When to Start Growing Flower Seeds in Zone 6?

Gardeners in zone 6 experience temperatures as low as -10 degree F during the winter months, according to the USDA plant hardiness zone map. This means growing flowers seeds requires careful planning according to when the weather provides proper growing conditions.

Frost Date

• The average last frost date for zone 6 is between the end of March to the end of April, varying up to one week either way from year to year. Planting before this time results in low germination rates and seedling loss due to cold temperatures.

Indoor Planting

• Starting seeds indoors allows gardeners to transplant young plants into the yard once the last frost date has passed without waiting for seeds to grow in to mature plants outdoors. Set your outdoor planting date according to the average last frost date and then count backward to determine your indoor planting date. This date will vary by flower, depending on its time to germination.

Hardiness

• Sow directly in the garden those flowers that are hardy in zone 6 early in the spring, as soon as the frost date has passed. Wait to sow tender flowers until the soil has warmed to at least 60 degree F, suggests University of Nebraska Extension.