Posted by Britten & James on 10th Jan 2023
January's Best Seeds To Start In A Heated Propagator
One of the joys of a new year is planning this year's plants. But what seeds can you start growing in a heated propagator in January? Here are the top 35 most popular seeds to start off in heated propagators at this time of year in the UK. I've also included a very general optimum temperature range for germination, and length of germination just in case you don't have a seed packet for the variety that you are growing. Obviously if you do have the packet, refer to it for the specific growing instructions.
Please remember, every seed varies according to seed quality, soil conditions and light levels, so don't be disheartened if your seeds don't pop above the surface in the time estimated below, you might just have a sleepy seed that needs a bit more time. Good luck, and happy gardening!
gap | Seeds | gap | Best
temperature range for germination | gap | Approx. time for germination |
Vegetables | |||||
Aubergines | 25-30 degrees C | 14-28 days | |||
Broad beans | 10-15 degrees C | 14-21 days | |||
Broccoli | 15-20 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Cabbage | 15-20 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Cauliflower | 15-20 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Chillies | 25-30 degrees C | 14-28 days | |||
Kale | 10-15 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Leeks | 15-20 degrees C | 14-28 days | |||
Lettuce | 10-15 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Parsnip | 10-15 degrees C | 14-28 days | |||
Peas | 10-15 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Peppers | 25-30 degrees C | 14-28 days | |||
Radishes | 10-20 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Spinach | 10-15 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Swede | 10-15 degrees C | 14-21 days | |||
Turnips | 10-15 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Fruit | |||||
Cucumbers | 20-25 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Peppers | 25-30 degrees C | 14-28 days | |||
Tomatoes | 18-25 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Herbs | |||||
Basil | 20-25 degrees C | 5-10 days | |||
Chives | 10-15 degrees C | 14-21 days | |||
Coriander | 15-20 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Dill | 10-15 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Fennel | 15-20 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Parsley | 15-20 degrees C | 14-28 days | |||
Sage | 15-20 degrees C | 14-21 days | |||
Thyme | 15-20 degrees C | 14-21 days | |||
Flowers | |||||
Begonias | 18-25 degrees C | 14-28 days | |||
Dahlias | 15-20 degrees C | 14-21 days | |||
Delphinium | 15-20 degrees C | 14-21 days | |||
Forget-me-nots | 10-15 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Geraniums | 18-25 degrees C | 14-28 days | |||
Iceland poppies | 10-15 degrees C | 7-14 days | |||
Petunias | 15-20 degrees C | 14-21 days | |||
Sweet peas | 10-15 degrees C | 14-21 days |