Seeds for Fall Gardens: Vegetables, Herbs & Flowers

Botanical Interest Lettuce and Nasturtium seed packets with a tray of nasturtium seedlings, a child planting and Botanical Interest seed rack.Grow something wonderful from seed! SummerWinds Nursery carries a wide selection of Botanical Interests® flower, vegetable and herb seeds for Bay Area gardens.

Whether you’re growing vegetables for the table, herbs for the kitchen or flowers for seasonal color, starting from seed offers an affordable and rewarding way to discover new varieties and grow more of the plants you love.

Selection may vary by location.

Botanical Interests® SeedsSeed Starting Supplies, and Botanical Interest Seeds

Botanical Interests seed packets combine high-quality seed with detailed growing information gardeners can use at every step. Explore varieties for vegetable gardens, herb gardens, pollinator gardens, cutting gardens, containers and more.

Visit your local SummerWinds Nursery to explore our current selection of Botanical Interests seeds.

seedlings in biodegradeable pots in seed trays

Seeds to Start in August

Late summer is an important seed-starting season in the Bay Area. Cool-season vegetables, herbs and flowers can get established while the soil is still warm, then grow and mature as temperatures begin to fall.

In warmer inland locations, protect newly sown seeds from intense afternoon sun and postpone outdoor sowing during a heat wave. Keep seed-starting mix or garden soil consistently moist while seeds germinate.

All of the seeds featured below are available through our selection of Botanical Interests Seeds. All Botanical Interests seeds are untreated and Non-GMO Project Verified. As you browse our in-store selection, look for heirloom and certified organic varieties.

Please Note: Selection of seeds may vary by location.

Watch: What to Sow Now

In this video, we share simple seed-starting tips, helpful supplies and some of our favorite vegetables, herbs and flowers to sow now. You’ll also discover unique Botanical Interests varieties that can bring something new to your fall and winter garden.

Fall and Winter Vegetables

Harvest times are approximate and vary by variety, weather and growing conditions. Always consult the individual seed packet for variety-specific planting depth, spacing and instructions.

Vegetable How to Start When to Transplant Approx. Time to Harvest Helpful Tip
Chinese Broccoli Direct sow or start in cells About 3–4 weeks after sowing 45–70 days Harvest the young stems before the flowers fully open.
Broccoli Rabe Direct sow Transplanting is not normally necessary 40–60 days A fast-growing green valued for its leaves, buds and tender stems.
Cauliflower Start in cells About 5–7 weeks after sowing 70–100 days from transplant Consistent moisture supports proper head development.
Brussels Sprouts Start in cells About 5–7 weeks after sowing 90–120 days from transplant Start early because this vegetable needs a long, cool growing season.
Bok Choy & Baby Choy Direct sow or start in cells About 3–4 weeks after sowing 30–55 days Baby varieties mature quickly and work well in containers and small gardens.
Kale Direct sow or start in cells About 4 weeks after sowing 25–35 days for baby leaves; 55–75 days for mature leaves Harvest the outer leaves first to keep plants producing.
Arugula Direct sow Transplanting is not normally necessary 20–40 days Sow small amounts every few weeks for repeat harvests.
Spinach Direct sow or start in cells About 3–4 weeks after sowing 30–50 days Spinach germinates best in cooler soil. Inland gardeners may need to wait for temperatures to moderate.
Lettuce Direct sow or start in cells About 3–4 weeks after sowing 30–60 days When outdoor soil is hot, start seeds in a cool, bright location.
Peas Direct sow Transplanting is not normally recommended 55-75 days Provide a trellis at planting time and protect young plants from birds.
Parsnips Direct sow Do not transplant 100-120 days Germination can be slow. Keep the seedbed evenly moist and be patient.
Rutabagas Direct sow Transplanting is not normally necessary 80–100 days Thin seedlings promptly to give developing roots adequate room.
Turnips Direct sow Transplanting is not normally necessary 35–60 days Both the roots and leafy tops are edible.
Kohlrabi Direct sow or start in cells About 4–6 weeks after sowing 45–60 days Harvest while the swollen stem is young and tender.
Florence Fennel Direct sow or start in cells About 4–6 weeks after sowing 80–100 days Avoid disturbing the roots and provide consistent moisture.

Cool-Season Herbs

Herb How to Start When to Transplant Approx. Time to Harvest Helpful Tip
Chervil Direct sow Transplanting is not normally necessary 45–60 days Chervil prefers cooler weather and protection from intense afternoon sun.
Chives Direct sow or start in cells About 6–8 weeks after sowing 80–90 days This perennial herb can continue producing for years.
Cilantro Direct sow Transplanting is not normally recommended 40–60 days for leaves Sow every 2–3 weeks for an extended harvest. Cooler weather helps slow bolting.
Leeks Start in cells About 8–10 weeks after sowing 100–150 days Transplant deeply or hill soil around the stems to produce longer white portions.
Watercress Start in containers or consistently moist soil About 4–6 weeks after sowing 40–60 days Watercress needs dependable moisture but should not be grown in unsafe or stagnant water.

Flowers to Start from Seed in August

Cool-season flowers can be started in August for fall, winter or early-spring color. In hot inland locations, begin seeds in a bright, protected area and transplant after temperatures moderate.

Flower How to Start When to Transplant Approx. Time to Harvest Helpful Tip
Stock Start in cells About 5–7 weeks after sowing Approximately 12–16 weeks Stock prefers cool conditions and is prized for its fragrant flower spikes.
Violas Start in cells About 6–8 weeks after sowing Approximately 12–16 weeks Keep the seed-starting mix cool and evenly moist during germination.
Pansies Start in cells About 6–8 weeks after sowing Approximately 12–16 weeks Protect seed trays from August heat; pansies germinate better in cooler conditions.
Calendula Direct sow or start in cells About 3–4 weeks after sowing Approximately 50–60 days Deadhead regularly to encourage additional flowers.
Nasturtiums Direct sow Transplanting is not preferred Approximately 50–70 days Avoid overly rich soil, which can produce more leaves than flowers.
Scarlet Flax Direct sow Transplanting is not normally recommended Approximately 60–90 days Sow where it will grow and provide well-draining soil.
Forget-me-nots Direct sow or start in cells About 4–6 weeks after sowing Usually the following late winter or spring Forget-me-nots are often grown as cool-season biennials and may reseed in favorable locations.
Snapdragons Start in cells About 6–8 weeks after sowing Approximately 100–120 days Press the tiny seeds onto the surface of the mix; light helps them germinate.

Woman planting seeds indoors from seed packet and second image of seedlings coming up from cups of dirt insideNew to Starting Seeds Indoors?

Starting seeds indoors can protect young plants from harsh weather and give slower-growing varieties time to develop before transplanting. Our step-by-step guide covers containers, seed-starting mix, lighting, watering, thinning and hardening off.

Learn How to Successfully Start Seeds Indoors

Seed-Starting Essentials

Find the supplies you need to give seeds a strong start. Product selection may vary by location.

8 quart bag of eb stone organics seed starter potting soilSeed-Starting Mix

A lightweight seed-starting mix provides the moisture retention and drainage young seedlings need. Unlike ordinary garden soil, it is formulated for use in trays, cells and small pots.

E.B. Stone Organics Seed Starter Potting Soil is a lightweight mix formulated for starting seeds and rooting cuttings.

Trays, Cells and Pots

Keep seedlings organized with seed trays, cell inserts, biodegradable pots and covered greenhouse kits.

Available options may include:Jump start accelaroot for propagating cuttings and seeds

jiffy seed starting greenhouse kit 72 ct

  • AccelaRoot propagation plugs and cell inserts
  • Float grow trays
  • Covered greenhouse kits
  • Jiffy-Strips biodegradable seed-starting cells
  • Jiffy-Pots

Grow Lights

Strong light helps seedlings develop compact growth and sturdy stems. Grow lights are especially helpful when natural indoor light is limited.

Watering and Planting Tools

A mister or watering can with a gentle stream helps moisten seeds without washing them out of place. Plant labels, garden gloves and a hand trowel make sowing and transplanting easier.

Seedling Heat MatsJump start seedling heat mat 1 ct.

Heat mats can improve germination for warmth-loving seeds. Because many cool-season vegetables and flowers prefer lower germination temperatures, always follow the temperature guidance on the individual seed packet.

Ready to Get Growing?

Visit your local SummerWinds Nursery to explore our selection of Botanical Interests seeds and seed-starting supplies. Our knowledgeable associates can help you select seeds and supplies suited to your garden, growing space and Bay Area microclimate.

Find Your Local SummerWinds Nursery

For more detailed planting instructions, visit our complete indoor seed-starting guide.

Read: How to Successfully Start Seeds Indoors