Early Flower Starts

[Crocodile]

Greetings.

I haven't grown a lot of flowers, but I want to start. I found a document on the internet that had a list of flowers and how early they should be started, but it didn't have all the flowers listed that I want to grow.

Anyway, I wanted to post a version of the list with some added varieties that I have in my seed collection and see what folks think about it.

I'll group them by the number of weeks before last frost that they might be started.

-=-=-=-=-=-
12 Weeks:
Begonia, Browallia, Delphinium, Geranium, Monarda, Texas Bluebonnets, Vinca, Viola.
(Artichokes, Celery, Leeks, Onions)

10 Weeks:
Coneflower, Dianthus, Heliotrope, Impatiens, Petunia, Portulaca, Rudbeckia, Snapdragon, Stock, Verbena
(Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Eggplant)


8 Weeks:
Achillea, African Daisy, Ageratum, Alyssum, Asclepias, Celosia, Chrysanthemum, Coleus, Dahlia, Flax, Nicotiana, Salvia, Sweet William
(Peppers {& Tomatoes?})


6 Weeks:
Aster, Balsam, Calendula, Candytuft, Centauria, Cleome, Convolvulus, Coreopsis, Dusty Miller, Marigold, Poppy, Zinnia
(Tomatoes)

4 Weeks (or less):
Cosmos, Echinops, Forget-Me-Not, Gazania, Moon Flower, Scabiosa, Strawflower
(Cucumber, Muskmelon, Squash, Watermelon)

-=-=-=-=-=-

Do you flower experts have any alterations to make to this list? Obviously, some of these would do better with direct sowing (Texas Bluebonnets and Moon Flower come to mind) but I'm going to try to start them inside anyway. And when some sources would say things like "6 to 8 weeks before last frost" so, I tended to use the larger value for my list.

If anyone has any feedback, I'd be grateful to hear it.
Thank you, folks!

[LuvsToPlant]

wOw...
I grow just about everything listed...
Unless you have a greenhouse or a good lighting system for a large growing area
...Most perennials would be best started about 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost.
(there may be a few exceptions)
Other than that...your annuals can be started about 4 weeks ahead.

The only pro about starting perennials 10-12 weeks early...if you have a greenhouse or
good growing indoor conditions...
they may bloom the first year.

[Crocodile]

Oh, I'm definitely not starting all of that. It's just the stuff I found on a list, with some things that I have available added on to it.

Thanks for your tips! I guess timing isn't as crucial with flowers as it might be with veggies.

[LuvsToPlant]

There is a slight difference...between veggie and flowers

One suggestion...Just make sure your Delphiniums are of fresh seed.


If you need any help ...give me a holler...I grow all thats on your list.