From Seed to Bloom: Starting Flower and Veggies Indoors in Zone 8b

Written By Iesha Molnes

Happy Seed Starting Season, Friends! 🌱


If you're gardening in Washington State (zone 8b), it's officially time to roll up your sleeves and start most of your warm-season flowers and vegetables! Our typical plant-out window begins around the first week of May and runs through Mother’s Day—though always keep an eye on the weather just in case spring decides to throw a curveball.

In today’s post, I’m sharing what seeds I’m starting this week, my favorite DIY seed starting mix recipe, a peek into our indoor setup, and some of my go-to tips and tricks for success. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just getting started, I hope this post helps guide and inspire you.

What I'm Starting This Week

This week marks a big wave of sowing here on the farm! I’m kicking things off with:

  • Zinnias

  • Cosmos

  • Snapdragons (you can still start them!)

  • Celosia

  • Statice

  • Basil

  • Lettuce (second succession)

  • Brassicas (second succession)

I like to start flowers and vegetables in succession—especially those that bloom or fruit continuously—so we have a steady harvest all season long.

My DIY Seed Starting Mix

I like mixing my own seed starting blend to keep it affordable and customizable. After trying a few recipes over the years, this one has become my go-to:

  • 3 parts coco coir – holds moisture while keeping things light

  • 1 part perlite – improves drainage and air flow

  • 1 part vermiculite – helps retain nutrients and water

  • 1 part worm castings or sifted compost – provides gentle nutrition

Mix everything thoroughly and pre-moisten it before filling your trays. It should feel like a wrung-out sponge—moist but not soggy

Our Indoor Seed Starting Setup

We grow all of our seedlings indoors on wire storage racks outfitted with LED shop lights—an easy and affordable solution that works really well. The lights are hung just a few inches above the seedlings and raised as the plants grow. They're plugged into a timer set for 14–16 hours per day to mimic spring sunshine.

This setup gives us healthy, strong seedlings without needing a fancy grow room—and it fits right into our daily rhythm on the farm.

Warm-Season Flowers to Start Indoors Now (Zone 8b)

We’re about 4-6 weeks out from our last expected frost, which makes this the perfect window to start many warm-season annuals indoors. Here's a list of flowers you can confidently start now:

  • Zinnias

  • Cosmos

  • Celosia

  • Gomphrena

  • Amaranth

  • Marigolds

  • Basil

  • Rudbeckia

  • Sunflowers

  • Nicotiana

  • Dianthus (heat-tolerant types)

  • Phlox (annual)

  • Ageratum

  • Statice

  • Bupleurum

  • Scabiosa

  • Lavatera

  • Cleome

  • Coreopsis

  • Borage

Start them in cell trays or soil blocks, and you’ll be ready to plant out once frost risk passes!

Tips & Tricks for Healthy Seedlings

Here are a few of my favorite tips to help your seedlings thrive:

  • Don’t overwater – keep the soil moist but not soggy

  • Bottom water when possible – encourages deep roots and prevents fungal issues

  • Use a fan or brush the tops of your seedlings daily to strengthen stems

  • Label everything – trust me, you’ll forget what’s what faster than you think

  • Start small and scale up – it’s better to grow a few things well than to feel overwhelmed

Favorite Hack: The Paper Towel Germination Method

One of my favorite seed-starting hacks is using the paper towel or coffee filter germination method. It’s especially helpful for hard-to-sprout seeds. Just dampen a paper towel, place seeds inside, seal them in a container or plastic bag, and keep them somewhere warm. Once you see little roots poking out, gently transfer them into soil. It’s a great way to test viability and give stubborn seeds a jumpstart.

My Favorite Seed Starting Supplies

If you're building your own indoor setup or just looking for reliable tools, here are the exact items I use and love:

My Go-To Seed Companies

I love sourcing seeds from companies that are reliable, passionate about plants, and offer beautiful, high-quality varieties. These are my personal favorites:

  • Johnny’s Selected Seeds – My top pick for both flowers and vegetables. Excellent germination rates and a huge variety.

  • Renee’s Garden – Thoughtfully curated heirloom flowers, herbs, and vegetables with beautiful packaging.

  • Botanical Interests – Illustrated seed packets packed with helpful growing info—perfect for home gardeners.

  • Select Seeds – Specializes in heirloom, pollinator-friendly, and old-fashioned flowers for a dreamy garden.

I hope this post gives you a solid foundation to kick off your seed starting season with confidence! Let me know what you’re sowing in the comments—or feel free to ask questions if you’re unsure where to begin. And if you're looking for a little inspiration, be sure to follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates as things start to grow.

Happy planting! 🌸


— Iesha

Iesha Molnes
Next

Big Changes on the Farm: A Garden Expansion, Raised Bed Makeover, and Seed Starting Season