Tender Annuals to Winter Sow

Tender Annuals - Group 3

Group 3 seeds require higher temperatures to germinate and are extremely sensitive to cold.

Timing

Start these seeds 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. In regions with especially warm springs, fast-growing annuals can be started as late as 3-4 weeks before the last frost.

Care

When nighttime temperatures are forecast to drop into the thirties, protect your Group 3 seedlings from frost damage:

First, ensure the soil is thoroughly moist—wet soil retains heat much better than dry soil and freezes more slowly. Second, cover seedlings with frost cloth or blankets to shield them from freezing temperatures that could damage or kill tender plants. Alternatively, if you have space available, move containers into a greenhouse or garage overnight. Immediately move to a sunny location the following day.

Remember to keep soil moist before germination and as they continue to grow.