Many native plants evolved to survive long, cold winters, and their seeds are designed the same way. For species that require cold stratification, winter sowing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to grow strong, resilient plants at home.
Winter sowing mimics natural conditions by exposing seeds to moisture, freezing, and thawing over several months. This process breaks seed dormancy and signals that spring has arrived. The result? Healthier germination, sturdier seedlings, and plants that are already adapted to your local climate.
Why Winter Sow Native Seeds?
- No indoor setup required – No grow lights, heat mats, or special timing.
- Stronger seedlings – Plants germinate when conditions are right, not when we guess they are.
- Protects seeds from rodents or birds – Although we want wildlife to benefit from our wildflower gardens after established, winter sowing especially in containers helps prevent losing seeds to critters which can be a risk with planting in fall.
- Low maintenance – Once set outside, nature does most of the work.
Winter sowing is especially well suited for native perennials like milkweeds, coneflowers, asters, lupines, and many woodland and prairie species.
How to Winter Sow Native Plants (Step by Step)
1. Gather Seeds and Containers
Use ethically sourced native seed, collected from your garden, shared by local growers, or purchased from trusted suppliers that produce or sustainably collect native seeds with care. Choose species suited to your garden's sun and soil conditions.
Choose seedling trays or recycled containers such as juice or vinegar jugs, pop bottles, large berry clamshell containers, or wooden and plastic plant pots (ceramic may crack). Soil in a wooden tray is a good plastic-free DIY option. You can also use freezer bags in a pinch, but try recycled options first.
All containers need:
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Drainage holes in the bottom
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Openings or holes on top so snow and rain can enter
For jugs, cut around the container about 5 inches from the bottom, leaving a small hinge at the back. Remove caps completely.
2. Add Soil and Sow Seeds
Fill containers with moist potting mix and gently pat it down. Scatter seeds on the surface, or cover to the depth specified on the seed packets growing instructions. Most seeds are best left on the surface if unsure.
Label each container clearly with the plant name, weatherproof markers or paint pens work best. It's wise to have a backup method of labeling in case the markings are not visible by spring, such as a written list or photos of which varieties were planted in which containers.
3. Close and Place Outside
Tape jugs closed (without caps) or loosely cover pots using wire mesh or bins with holes. Place containers outdoors where they’ll be exposed to rain and snow but won’t be disturbed. A shady spot is fine.
Do not place containers in garages, sheds, or greenhouses, seeds need true winter conditions.
4. Monitor in Spring
Once daytime temperatures stay above freezing:
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Remove covers to prevent overheating
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Keep soil consistently moist (not too soggy)
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Ensure containers drain well
Seedlings may appear suddenly, and often in clusters.
5. Plant or Divide Seedlings
After the risk of frost has passed and seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves, you can:
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Plant them directly into the garden
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Divide soil blocks for more plants
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Pot them up to grow a bit longer
Water regularly and deeply during their first few weeks in the ground to establish strong root systems.
Grow Native, the Natural Way
Winter sowing is a beginner-friendly, low-cost way to grow native plants that support pollinators, birds, and local ecosystems. It works with nature instead of against it, and rewards patience with resilient, climate-adapted plants.
Winter sowing can be used for non-native annuals as well, and is commonly used for cold hardy greens like spinach or kale. Get creative and try different containers and plants.
Looking for native seeds that are ideal for winter sowing? Explore our selection and start growing your own patch of wild, one container at a time.
