What flowers should you start planting in December?

For experienced gardeners, winter is no excuse to relax. During the first month, they busily prepare for the upcoming summer season. To ensure the garden is adorned with vibrant flowerbeds by early summer, they sow seeds in December for long-season plants. These plants begin flowering after 150-200 days. These include annuals and perennials. If planted promptly in mid-December or early January, buds will open as early as June.

Flowers for planting in December

Some plants with a long growing season require several months from sowing seeds to the appearance of buds. If planting flowers that bloom 5-6 months after germination is delayed until February or March, flowering begins in the fall. At this time, temperatures drop, heavy rains begin, and nature prepares for winter dormancy. Under these conditions, plants cannot bloom. Therefore, the best time to sow seeds for seedlings is the second half of December or early January.

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To ensure healthy plant growth and vigorous development, you can use the lunar calendar. The waxing moon is ideal for sowing flower seeds. During this period, plant sap rises upward, and the above-ground parts of plants actively develop. It's not advisable to sow flower seeds at other times:

• favorable days in December 2019: 3-5, 8-10, 27, 31;
• Unfavorable days in December 2019 from 12 to 26.

Shabo carnation

This variety of double carnation begins flowering only six months after germination. Therefore, December is the best month for sowing. The seeds are planted in a container filled with fertile soil. To do this, make furrows up to 5 mm deep and spaced 3 cm apart. The seeds are placed in these furrows and covered with washed river sand. Cover the containers with plastic and leave them on a well-lit windowsill at a temperature of 18°C ​​to 20°C.

Eustoma

This flower is often used in bouquets due to its delicate rose-like blooms. It takes over 20 weeks from seed germination to germination. If planted late, flowering does not begin until July or August. Therefore, it's best to sow the seeds in December to enjoy the luxurious blooms as early as May.

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For sowing, use a moistened peat-sand soil mixture. The seeds are spread over the surface and pressed lightly. Cover the container with glass and provide bright light. The seedlings are grown at temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C.

Primrose

Primroses are typically planted in February. However, if planted in late December, flowering can occur as early as early June. It's best to germinate the seeds before sowing by soaking them in warm water for several days. A general-purpose seedling soil is suitable for planting. After spreading the seeds over the surface, add a thin layer of sand on top. Cover the container with plastic wrap and leave it in a well-lit area. Air the seedlings daily and mist them with warm water from a spray bottle.

Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea flowers decorate the garden for two months. If sown in late December, the buds open during the first summer. If planted later, flowers appear only the following year. Echinacea has a poor germination rate, so peat-rich soil is not used for this plant.

Before planting, it's advisable to soak the seeds for several hours in a growth stimulant or germinate them in a damp cloth. For planting, use specimens with sprouted roots. Place them in holes and cover with a thin layer of soil. After moistening the soil with a spray bottle, cover the container with glass. Sprouts will appear only after a month. Then, remove the cover and move the seedlings to a well-lit location.

Lobelia Erinus

Lobelia's purple, blue, and light blue flowers adorn the garden all summer long. They are planted in flowerbeds and containers. The plant is perennial, but in Russia it is grown as an annual. Lobelia can be sown as early as late December. By summer, a lush, blooming bush will emerge.

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To grow seedlings, use fertile soil with a neutral pH. The seeds are mixed with sand and spread in a thin layer on the surface of the moistened soil. Cover the container with plastic wrap and place it in a warm place with a temperature of 18°C. Mist the seedlings daily with a spray bottle. After germination, grow the seedlings at temperatures ranging from 14°C to 20°C. When the fourth true leaf emerges, transplant them. In mid-May, transplant the grown seedlings to their permanent location.

In addition to the plants presented, you can also add gentian, calceolaria, verbena, begonia, lavender, gillenium, and pelargonium to this list. Due to their long growing season, they can be sown as early as midwinter. Then, they will adorn the garden with their blooms in the first month of summer.