Best Vegetables To Start Indoors In February (Zone 6 & 7)

February feels like the longest month of the year when you are a gardener stuck indoors. The seed catalogs arrived weeks ago, the grow lights are calling your name, and you are itching to do something, anything, with soil and seeds.

The problem is, start too early and your plants get leggy and sad; start too late, and you miss the jump on the short spring season.

The good news is that right now (mid-to-late February) is the perfect window for several slow-growing crops in Zones 6 and 7.

In this guide, I will show you exactly which vegetables to start indoors this month, why timing matters so much for them, and how to give them the best possible head start so they are strong and ready when the last frost finally passes.

 

Why February Is the Sweet Spot for Starting Certain Vegetables Indoors

In Zones 6 and 7, the average last frost date usually lands somewhere between April 15 and May 15. That gives you roughly 10 to 14 weeks of indoor growing time if you start in mid-February.

Fast crops like lettuce or radishes do not need that long, as they will bolt or get root-bound if started too early. But slow starters absolutely need those extra weeks to reach transplant size.

The vegetables that benefit most from a February start are the ones that take 10 to 16 weeks from seed to sturdy seedling.

Miss this window, and you either end up buying expensive nursery starts or harvesting much later in the summer.

 

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The Best Vegetables to Start Indoors in February (Zone 6 & 7)

Here are the crops that smart gardeners in Zones 6 and 7 almost always start in February. I have included approximate indoor start dates, weeks to transplant size, and why they need the head start.

Vegetable	Start Indoors	Weeks to Transplant Size	Why Start in February?
Peppers (sweet & hot)	Mid-February	10 to 12 weeks	Very slow to germinate and grow; need big plants before fruit set
Onions (long-day varieties)	Early to mid-February	10 to 14 weeks	Need large, thick stems before transplanting for good bulb size
Leeks	Early February	12 to 16 weeks	Extremely slow-growing; early start = bigger, better-tasting stalks
Celery & Celeriac	Mid-February	10 to 14 weeks	Tiny seeds, slow germination, needs long season to size up
Eggplant	Mid-to-late February	8 to 10 weeks	Needs warm soil and big plants before fruiting in short summers
Brussels Sprouts	Mid-February	10 to 12 weeks	Long-season crop; early start ensures sprouts before hard freezes

These six crops are the ones I always start in February in Zone 6b/7a. They simply will not reach a good transplant size if you wait until March or April.

 

Quick-Start Crops You Can Still Sow in February (Bonus)

If you want more trays going right now, these faster vegetables also do well with a February start:

• Broccoli and cauliflower (8 to 10 weeks to transplant)
• Cabbage (8 to 10 weeks)
• Kale and collards (6 to 8 weeks)
• Tomatoes (if you want very early fruit, 6 to 8 weeks)
• Head lettuce (6 to 8 weeks)

These are more forgiving, as you can start them in late February or early March and still be fine.

 

Simple Tips to Give Your February Seedlings the Best Start

Starting seeds indoors in late winter can feel tricky, but a few habits make a huge difference:

• Use Fresh Seed-Starting Mix: Not garden soil or old potting mix (it compacts and harbors fungus).
• Bottom Heat Helps Germination: A cheap seedling heat mat speeds things up dramatically.
• Give them Bright Light Early: Grow lights 2 to 4 inches above seedlings, 14 to 16 hours a day.
• Do not Overwater: Keep soil moist but not soggy (use a spray bottle for tiny seedlings).
• Harden Off Properly: Start putting them outside for short periods, 7 to 10 days before transplanting.

If you follow these basics, even slow growers like peppers and leeks will be strong, stocky plants ready for the garden by mid-May.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Start Tomatoes Indoors in February in Zone 6/7?

Yes, if you want very early fruit and have good grow lights. Most gardeners wait until March, so plants do not get too leggy indoors.

Is it too Late to Start Peppers in March?

It is not “too late,” but you will get smaller plants and later fruit. February gives the best head start for peppers in Zones 6 to 7.

What if My Seedlings Get Leggy?

Usually caused by low light. Lower the grow lights closer to the plants (2 to 4 inches) and run them 14 to 16 hours a day.

Do I Need a Heat Mat for February Seed Starting?

It is not required, but it speeds germination a lot, especially for peppers, eggplant, and leeks. Cheap mats are worth it if you start lots of seeds.

 

Conclusion

Starting the right vegetables indoors in February is one of the smartest moves you can make as a Zone 6 or 7 gardener.

Peppers, onions, leeks, celery, eggplant, and Brussels sprouts all need those extra 10 to 14 weeks to reach transplant size, and giving them the time now means earlier harvests, bigger yields, and less stress later in the season.

Pick 2 to 3 crops from the list above, order your seeds (or check what you already have), and get your trays going this weekend.

Your summer self will thank you when you are picking ripe peppers in July while your neighbors are still waiting for theirs to flower.

What are you starting first, peppers, onions, leeks, or something else? Drop a comment and let me know; I love hearing what everyone’s planting this February!

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