What Plants to Plant in February in Scotland 🌱

February in Scotland may still feel firmly wintery, but for gardeners it marks an important turning point. While frost, snow, and cold winds are still possible, the soil is slowly waking up — and with the right plant choices, you can get a satisfying head start on the growing season.

This guide covers what you can plant in February in Scotland, whether outdoors, under cover, or indoors, plus a few weather-wise tips to help everything thrive.

Understanding February Conditions in Scotland

Before planting anything, it’s worth keeping Scotland’s climate front of mind:

• Day length is increasing, but temperatures remain low

• Frosts are common, especially overnight

• Soil may be cold, wet, or frozen

Flexibility is key. Be ready to delay planting if the weather turns harsh — gardening here is always a conversation with the forecast.

Vegetables to Plant in February 🥕

Outdoors (If Soil Is Workable)

In milder areas or sheltered gardens, you can plant:

• Broad beans (hardy varieties like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’)

• Garlic (if not planted earlier)

• Shallots

Ensure soil is free-draining and not waterlogged. Raised beds warm up faster and are ideal at this time of year.

Under Cover (Greenhouse, Polytunnel, or Cold Frame)

Under protection, February is a productive sowing month:

• Carrots

• Beetroot

• Spinach

• Lettuce (winter or hardy varieties)

• Spring onions

Using fleece or cloches can provide extra protection during cold snaps.

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Indoors (Sow Now, Plant Later)

Sowing indoors gives plants a strong start before moving outside in spring:

• Tomatoes

• Peppers and chillies

• Aubergines

• Leeks

• Onions from seed

Place seedlings in a bright, frost-free spot and avoid overwatering.

Flowers to Plant in February 🌸

Hardy Annuals (Under Cover)

You can sow these now for earlier blooms:

• Sweet peas

• Larkspur

• Hardy annual poppies

• Calendula

Sweet peas benefit from an early start and cool conditions.

Bulbs and Tubers

February is your last call for many spring and summer performers:

• Summer-flowering bulbs like lilies and alliums

• Dahlias — plant in pots indoors to get ahead

• Begonias — start tubers under cover

Keep them frost-free until planting out later.

Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials 🌳

While still dormant, many plants establish well in February:

• Bare-root trees and shrubs

• Roses

• Hedging plants

• Hardy perennials

Bare-root planting should be done while the ground is workable and not frozen.

Herbs to Start in February 🌿

Indoors or under cover, you can start:

• Parsley

• Chives

• Coriander

• Basil (indoors only — it hates the cold)

Hardy herbs like thyme and rosemary are better planted later in spring outdoors.

February Planting Tips for Scotland

• 🌦️ Watch the forecast closely — delay planting if frost is expected

• 🪴 Use pots and modules to control conditions

• 🛡️ Protect young plants with fleece or cloches

• 🌱 Don’t rush — cold soil slows growth more than late planting

  
  

Final Thoughts

February planting in Scotland is all about smart starts and patience. By choosing hardy plants, using protection wisely, and respecting the weather, you’ll be setting your garden up for a productive and colourful year.

Spring is coming — slowly, stubbornly, and beautifully.

Happy planting 🌼