January's Best Seeds To Start In A Heated Propagator

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! 


Fruit, vegetables and flowers that you can start off in a heated propagator in January

gapSeeds gapBest temperature range
for germination
gapApprox. 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