What to Plant in February
Chicago, IL · Zone 6a
Last frost: Apr 20
Frost-free days: 178
Seed starting season is underway. Get your grow lights set up and start slow-growing crops like peppers, eggplant, and onions indoors. It's too early for most outdoor planting.
February at a Glance
Indoor
Transplant
Direct Sow
1
5
10
15
20
25
Chives
Lavender
Mint
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Artichoke
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Celery
Kale
Leek
Onion
Strawberry
Start Indoors 18
Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.
Brussels Sprouts
Jan 1 – Mar 16
1 per sq ft
80–110 days
Leek
Jan 9 – Apr 8
4 per sq ft
90–150 days
Onion
Jan 9 – Apr 15
9 per sq ft
100–120 days
Celery
Jan 17 – Apr 15
4 per sq ft
80–120 days
Chives
Jan 24 – Apr 30
9 per sq ft
60–90 days
Lavender
Jan 24 – Feb 28
1 per sq ft
90–120 days
Parsley
Jan 24 – May 31
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Rosemary
Jan 24 – Mar 16
1 per sq ft
80–120 days
Mint
Feb 1 – May 8
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
Thyme
Feb 1 – Apr 15
4 per sq ft
70–90 days
Artichoke
Feb 1 – May 8
1 per sq ft
85–100 days
Broccoli
Feb 8 – Jun 23
1 per sq ft
60–100 days
Cabbage
Feb 8 – Jun 15
1 per sq ft
70–100 days
Cauliflower
Feb 8 – Jun 23
1 per sq ft
55–100 days
Oregano
Feb 15 – May 16
1 per sq ft
60–90 days
Sage
Feb 15 – Apr 30
1 per sq ft
75–90 days
Kale
Feb 15 – Jul 23
1 per sq ft
50–65 days
Strawberry
Feb 15 – May 23
4 per sq ft
60–90 days
February Gardening Tips
- Start Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
- Check seed starting supplies — grow lights, heat mats, and fresh seed-starting mix. Order seeds early for the best selection.
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