What Flowers to Plant in January UK

January may feel too cold for planting, but it’s actually a good time to prepare for a colourful spring. While frosty conditions limit some outdoor planting, hardy flowers and careful planning can set your garden up for success later in the year. The key is choosing varieties that tolerate cold soil or starting seeds indoors for transplanting in early spring.

Hardy annuals

Hardy annuals are the go-to in January if you want a head start. These include calendula, nigella, and larkspur. Although they’re typically sown in autumn, you can still sow them in trays or unheated greenhouses this month. Once the worst of winter has passed, they’ll be ready to move outdoors. These plants don’t just survive early sowing—they often bloom earlier and more robustly than later-planted counterparts.

Do Perennialstolerate the Cold

If you’re after longer-term plants, certain perennials can be started from seed in January. Delphiniums, echinacea, and lupins are all good choices. Sow them in trays indoors or in a cold frame. These slow growers benefit from an early start, giving you a stronger plant to move outside come spring. Keep the compost moist but not soggy, and give them plenty of light.

Is it Worth Using Heated Propagators and Grow Lights in January

Because natural light is limited and soil temperatures are low, a heated propagator or grow light can make all the difference. These tools provide the stable warmth and light that early seedlings need to establish strong roots. They’re especially useful for starting tender flowers like antirrhinums or geraniums indoors in January.

Bulbs for indoor planting

You can also plant bulbs indoors in January for early flowering. Hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils can be forced into bloom by simulating spring conditions. Plant them in pots and store them somewhere cold and dark for a few weeks before bringing them into the light. The result is vibrant colour long before the outdoor garden catches up.

Preparing beds and soil

Even if you’re not planting directly into the ground yet, January is a smart time to prep your soil. Remove weeds, dig in compost, and mulch beds to keep the ground workable. When the weather shifts, you’ll be ready to transplant seedlings straight into healthy, aerated soil.

Flowers to avoid in January

Some flowers simply don’t do well when started this early. Avoid planting half-hardy annuals like cosmos or zinnias, which are sensitive to frost. Also steer clear of direct sowing anything outdoors unless your region has very mild winters. Starting too early can stunt growth or lead to plant loss if temperatures dip.

Extra pointers for planting in January

Regional differences matter

The UK has a range of microclimates. What works in Cornwall might not survive in northern Scotland. If you’re targeting a specific area, it’s worth noting the average frost dates and tailoring planting advice around that.

Biennials from last year

January’s a good time to check on biennials planted the previous summer (like foxgloves or wallflowers). They’ll soon come into their second-year bloom, so this is a good moment to feed and tidy them up.

Snowdrops and hellebores

These don’t just survive the cold—they thrive in it. You can plant snowdrops “in the green” (after they’ve flowered, still with leaves) later in the season, but January is their prime time to show. Hellebores are another top pick: they bloom from mid-winter and give gardens a boost of colour when everything else looks bare.

January is planning season

While the soil is cold, it’s also a good time to map out your flower beds, browse seed catalogues, and order what you’ll need. It’s not just about planting—it’s about being ready.

Wildflower prep

You can scatter some wildflower seeds in late January, especially if there’s a milder spell. They’ll lie dormant until the time is right, mimicking natural cycles.

Flowers to Plant in January in the UK:

Hardy Annuals (start indoors or under cover):

• Calendula

• Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist)

• Larkspur

• Cornflowers

• Sweet peas (in root trainers or pots)

Perennials (start from seed indoors):

• Delphiniums

• Echinacea

• Lupins

• Aquilegia

• Gaillardia

Bulbs for Indoor Forcing (pot indoors):

• Hyacinths

• Tulips

• Daffodils

• Crocus

• Iris reticulata

Flowers Already in Bloom Outdoors (or soon):

• Snowdrops (Galanthus)

• Hellebores

• Winter aconites

• Cyclamen coum

Biennials to Monitor (from previous planting):

• Foxgloves

• Wallflowers

• Sweet William

Final thoughts

Planting in January takes a bit of planning, but it pays off. By choosing cold-tolerant varieties and using indoor tools like propagators and lights, you can stay ahead of the season. Come Marchand April, your garden will already be bursting with life while others are just getting started.