The Top 10 Best Flowers to Start From Seed Indoors

Starting flowers from seeds indoors allows gardeners to get a head start on the growing season You can sow seeds weeks or even months before the last frost date and have robust transplants ready to move outside right when conditions are ideal Plus, growing flowers from seed gives you access to a huge variety of options beyond what you might find at the garden center.

But which flowers are the easiest and best to start indoors? Here are my top 10 recommendations for foolproof flowers you can successfully grow from seed inside

1. Zinnias

Zinnias are one of the most rewarding flowers for starting early indoors. They germinate readily and grow quickly into colorful, sturdy transplants that can be moved outside after frost danger has passed. Some top zinnia varieties I love for indoor sowing include:

• Benary’s Giant – Huge 4-6 inch blooms on long stems perfect for cutting. Stunning colors.

• Zinderella Lilac – Unique lilac shade.

• Queen Lime Orange and Queen Lime Pink – Gorgeous bicolor blooms.

• Zowie Yellow Flame – Eye-catching red and yellow bi-color flowers.

Sow zinnia seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost. Provide plenty of light.

2. Marigolds

No flower garden would be complete without cheerful marigolds! French and African marigolds are very easy to start from seed indoors. Key tips:

• Sow seeds 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting date.

• Barely cover seeds with soil. Light is required to germinate.

• Give seedlings full sun indoors or under lights.

• Harden off before transplanting into garden after frost danger passes.

Some of my favorite marigold varieties to grow from seed include giant lemon marigolds and the ‘Crackerjack’ mix.

3. Cosmos

Cosmos produce abundant delicate flowers all summer long. Their lacy foliage and swaying stems give gardens a soft, naturalistic look. Cosmos grow readily from seed started indoors 5-7 weeks before your last spring frost date. Try these gorgeous varieties:

• Sea Shells Mix – Fluted, picotee petals in stunning colors.

• Xanthos – Yellow, brown, and orange bicolor blooms.

• Rubenza – Vibrant red flowers.

4. Sunflowers

Towering, cheerful sunflowers are simple to start indoors. Sow large seeds 1/4-1/2 inches deep just 3-4 weeks before outdoor planting time. Protect seedlings from cold drafts. Some top sunflower picks:

• Moulin Rouge – Vibrant red blooms with dark centers.

• Solar Power – Yellow petals ring a dark chocolate center.

• Italian White – Exotic-looking creamy ivory blossoms.

• Teddy Bear – Multi-branched plants with cute yellow blooms.

5. Celosia

From crested cockscomb to tall, feathery plumes, celosia offers fantastic texture to the flower garden. Celosias grow well started indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting time. I love these varieties:

• Cramer’s Amazon – Vibrant red crested blooms.

• Bombay Pink – Bright pink cockscomb.

• Castle Pink -Tall pink plumes perfect for cutting.

6. Nasturtiums

Edible nasturtiums add a punch of color and spicy flavor wherever they grow. Their trailing habit makes them perfect for containers and hanging baskets. Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before outdoor planting or direct sow after danger of frost. Top picks:

• Empress of India – Striking red flowers with unique blue-green leaves.

• Phoenix – Vibrant orange speckled petals.

• Alaska Mix – Variegated foliage and multicolored blooms.

7. Morning Glories

The fast-growing vines of morning glories will quickly cover trellises and fences with lush foliage and trumpet-shaped blooms. Soak seeds overnight prior to planting indoors 4-6 weeks before outdoor growing season. Choose dwarf varieties for containers. Some winners:

• Scarlett O’Hara – Bright red blooms.

• Heavenly Blue – Classic sky blue flowers.

• Grandpa Ott’s – Deep purple with red star.

8. Petunias

Petunias are ideal for flower beds, borders, hanging baskets, and containers. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before outdoor planting. Press tiny seeds onto the soil surface and provide ample light. I love Wave petunias for their mounding, spreading habit.

• Easy Wave Strawberry – Red blooms.

• Shock Wave Coconut – Creamy white and pink bicolor.

• Tidal Wave Silver – Unique silvery blooms.

9. Alyssum

Dainty sweet alyssum flowers carpet the ground with a honey-scented carpet of blooms. They work perfectly as edging plants and container fillers. Start alyssum seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting time. Grow in full sun. Sweet alyssum will self-sow if allowed to go to seed.

• Clear Crystal Lavender Shades – Delicate purple tones.

• Carpet of Snow – Classic pure white.

• Easter Bonnet Mix – Pastel mix of purple, pink, and white.

10. Calendula

Also called pot marigolds, calendula are rugged, carefree plants with edible flowers. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting date. Give seedlings full sun. Key features:

• Tolerates poor soil

• Blooms spring through fall

• Attracts pollinators

• Self-sows readily

• Pacific Beauty Mix – Diverse colors like apricot, yellow, and orange.

With the right timing and care, these 10 flowers can be easily grown from seed indoors for a gorgeous, varied garden. Just be sure to harden off seedlings before transplanting outside after the danger of frost has passed. Get a jump start on the growing season for vivid flower gardens by starting your own seeds inside this winter.