What to sow in January — 5 vegetables and flowers to start now for spring harvests and blooms

Wondering what to sow in January? It might be cold outside, but there's plenty to start now for flowers and harvests as early as spring.

Sowing new plants is one of the most rewarding jobs to do in the garden in January, and thankfully, there's a range of choices when it comes to the best fruit and vegetables to grow in January.

We've rounded up a list of what plants to sow in January to help you get a head start on this year's garden.

What to sow in January

If you’re looking for some winter gardening ideas, learning what plants to sow in January will earn you early spring and summer harvests.

We've asked the experts what to sow in January, from purely decorative options that will grace your garden with pretty blooms to practical ones that will be ready to harvest and cook come spring.

You'll need to start most of these seeds under cover before they're ready to be planted outside when the weather gets warmer. But more on that shortly...

1. Peppers

Peppers are a firm favourite of our gardens editor, Sophie's. They're hugely rewarding and fun to watch grow, and you can start them earlier in the year than many other fruits and vegetables — especially if you own a heated propagator.

'Peppers are perfect seeds for sowing indoors in January and February,' says Hannah Rowson, assistant garden centre manager at J. Parker’s. 'They thrive in warmth, so pop them in a heated propagator or greenhouse for the best results.'

Where to buy pepper seeds:

• J. Parker's: Hannah recommends Hot Chilli Pepper 'Cayenne Long Slim' and Hot Chilli Pepper 'Habanero Limon' for January sowing
• Dobies: Grow chilli pepper 'Basket of Fire' F1 for a profusion of spicy fruits

2. Dahlias

We're talking about the seeds here, not the tubers – so hang fire on learning how to plant dahlia tubers until later in the spring.

Dahlia seeds can be sown in late winter, but like pepper seeds, you'll need to start them indoors.

'January is the perfect time to start dahlia seeds indoors,' says Hannah. 'Keep them cosy until the frost clears, and move them outside later in the spring.'

If you're wondering when to plant dahlia seeds outdoors, you'll need to wait until the weather is warmer and add it to your list of jobs to do in the garden in May.

Where to buy dahlia seeds:

• J. Parker's: One of Hannah's go-to varieties for bringing a splash of colour to the garden is Dahlia 'Dandy Mix'
• Thompson & Morgan: Grow dahlia 'Starlight Mixed' seeds for open-centred flowers

3. Summer brassicas

Brassicas like cauliflower and summer cabbages also make our list of what plants to sow in January. They can be sown indoors this month for a head start on the growing season.

'Summer cabbage and cauliflower can be sown in pots and kept on a windowsill or in a greenhouse,' says Morris Hankinson, founder of Hopes Grove Nurseries. 'They can eventually be potted up, hardened off and transplanted in spring after frosts have passed.'

Consider experimenting with companion planting ideas to keep pests away from your crops.

Where to buy cabbage and cauliflower seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: Try the classic cauliflower 'All The Year Round'
• Suttons: Sow cabbage F1 'Mozart' for summer vegetables

4. Broad beans

Just as broad beans are on our list of the best fruit and vegetables to grow in December, they consistently remain one of the easiest vegetables to grow for beginners in January, too. But don't confuse them with runner beans, as the best time to sow runner beans is much later in spring.

'If you're wondering what to sow in January, broad beans can be sown into pots in milder areas of the UK and placed into a cold frame or greenhouse, ready for planting out in early spring,' says Morris.

Where to buy broad bean seeds:

• Growseed: Go for the classic 'Aquadulce Claudia' broad bean seeds
• Suttons: Sow 'The Sutton' broad bean seeds this month for tasty spring harvests

5. Snapdragons

Like dahlias, snapdragons are another flowering plant that can be sown in January for early spring blooms in the garden. You'll need to start them indoors, but when the weather gets warmer, you can plant them outside.

‘Flowering plants such as snapdragons should be sown in well-drained soil,’ says Jack Sutcliffe, gardening expert and co-founder of Power Sheds. ‘Eventually, they can be planted in flower beds, containers, or window boxes. They should be spaced about six to 12 inches apart and should be watered regularly.’

It usually takes between four and six weeks for flowering plants like snapdragons to start blooming.

Where to buy snapdragon seeds:

• Amazon: Stock up on mixed snapdragon seeds
• Suttons: Antirrhinum F1 'Madame Butterfly Mix' seeds produce azalea-like blooms

FAQs

What vegetable is best planted in January?

Besides the vegetables we've already mentioned on our list of what to sow in January, you can plant onions, shallots, leeks and herbs like basil this month.

Salad leaves, chard and summer lettuce can also be started indoors. Just make sure you choose a bright, sunny spot and keep the soil moist (but not soggy) to promote successful germination.

Happy January sowing!