are perfect for starting from seeds in early spring. Peppers need a long growing season, so it's best to start them indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. Doing so ensures they have time to grow before they’re transplanted outdoors. Once the outdoor temperatures warm up, the pepper plants will thrive in full sunlight.
3. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are easy to grow from seeds and produce a bountiful harvest if started early. Begin planting cucumber seeds indoors about 3-4 weeks before your last frost date. The early start allows you to get the plants established before transplanting them outside when the weather warms. Cucumbers thrive in full sunlight and well-drained soil, so make sure to give them space to spread or plant them on a trellis for vertical growth.
4. Lettuce
Lettuce is a fast-growing, cool-weather crop that thrives in early spring. Growing lettuce from seeds allows you to pick from various types, including leaf, butterhead, and romaine. You can sow lettuce seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, giving them a head start before being transplanted outside. Lettuce grows best in cooler temperatures, making it ideal for spring gardening.
5. Spinach
Spinach is another cool-weather crop that grows well from seeds. It’s quick to germinate and thrives in the cool temperatures of early spring, making it perfect for an early garden start. You can start spinach seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost or sow them directly in the garden as soon as the soil is workable. Spinach grows quickly, and you can enjoy fresh spinach for weeks by regularly harvesting the outer leaves.
6. Kale
Kale is a hearty, leafy green that loves the cooler temperatures of spring. It's easy to grow from seeds and does well when started indoors before the last frost. Plant kale seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, and then transplant the seedlings outside once the ground has warmed. Kale thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and produces a continuous harvest of tender leaves throughout the spring and fall.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli is an excellent choice for starting from seeds early in the season. It thrives in the cool weather of early spring and is best started indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Once the seedlings are ready, transplant them into the garden, where they’ll continue to grow and produce large, delicious florets. Broccoli grows quickly and, with proper care, can be harvested in early summer.
8. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a slightly more delicate vegetable to grow, but it’s still an excellent choice for starting from seeds. Like broccoli, cauliflower prefers the cool temperatures of spring and can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. The seedlings should be hardened off before being transplanted into the garden. With careful attention, your cauliflower plants will produce large, firm heads that are perfect for various recipes.
9. Peas
Peas are a fantastic early spring plant because they thrive in the cooler weather. While you can directly sow peas in the garden, starting them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date helps give them a jump start. Peas can tolerate a light frost and will quickly grow once transplanted outside. They grow fast and produce sweet, tender pods that are perfect for eating fresh or adding to soups and salads.
10. Beans
Beans, both bush and pole varieties, are quick to grow from seeds and a great option for gardeners looking for a spring head start. Beans love the warmth, so start them indoors about 3-4 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors once the soil warms up. Bean plants grow rapidly and yield plenty of fresh pods throughout summer.
11. Zucchini
Zucchini is a fast-growing vegetable that’s easy to grow from seeds. Start zucchini seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost to get them ready for transplanting into the garden once the temperatures warm up. Zucchini plants thrive in full sunlight and well-drained soil and quickly produce large, tender fruits. These plants are highly productive, often yielding an abundance of zucchinis that are great for grilling, sautéing, or adding to baked goods.
12. Carrots
Carrots take a bit longer to grow from seeds, but they’re well worth the wait. Sow carrot seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil is workable, or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost to give them a head start. Carrots require loose, well-drained soil for the best results, and they’re quite tolerant of cool temperatures. With patience, you’ll be rewarded with crunchy, sweet carrots that can be harvested in late spring or early summer.
13. Radishes
Radishes are one of the quickest-growing vegetables you can grow from seeds. They thrive in cooler temperatures and are perfect for early spring planting. Sow radish seeds directly in the garden 3-4 weeks before the last frost, and you’ll have fresh, spicy radishes in just a few weeks. Radishes are perfect for adding a crunch to salads or enjoying a snack with some salt.
14. Beets
Beets are hardy, cool-weather vegetables that grow well from seeds. They can be directly sown into the garden or started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Beets grow quickly and can be harvested for both their edible roots and tender greens. Beets are packed with nutrients and add a touch of color and sweetness to your meals, whether you roast, boil, or pickle them.
15. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a versatile green that does well in cooler weather, making it ideal for early spring gardening. It can be grown from seeds both indoors and outdoors. Start chard seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or sow them directly in the garden when the soil warms. Swiss chard grows quickly and can be harvested for tender greens that can be used in salads, sautéed, or even used as a wrap for other ingredients.
16. Marigolds
Marigolds are a cheerful, low-maintenance flower that’s easy to grow from seeds. Start marigold seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost to get a jump on the season, and then transplant the seedlings outdoors once the weather warms up. Marigolds come in various colors and sizes and are known for their ability to deter pests in your garden. Planting marigolds around your vegetables can help keep unwanted insects at bay.
17. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are not only beautiful but also a great addition to any garden. They can be started indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost or directly sown into the garden once the soil has warmed up. Sunflowers grow tall and sturdy, providing a beautiful focal point in your garden. Their large blooms attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, and their seeds are great for attracting birds.
18. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are vibrant, edible flowers that grow well from seeds. They’re great for adding both color and flavor to your garden. Start nasturtium seeds indoors or directly sow them outdoors once the weather warms up. Nasturtiums thrive in full sun and produce beautiful flowers in red, orange, and yellow shades. Their peppery-tasting leaves and flowers can be used in salads or as a garnish, adding both beauty and flavor.
19. Cucamelons
Cucamelons, or "Mexican sour gherkins," are small, cucumber-like fruits that grow well from seeds. Start cucamelon seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, and transplant them outdoors once it’s warm. These unique plants produce tiny, bite-sized fruits that are great for snacking, pickling, and adding to salads. Cucamelons are also known for their drought-tolerant nature, making them a great choice for low-maintenance gardens.
20. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are large, fast-growing plants that thrive when started from seeds. Start pumpkin seeds indoors about 3-4 weeks before the last frost, then transplant them once the outdoor temperatures have warmed up. Pumpkins grow quickly, taking over large areas of your garden and producing abundant fruit in late summer. Growing them from seeds is the best way to ensure a successful harvest.
21. Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant, drought-tolerant herb that can be grown from seeds with patience. Start lavender seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, as it requires a longer growing season. Once the seedlings are established, transplant them into your garden, where they’ll thrive in full sun. Lavender is perfect for creating a calming atmosphere in your garden.
22. Alyssum
Alyssum is a fragrant, low-growing flower that’s easy to grow from seeds. Start alyssum seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors once the weather warms. Alyssum produces small, fragrant flowers in shades of white, purple, or pink, and it works well as a ground cover or along garden borders.
23. Calendula
Calendula is a hardy, easy-to-grow flower that thrives in early spring. You can start calendula seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or sow them directly in the garden once the soil has warmed. Calendula produces bright, cheerful flowers that not only brighten up your garden but also have medicinal uses. The flowers can be used in herbal remedies, oils, and teas.
24. Echinacea (Coneflower)
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is a beautiful and hardy perennial that grows well from seeds. Start Echinacea seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, as it requires a longer growing season to develop strong roots. This plant is perfect for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden. Once established, coneflowers are drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun.
25. Morning Glory
Morning Glory is a beautiful flowering vine that can be started from seeds. Start planting seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors once the temperatures warm up. These plants grow quickly, producing large, trumpet-shaped blooms in various colors. Morning glories work well on fences, trellises, or any vertical space in your garden.
26. Snapdragons
Snapdragons are bright, colorful flowers that can be grown from seeds. Start snapdragon seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors once the weather is warm. These flowers come in various colors, from soft pastels to bold hues, adding vertical interest to your garden. Snapdragons are perfect for creating height in flower beds or adding pops of color to borders.
A Spring Head Start with These Plants
Starting your garden from seeds in early spring allows you to grow various plants that will flourish as the weather warms up. These plants, from vegetables to flowers, are perfect for getting a head start on the growing season. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, these plants will help you achieve a beautiful, thriving garden that will bloom all season long!