February Flower Care

Lifting and Dividing Perennials

Perennial flowers may show good growth during this period, making it the perfect time to lift and divide herbaceous flowers, especially on heavy soil. Ensure the soil is dry enough before proceeding. This is also a suitable time to move grasses, which generally don’t like being disturbed in autumn.

Sowing Seeds of Bedding Plants

Seeds of geraniums, lobelia, busy lizzie, and bedding begonias should be sown in a heated propagator as early in the month as possible to avoid delayed flowering. In the coming weeks, sow seeds of French marigolds, petunias, dahlias, and other summer bedding plants. For tubers like dahlias, begonias, and gloxinias, start them in a greenhouse or on a windowsill indoors, placing them lightly onto moist compost in a seed tray or small pot.

Managing Spring Bulbs

Spring bulbs can be moved ‘in the green’ as their flowers fade. Divide clumps and separate bulbs of different colors while the flowers are still present. Be vigilant for slug damage to emerging shoots and remove weeds from beds and borders between flowers and shrubs.

Ornamental Grasses and Sweet Peas

Now is the ideal time to plant new perennial flowers, divide and replant grasses, and sow seeds of sweet peas. Tie up any sweet pea plants raised last autumn on a light cane. Watch for signs of slug and snail damage to emerging shoots of perennial flowers.