The Spring Awakening: 4 Seeds You Must Start in Late February

The chocolates have been eaten. The flowers have wilted. Valentine's Day is in the rearview mirror.

Now, we enter the "Shoulder Season."

Late February is a weird time. It often still feels like winter outside, but the light is changing. The days are getting noticeably longer. Your houseplants know it, and your internal clock knows it. This is the biological "Monday Morning" of the gardening year.

If you wait until April to start your seeds, you are already behind. The secret to a lush, jungle-like home in the summer is the work you put in right now, while it’s still cold out.

We are shifting our focus from "Gifting" to "Growing." Here are the 4 seeds that require a late-February start to reach their full potential.

 

1. The "Long Game": Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)

If the Monstera is the King of the jungle, the Bird of Paradise is the Queen. With its massive, paddle-shaped leaves, it transforms a room into a tropical conservatory.

Why Start Now? The Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai or reginae) is a slow burner. It is not a plant for the impatient.

• Germination: It can take 4–8 weeks just to see a sprout.

• The Strategy: If you plant it now (mid-February), the sprout will likely emerge in April, perfectly timed with the arrival of real Spring sunshine. If you wait until May to plant, you miss the peak growing season.

The "Orange Tuft" Trick: When you open your seed packet, you’ll notice a bright orange tuft of hair on the black seeds (called the aril). In the wild, this attracts birds. In your pot, it attracts fungus.

• Pro Tip: Gently peel the orange tuft off before soaking your seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours. This "cleans" the seed and improves germination success.

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2. The "Spring Clean": Eucalyptus Baby Blue

Spring cleaning isn't just about dusting; it's about scent. Eucalyptus is the ultimate olfactory reset button. The menthol scent cuts through the stale winter air and makes your home feel crisp and clean.

The "Light" Requirement: We cannot stress this enough: Eucalyptus seeds need light to wake up.

• The Mistake: Burying them deep in the soil.

• The Fix: Sprinkle the small seeds on the surface of wet soil. Press them down gently with your thumb, but do not cover them completely. Place them under a grow light or by a window with bright, indirect light immediately.

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3. The "Color Correct": Rainbow Coleus

Winter is gray. Your home shouldn't be. Rainbow Coleus is our go-to recommendation for anyone suffering from color deprivation. The foliage comes in shocking shades of magenta, neon green, and deep velvet burgundy.

The "Bushy" Hack: Coleus grows fast. By late March, you will have a decent-sized seedling.

• The Pinch: To get that professional, bushy look, you need to be brave. Once the plant has 3 sets of leaves, pinch off the top set. This forces the plant to send out side shoots, creating a wide, full mound of color rather than a skinny beanstalk.

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4. The "Repotting Prep": Cacti & Succulents

Late February is when seasoned plant parents start auditing their collection. Who needs a bigger pot? Who needs fresh soil?

Why Start Cacti Now? Cacti grown from seed are microscopic at first. They need a stable, humid environment for months before they are tough enough for the real world.

• The "Bag Method": Sow them now, seal the pot in a Ziploc bag, and place it in a warm spot. You can literally ignore them until May. While you are busy with spring cleaning, they will be quietly growing in their humidity chambers.

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Deep Dive: The "Shoulder Season" Setup

Growing in late February is tricky because the sun is stronger, but the air is still cold. Here is how to navigate the shift.

1. Chase the Sun (But Watch the Drafts): Seeds need to be away from direct sunlight, but some seedlings and plants need light to grow! Sunlight is still a little weak right now, so consider supplementing with grow lights to keep your plants growing strong.

2. The Water Shift As the days get longer, your plants wake up and drink more.

• The Audit: Check your pots. Plants that barely needed water in January might be drying out faster now. Get ready to adjust your watering schedule from "Maintenance Mode" to "Active Mode."

3. Fertilizing: Are you fertilizing your plants? You want to fertilize 2-3 times a month during the growing season, and limit it to about once a month or less during the winter season, so as it gets warmer, get ready to fertilize your plants more! For seedlings, wait until they have 2 sets of true leaves. Wondering what fertilizer to use? We recommend any of these amazing brands!

Conclusion: Wake Up

The world is waking up. The sap is starting to flow. Don't hit the snooze button on your garden. By starting these seeds this week, you align yourself with the rhythm of the season.