Fans of Game of Thrones might get apprehensive upon hearing, “Winter is coming.” It’s quite the opposite for gardeners, though, particularly those who grow colourful winter flowers.
Across Pakistan, late September to early November is the ideal period for sowing winter-flowering plants. These include calendula, pansy, snapdragon (also known as the dog flower), petunia, phlox and even marigold.
Here are some tricks and techniques, especially for new and kitchen gardeners, on growing winter-flowering plants.
Choosing seeds
Choose fresh seeds, preferably from the current or previous season. Seed quality is an important factor in healthy germination and healthy growth. Check with the seller what colour flowers the seeds are expected to produce. It is better to purchase seeds from a reputed nursery or seller. Seeds that have been treated with insecticide have a greater chance of germinating and growing into healthy plants.
From choosing the right seeds to protecting young seedlings, a few simple steps can help gardeners prepare for a colourful winter bloom
Sowing seeds
Seeds should be sown in moist, well drained soil. Ideally, a layer of compost should be incorporated in the potting mix. Seeds can be placed on the soil surface and covered with compost. Alternatively, make a depression about twice the depth of the seed, place the seed inside and cover it with soil.
Seedling tray
The seedling tray, or the container or pot, should be covered with plastic and placed under shade. Seeds of winter-flowering plants usually germinate within one to two weeks. The tray or container should then be moved to a sunny location, while gradually increasing its exposure to sunlight. In the beginning, a few hours of early morning sunlight are enough. It is important to protect the plant from early morning dew. This dew can be harmful to newly germinated seedlings.
Germinating seeds
Some gardeners may opt for a seedling tray, use a paper cup, or even use wet tissue papers to germinate seeds. Once the first few true leaves appear, transplant the seedlings. The seedlings can be grown in pots or sown in the ground. Only gardening soil and a thin layer of compost are enough for the seedlings to grow.
Protection from the cold
Gardening in cooler weather can be physically demanding, particularly when watering or working the soil early in the morning. Dress appropriately for the weather and keep your head, hands and neck covered when gardening outdoors. Wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from damp soil, sharp objects and other potential injuries. Taking care of yourself will ensure that you are able to keep tending to your plants throughout the winter.
Bringing winter colour
Colourful hanging planters can easily brighten a balcony or garden walkway. Ceramic and decorated clay pots with flowering plants can be placed at the entrance of the house or in hallways, and even in the sitting room, if the area receives ample sunlight.
In favourable conditions, the winter bloom can continue for several months, and some plants may flower until March.
Please send your queries and emails to doctree101@hotmail.com. The writer is a physician and a host for the YouTube channel ‘DocTree Gardening’ promoting organic kitchen gardening
Published in Dawn, EOS, October 4th, 2026
