There are countless cold-hardy perennial and woody plants that require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy, and many others that reward winter sowing efforts with improved germination rates. Most seed suppliers provide stratification information, but if you are unsure, it doesn’t hurt to give more time than necessary. For the cost of a seed packet, you can experiment with oddball varieties that aren’t commonly available in nurseries. Figuring out what you’ll sow each year is half the fun!
Learn More: Get a Head Start with Winter Sowing
To get you started, here are some popular plants that are easy to winter sow, along with the approximate stratification period. This list is long, but by no means comprehensive. If you think a plant might be a good candidate for winter sowing, go ahead and give it a try.
Perennial and Woody Plants that Work Best for Winter Sowing
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp. and cvs., Zones 3–11), 60 to 90 days
- Coneflower (Echinacea spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9), 60 to 90 days
- Blazing star (Liatris spicata and cvs., Zones 3–8), 30 to 60 days
- Coral bells (Heuchera spp. and cvs., Zones 3–8), 30 days
- Primrose (Primula spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9), 30 days
- Milkweed (Asclepias spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9), 30 days
- Goldenrod (Solidago, Oligoneuron, and Euthamia spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9), 60 to 90 days
- Aster (Symphyotrichum and Eurybia spp. and cvs., Zones 4–8), 0 to 60 days
- Hyssop (Agastache spp. and cvs., Zones 4–11), 30 days
- Ornamental and wild onion (Allium spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9), 60 days
- Bluestar (Amsonia spp. and cvs., Zones 4–9), 60 to 90 days
- Columbine (Aquilegia spp. and cvs., Zones: 3–8), 0 to 60 days
- Ninebark (Physocarpus spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9), 60 days
- Wild indigo (Baptisia spp. and cvs., Zones 4–8), 10 to 20 days
- Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium and Eutrochium spp. and cvs., Zones 4–9), 30 to 60 days
- Perennial sunflowers (Helianthus spp. and cvs., Zones 4–9), 30 days
- St John’s wort (Hypericum spp. and cvs., Zones 5–9), 0 to 30 days
- Penstemons (Penstemon spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9), 0 to 30 days
- Redbud (Cercis spp. and cvs., Zones: 4–9), 60 days
- Pincushion flower (Scabiosa spp. and cvs., Zones 5–9), 0 to 30 days
Annual Flowers and Vegetables for Winter Sowing (0 to 30 days)
- Annual phlox (Phlox drummondii)
- Beets (Beta vulgaris)
- Cabbage family (Brassica spp. and cvs.)
- Calendula (Calendula officinalis and cvs.)
- Pinks (Dianthus spp. and cvs.)
- Lettuce (Lactuca sativa cvs.)
- Onions and leeks (Allium spp. and cvs.)
- Spinach (Spinacia oleracea and cvs.)
- Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla and cvs.)
- Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus and cvs.)
- Poppies (Papaver spp. and cvs.)
- Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus and cvs.)
- Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus and cvs.)
- Annual sunflower (Helianthus annuus and cvs.)
Cold-Hardy Herbs for Winter Sowing (0 to 30 days)
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum, annual)
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, annual)
- Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum, annual)
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris, Zones 5–9)
- Lavender (Lavandula spp. and cvs., Zones 4–10)
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare, Zones 4–8)
- Mint (Mentha spp. and cvs., Zones 4–8)
Learn More:
Video: Winter Sowing in Milk Jugs
The Do’s and Don’ts of Direct Sowing
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Chloë Bowers is a horticulturist who lives and gardens in Newtown, Connecticut. She is also the forum moderator and Northeast regional reporter at FineGardening.com.
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