Did You Know That You Can Grow Houseplants from Seeds?
There is no reason that you can’t grow beautiful houseplants, just like you start your outdoor plants for summer. If you have our Bio Dome seed starter kit, don’t put it away in the summer. Start some houseplants using the kit and they will be blooming next winter. Of course, the edible plants should be sown as soon as you can so you have the fresh goodness to enjoy this winter. If you have never started plants from seeds before, we have your back. Learn here how to start seeds indoors and then learn the easiest plants to grow.
1 - Herbs. Winter is the perfect time to plant an indoor herb garden. The flavor of fresh basil on your pizza or a sprig of mint in your tea or hot chocolate is so welcome in the winter. All you need is a sunny windowsill. Try basil, mint and parsley for your indoor herb garden. Check out our Italian collection of seeds for all the Italian cooking favorites. For the easiest herb growing, use our indoor herb garden kit.
2 - Begonias. Did you know that begonias used to be a favorite houseplant? Now, we have so many beautiful varieties that begonias have become a favorite for the outdoors–both as bedding plants and in containers. Begonias do well outside in the shade, so it makes sense that they would be happy in the lower light indoors.
3 - Sprouts. Did you know we carry seeds for sprouting? Maybe you have added sprouts to your diet already or maybe you are just getting started. Sprouts are packed full of nutrients! Use them in a fresh salad or add them to your next smoothie. Here at Park Seed, we offer sprout seeds from the original Mung beans to broccoli sprouts to watercress. Try our salad mix of alfalfa and red clover with a bit of radish and arugula. Check out the easy sprout container for growing your sprouts. It makes growing sprouts simple.
4 - Ornamental Banana Plant. These beautiful houseplants are tropicals and are actually a small tree. They have large green leaves with a central red stripe. They may produce fruit, but it is not edible. They are so attractive as houseplants.
5 - African Violets. This is another plant that was a favorite flowering houseplant. Lately, it has not been as popular. We think our Fantasy Hybrid African Violets will change that. This mix of single, semi-double, and double-flowered blooms comes in all the jewel tones and even some bicolored varieties. The flower clusters are held above the rich green leaves for a stunning display. The flower colors range from deep purple to lilac, rose to red, pink and white. Easy to grow, they should start blooming in five to six months after sowing.
6 - Polka Dot Plant. This plant can be grown outdoors in shade, but it is becoming a very popular houseplant. The leaves of the plant are covered in “freckles” of pink, red or white. They give a great pop of color to your indoor plant collection, and the unusual leaf color adds interest.
7 - Crepe de Chine Flowering Maple. This plant can be grown outdoors, but because of its dwarf size, it is popular as a houseplant. In fact, its common name is Parlor Maple. This plant will bloom early with large watercolor shades of red, coral, peach, apricot and golden hues. The flowers have a crepe paper look and feel to them and will cover the plant with blooms. If you have a sunny place in your home, Crepe de Chine will be a stunning addition to your houseplant collection.
8 - Cat Grass. If you have a cat, you should grow Cat Grass. Cat Grass is actually barley and provides nutrition as well as fiber to your cat’s diet. It can also help to prevent hairballs. It is edible for people, too, but you’ll have to fight off the cat. It will be ready with tender sprouts for your cat in seven days. You may need to plant several pots to keep your cat supplied.
9 - Spike Cordyline. This is a new offering this year. Cordyline can be grown outdoors as well as its use as a houseplant. If you have an empty corner or you would like an accent plant for your entry or alongside your fireplace mantel, Cordyline may be the answer! Grow in a large container, as this tall vertical plant can grow to six feet tall! Its needle-like spikes of gracefully arching green leaves will be perfect as an accent plant. Cordyline is easy to grow, tough as nails and even will tolerate a little neglect
10 - Primrose. Primrose is a close relative of the African Violet. The flowers of the primrose come in many of the same shades as the violets, but the primrose flower is more trumpet-shaped. Primrose love the sun so a sunny location is a must. It is important to consider your four-legged friends when purchasing indoor plants. While many plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs, there are some that should be avoided. It is best to avoid plants like begonias, spike cordyline and primrose. Cat grass, many herbs and the polka dot plant are better suited for Fido-friendly households.
Growing plants indoors can be as easy as pouring a little water in their pots a couple of times a week. Choose plants that fit your experience level, and as you gain more confidence, add more to your garden.
