Here we go again!
In February, the fields are still covered in tarps and sleeping, but behind the scenes things are waking up! This is the month where planning starts to turn into action, soil and seeds start filling trays, and the season ahead begins to feel real again. If January is about planning and prepping, February is about committing. Even though spring still feels far away, several of my favorite early-season flowers need a head start now. These are some of the stars making their debut in the greenhouse this month:
Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are one of the first seeds I sow each year, they thrive in cool conditions and are some of the first flowers to bloom in late spring and early summer. Come June, I’ll have armfuls of fragrant blooms like this!
Started 10–12 weeks before our average last frost
Seeds can be soaked for up to 24 hours before sowing to improve germination
Grown in deep containers to support their long root systems
This season includes a few new varieties including Elegance Salmon Rose, a warm salmony-pink that adds softness and warmth to early summer arrangements
Ranunculus (Corms)
Ranunculus are truly a labor of love, but they’re worth every bit of effort and are truly one of my favorite flowers!
Corms can be soaked and pre-sprouted before planting, soak for 12-24 hours before planting
Cool temperatures are key for strong growth!
If stems are week, you can pinch them to encourage stronger growth
These will be some of the earliest focal flowers of the season, perfect for early market bouquets (see you there!)
Campanula
Campanula takes patience, but their airy feel and unique shape are well worth the wait, if you ask me.
These are tiny seeds that require light to germinate so they need to be sown on the top of the soil
This flower has a long grow time (germination: 14–28 days) so early sowing is essential
A beautiful filler flower that adds movement and softness to bouquets
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are a must grow every season for me. They are an absolute workhorse of a flower and produce strong stems all season long!
Sow indoors under grow lights 8–10 weeks before last frost
They thrive when started early so they can harden off in the cooler weather.
Pinch when the seedling is 4-6” tall to promote more lateral growth and deadhead for continuous blooms all season.
Before these first seeds even hit the trays, I spend time making sure my seed starting station is fully ready. That means checking shelves, lights, and heat mats, bulk ordering soil mixes, and organizing and cleaning trays so every seed has the best possible start. A well-prepped station saves so much time and stress down the road when I’m doing hours upon hours of seed starting.
This is also the month for big-picture planning. I update the calendar with field prep schedules, map out task timelines, and finalize where each crop will go. Cold treatment begins for certain seeds (delphinium, campanula, snapdragons), so they’re ready to bloom at the right time. I also take stock of materials: greenhouse supplies, low tunnel materials, frost cloth, and soil amendments. February is the month to anticipate every need so that when spring arrives, I feel rested, prepared, and ready to go! Every task this month is a step toward a smoother, more abundant growing season.
Valentine’s Day Market
February also brings Valentine’s Day, and this year I’m leaning into seasonality, sustainability, and keeping it local! I’ll be offering dried flower bouquets and dried flower posie cards at the Clark Fork River Winter Market on Saturday, February 14 from 9am-1pm. Dried flowers are long-lasting, grown in the BB field, dried with care, and meant to last long after. If you’re hoping for fresh flowers, I’m always happy to chat about what’s possible or point you toward other local growers who may have availability. Supporting local flower farmers—especially in winter—matters more than ever.
CSA Season Is Just Around the Corner
There are still spots available for this season’s CSAs! A flower CSA subscription is one of the best ways to support a local flower farm. By signing up early, you’re helping fund seeds, soil, and supplies at the very start of the season, long before the first flowers are harvested. In return, you receive the freshest flowers possible, picked at peak beauty, and designed to reflect the rhythm of the season. A CSA isn’t just about flowers; it’s about investing in local agriculture, sustainability, and the joy of having seasonal blooms regularly brightening your home! If you’ve been considering joining this year, now is the time! There are only a limited number of spots left.
That’s all for now. Here’s to longer days, growing light, and slowly transitioning into spring!
Chase
