Seed starting chart

When to start each crop indoors, counted from your average last spring frost, and when to move it outside.

Find your last frost date on the zone page, then count back. Most seeds sprout best around 65 to 75°F; peppers and eggplant like it closer to 80°F. Give seedlings 14 to 16 hours of light a day, with lights 2 to 6 inches above the leaves, and harden them off for about a week before planting out.

PlantStart indoorsMove outdoorsTime indoors
Artichoke10 weeks before last frost2 weeks before last frostAbout 8 weeks
Celeriac10 weeks before last frostAt your last frostAbout 10 weeks
Celery10 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 12 weeks
Lavender10 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 12 weeks
Leek10 weeks before last frostAt your last frostAbout 10 weeks
Onion10 weeks before last frost3 weeks before last frostAbout 7 weeks
Parsley10 weeks before last frostAt your last frostAbout 10 weeks
Sage10 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 12 weeks
Snapdragon10 weeks before last frost3 weeks before last frostAbout 7 weeks
Broccoli8 weeks before last frost2 weeks before last frostAbout 6 weeks
Eggplant8 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 10 weeks
Garlic Chives (Buchu)8 weeks before last frostAt your last frostAbout 8 weeks
Korean Chili Pepper8 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 10 weeks
Lemon Balm8 weeks before last frost1 week after last frostAbout 9 weeks
Oregano8 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 10 weeks
Pepper8 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 10 weeks
Sweet Marjoram8 weeks before last frost1 week after last frostAbout 9 weeks
Thyme8 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 10 weeks
Basil6 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 8 weeks
Brussels Sprouts6 weeks before last frostAt your last frostAbout 6 weeks
Cabbage6 weeks before last frostAt your last frostAbout 6 weeks
Cauliflower6 weeks before last frostAt your last frostAbout 6 weeks
China Aster6 weeks before last frost1 week after last frostAbout 7 weeks
Ground Cherry6 weeks before last frost1 week after last frostAbout 7 weeks
Kale6 weeks before last frostAt your last frostAbout 6 weeks
Malabar Spinach6 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 8 weeks
Marigold6 weeks before last frost1 week after last frostAbout 7 weeks
Tomatillo6 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 8 weeks
Tomato6 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 8 weeks
Collard Greens5 weeks before last frostAt your last frostAbout 5 weeks
Korean Perilla (Kkaennip)5 weeks before last frost1 week after last frostAbout 6 weeks
Celosia4 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 6 weeks
Zinnia4 weeks before last frost1 week after last frostAbout 5 weeks
Acorn Squash3 weeks before last frost1 week after last frostAbout 4 weeks
Butternut Squash3 weeks before last frost1 week after last frostAbout 4 weeks
Cucumber3 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 5 weeks
Delicata Squash3 weeks before last frost1 week after last frostAbout 4 weeks
Korean Zucchini (Aehobak)3 weeks before last frost1 week after last frostAbout 4 weeks
Watermelon3 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 5 weeks
Zucchini3 weeks before last frost1 week after last frostAbout 4 weeks
Cantaloupe2 weeks before last frost2 weeks after last frostAbout 4 weeks