5 Easy Cut Flowers to Sow in February and March (Perfect for Beginners)

February might still feel grey and slow but it’s actually one of my favourite months to start dreaming about summer flowers.

If you’re new to growing your own cut flowers, this is such a lovely time to begin. Early sowing gives your blooms plenty of time to grow strong before the season really gets going.

There are plenty of flowers that are easy to germinate and perfect for both your garden and for cutting. Here are my top five picks for first-time growers:

1. Antirrhinums (Snapdragons)

I usually start my Snapdragons around mid-February. They are brilliant for adding height and structure to a cut flower patch and look stunning in bouquets.

They’re easy to grow and very reliable. Just remember they need light to germinate, so don’t cover the seeds with compost – gently press them onto the surface and keep the soil moist.

The more you cut them, the more they produce, which makes them incredibly rewarding.

2. Scabious

Scabious can be sown from mid-February and are perfect for soft, romantic arrangements. These delicate blooms bring a real cottage-garden feel to an outdoor space.

They prefer well-drained compost and don’t like sitting too wet. Once established, they’ll flower generously and are wonderful for adding movement and texture to bouquets and arrangements.

3. Cornflowers

Cornflowers are hardy annuals, which means they cope well with cooler temperatures. I sow a few plants in the Autumn and then a second sowing in late February to ensure I have a succession of blooms through the summer months.

They’re cheerful, easy to grow and add a beautiful pop of colour to both garden beds and floral arrangements. You can also direct sow them in later spring if your prefer.

A lovely confidence-building flower for first-time growers.

4. Calendula

Calendula can also be sown in late February. They are fast-growing and incredibly generous bloomers.

They can be started in seed trays or direct sown once the soil warms up. Their bright orange and yellow flowers are lovely for cutting and bring a sunny touch to any arrangement – and they keep flowering if you keep cutting.

5. Cosmos

Cosmos are best sown slightly later – I usually wait until mid-March. They don’t love the cold, so avoid starting them too early.

They are light, airy and very forgiving, which makes them perfect for beginners. Their long stems and daisy-like flowers make them a favourite for cutting gardens.

I usually start sowing my spring sown flowers in mid-February and continue through early April, which gives me a steady supply of blooms throughout the summer season and into autumn.

These five flowers are reliable, easy to grow, and a wonderful way to start your first flower patch. Start small and enjoy the process.

I’ll be sharing updates and tips from my cutting garden throughout the season – sign up to my newsletter below if you would like to follow along.