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How to Grow Flowers From Seeds Indoors

Growing flower seeds indoors produces a wide selection of flowers to plant in the garden, including unusual or limited flowers not found in stores. The flower seed packet has seed sowing times listed, but the best time to start seeds indoors is six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Growing flower plants from seeds requires remarkably little work and allows the gardener to get a head start on the growing season.

Things You'll Need

  • Growing container or peat pots Seed growing mix Plastic wrap Grow light Toothpicks Tape Spoon Spray bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Read each seed packet's instructions; different flowers require different planting depths and spacing needs. Determine the last frost date in your area. The process of growing flower seeds starts six to eight weeks ahead of this date.

    • 2

      Fill a growing container to the top with seed-growing soil. Water the container lightly with a spray bottle to help settle the soil. Add more seed-growing soil if the dirt has settled too much. Check seed packet directions for any required seed-preparing treatments, such as soaking, cutting or placing the seeds in the refrigerator before planting.

    • 3

      Push a finger into the soil, spacing according to the packet instructions, about 1 inch deep. Place two or three seeds into each hole. Keep different varieties of seeds in separate containers, or tape the seed packet to a toothpick and place in the soil. Cover with a small layer of seed soil and lightly water. Place the growing container's plastic lid on top of the seeds. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the pots if you use peat pots. This cover keeps in moisture and helps increase the humidity levels for the flower seeds. Place the seed container, or pots, in a well-lit, warm area. Grow-lights should stay at least one foot away from the top of the seeds and be on for at least 12 hours each day. Keep the container in this position until seeds sprout, which can vary depending on the seed type.

    • 4

      Harden off the seedlings by sitting the container in a shaded area outside for a longer period each day for about one week. Bring the flower seeds indoors every evening. Spray the soil with a water-filled spray bottle to keep the soil moist.

    • 5

      Transplant flower seeds outside as the second set of leaves appear. Check the seed packet again to find out what sunlight requirements your flower seeds need. Peat pots are planted directly into the garden if they are biodegradable. Take a spoon and gently lift the seedlings up out of the container. Plant in the desired garden area. Water young seedling regularly, keeping the soil moist. Apply organic fertilizer according to bottle instructions.