Seed-Starting 101: Build Your Indoor Station to Kickstart Your Flower Season
For cut flower growers, starting seeds indoors is an essential step toward extending your growing season and getting blooms earlier. Plus, it’s a great way to scratch that gardening itch while it’s still cold outside. In this article, I’ll show you everything you need to set up a successful seed-starting operation.
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Why Start Seeds Indoors?
Starting seeds indoors gives you complete control over your growing process. It allows you to:
Extend your growing season by getting a head start on plants before outdoor conditions are suitable.
Grow specialty flowers that need extra time to mature. (Looking at you Lisianthus that get started around 4 months prior to your last frost!)
Ensure early blooms, so you can have flowers sooner. For example, a zinnia typically takes 90 days to bloom. You could plant it directly outside after the last frost, or you could start it indoors 30 days earlier. By the time you transplant it outdoors, it will only need 60 more days to bloom, giving you zinnias a full month sooner.
Control the growing environment, giving your plants a stronger and healthier start before they face outdoor challenges like unpredictable weather, weeds and pests.
For cut flower growers, starting seeds indoors is invaluable and often a necessity to set yourself up for a successful season ahead.
What You Need to Start Seeds Indoors
To successfully start seeds indoors, you’ll need a few key supplies to create a successful growing environment. Don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right tools and setup, you can give your seedlings the best possible start, setting yourself up for a thriving garden or flower field come spring. From lighting and shelving to soil and trays, let’s break down everything you’ll need to make your indoor seed-starting journey a success.
1. Shelving Unit
From experience, I highly recommend wire shelving for your seed-starting station. Over the years, I’ve tried various setups—garage shelving with plywood inserts, plastic shelves, even makeshift setups using dog crates—but wire shelving stands out as the best option. It’s incredibly practical, allowing for easy attachment of grow lights with S-hooks and chains, and it prevents water from pooling by letting spills drip through.
2. Grow Lights
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need expensive grow lights to start seeds successfully. Basic shop lights from your local big-box store will do the job just fine. Pair them with affordable bulbs, and you’re good to go. (I’m not going deep into this with cool versus warm and red versus blue because I don’t buy into any of that!)
These lights often come with chains for hanging. Use these chains and S-hooks to attach your lights to your shelves. These chains also allow you to adjust the height as your seedlings grow.
Pro Tip: Avoid Natural Light. Seedlings grown in window sunlight often become leggy as they stretch toward the light. To avoid this, use commercial lights positioned just 2 inches above your seedlings.
3. Power Strip with Timer
With multiple lights, you’ll have multiple cords. I recommend a power strip with a built-in timer, so your lights automatically turn on and off. This ensures your seedlings get consistent light (16 hours a day) without you needing to remember.
When I first started growing seeds, the plan was to turn the lights off when the kids went to school and back on when they got back. I may or may not have baked my seeds for days on end followed by multi-day blackouts. Get the timer!
4. Fan
While not essential, a fan can be a helpful addition. It simulates outdoor breezes, strengthening your seedlings’ stems and reducing the risk of mold or damping-off disease. A small oscillating fan on a low setting is all you need.
5. Heating Mats
Heating mats provide consistent bottom heat, speeding up germination for seeds that prefer warmer soil. These are especially useful for flowers like celosia and globe amaranth, which thrive with a bit of extra warmth.
6. Domes or Lids
Humidity Domes create a mini greenhouse effect by trapping moisture and warmth, making them a great tool for boosting germination. While not mandatory, they’re particularly helpful if your indoor environment tends to be dry.
7. Seed-Starting Soil
You don’t need to overthink this nor overspend on this. For years, I used Miracle-Gro potting soil from my local hardware store because it was the only option in the middle of winter. It worked just fine!
This year, I’m using Vermont Compost Potting Soil, but the key is to choose a soil mix that’s light, airy, and well-draining. Don’t let the search for the “perfect” soil hold you back.
8. Seed-Starting Containers
From seed trays and soil blockers to Solo cups and produce containers, there are plenty of options for seed-starting containers. The best choice depends on your personal preference and the number of seeds you plan to start.
If you’re starting small and just growing a few of each variety, consider solo cups, 6 cell trays or even egg cartons! For larger-scale growing, you’ll want to use cell-trays or soil blocks.
Starting seeds indoors is a rewarding and efficient way to get a head start on your growing season. While it might feel overwhelming at first, remember: it doesn’t need to be perfect. Start with what you have, keep things simple, and gradually improve your setup over time. With just a few essentials—shelves, lights, and a bit of care—you can nurture strong, healthy seedlings that will be ready to thrive when the weather warms up.
If you're ready to dive deeper and want a step-by-step guide to make your seed-starting journey seamless, check out my popular instant download, Cut Flowers 101. It’s packed with everything you need to know, from starting seeds indoors to harvesting blooms. With this resource, you'll have all the tips and tricks to grow a stunning flower garden and harvest armloads of flowers.
Let this be the year you grow your best flowers yet.