In Pakistan, winter is the flower season. While the heat of summer burns many flowers, the cool months from October to March are perfect for colour in pots, balconies and garden beds. If you plant at the right time, you can enjoy flowers from December until spring. This guide shows you what to grow and how.
Why now is the right time
Most winter flowers like cool days and mild nights. In Punjab, sowing seeds in October and November and planting seedlings in November and December gives plants time to grow strong roots before the coldest weeks. Exact timing varies from city to city, so watch the weather in your area.
Flowers that do well in winter
- Marigold: easy, bright and long-lasting. Our marigold seedlings are ready to plant.
- Petunia: lots of flowers in many colours, very good in pots and hanging baskets.
- Pansy and viola: small, cheerful faces that love cool weather.
- Calendula: orange and yellow flowers that grow easily from seed.
- Snapdragon: tall spikes of flowers that suit the back of a bed.
- Dianthus: low plants with fragrant flowers.
- Sweet pea: a climbing flower that needs a support, and is lovely on a balcony railing.
- Gerbera: large daisy-like flowers that love the cooler months and a sunny spot.
Seeds of many of these are sold in local nurseries and seed shops, and seedlings are easier for beginners.
Sunlight
Most winter flowers need at least four to six hours of sun a day. A south or east facing balcony or terrace is ideal. In the short, grey days of smog season, choose the sunniest place you have.
Pots and soil
- Use pots at least 25 to 30 centimetres wide for several plants, or 15 to 20 centimetres for one.
- Make sure every pot has a drainage hole.
- Use a light mix of potting mix, compost and a little sand. Our soil and fertiliser guide has recipes.
How to sow seeds
- Fill a tray or small pots with fine, moist potting mix.
- Sprinkle the seeds thinly, and cover them with a thin layer of soil, as deep as the seed is wide.
- Keep the soil lightly moist, but not wet, in a bright spot out of harsh sun.
- When the seedlings have two or three true leaves, move them to larger pots or beds, handling them gently by the leaves and not by the stem.
Some seeds, such as petunia, are tiny and need light to sprout, so press them on the surface and do not bury them.
Caring for flowers in winter
- Water in the morning, when the soil feels dry about two centimetres down. Winter flowers need less water than summer plants.
- Feed with a diluted flower fertiliser every two to three weeks once the plants are growing well.
- Remove faded flowers regularly. This is called deadheading, and it helps the plant make more.
- On very cold, foggy nights, cover tender plants with a light cloth, and take it off in the morning. See our guide on protecting plants from cold and frost.
Mix flowers for a beautiful display
Plant tall flowers, such as snapdragons, at the back, medium ones, such as marigolds, in the middle, and low ones, such as pansies, at the front. Choose colours that go well together, such as yellows and purples, or keep to one colour for a neat look. Matching planters make a small balcony look polished.
A simple sowing calendar
- Late September to October: sow petunia, snapdragon, pansy, dianthus and calendula in trays.
- October to November: sow sweet pea, and plant out strong seedlings.
- November to December: plant seedlings of marigold, petunia and pansy in pots and beds. If you started late, buy ready seedlings.
Timing changes with your city and the weather, so adjust a little.
Seeds or seedlings?
- Seeds cost less and give you more choice, but they need patience and care in the first weeks.
- Seedlings are easier, flower sooner and are better for beginners or a small balcony.
Many gardeners use a mix of both.
Plan a flower box
- Choose a box at least 15 centimetres deep and 60 centimetres long, with drainage holes.
- Put a taller plant in the middle or at the back, and trailing plants at the edges.
- Space plants about 15 to 20 centimetres apart, and do not crowd them.
- Water gently after planting, and keep the box in full sun.
Common problems
- Tall, thin seedlings: they need more light. Move them to a brighter spot.
- Seedlings that collapse at the base (damping off): too much water in cool, damp soil. Water less and use fresh, clean soil.
- Lots of leaves but few flowers: too little sun or too much nitrogen. Move the plant into sun and use a flower fertiliser.
- Aphids on the buds: rinse them off with water or wipe them away.
Questions people ask
Can I grow winter flowers indoors?
Most need bright sun and do poorly indoors. A sunny balcony is best.
Do winter flowers need a lot of water?
Less than summer plants. Water when the top of the soil is dry.
Why did my flowers stop blooming?
Remove faded flowers, give the plant sun and feed lightly. Very cold nights can also pause flowering.
You can browse more flowering plants in our shop. For help choosing for your sunny spot, call or WhatsApp us on 03128018787.