Seeds to Start Indoors 8–10 Weeks Before Your Last Frost

Learn which seeds to start indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost date, including herbs and cool-season crops that benefit from an early head start.

If you’ve already started a few slow-growing seeds and are wondering what’s next, this is the window you’ve been waiting for.

The 8–10 weeks before your average last frost date marks a welcomed expansion of the indoor seed-starting season, when a handful of cool-season crops and hardy herbs can be started indoors.

In this guide, you’ll learn which seeds to start indoors during this window, why this timing works well for these crops, and how to keep your seed-starting schedule moving forward without starting too much too soon.

Start With Your Average Last Frost Date

All seed-starting schedules are based on one key piece of information: Your average last frost date.

This date tells you when it’s typically safe to plant tender crops outdoors in spring. To find yours, enter your ZIP code at PlantMaps.com or Garden.org, then count backward 8–10 weeks to determine when to start seeds indoors.

If it’s still a little early for your area, go ahead and save this post for reference. Timing varies by region, and this guide will be ready when you are.

For a step-by-step explanation of how frost dates work and how to build a complete planting plan, see: How to Create a Seed Starting Schedule Based on Your Last Frost Date.

Why These Seeds Are Started 8–10 Weeks Before Frost

This window bridges the gap between very early seed starting and peak seed-starting season.

Seeds started during this time:

• Grow steadily without rushing.
• Benefit from protected indoor conditions.
• Reach transplant size as outdoor conditions begin to improve.

These crops don’t need as long indoors as onions or celery, but they still benefit from a head start before being moved into the garden.

Seeds to Start Indoors 8–10 Weeks Before Your Last Frost Date

The following crops are well suited to starting indoors during this stage of the season. Each benefits from consistent warmth and moisture as it develops healthy roots and foliage.

Vegetables to Start Indoors

These cool-season vegetables grow best when given time to establish indoors before transplanting into the garden.

Artichokes

Artichokes are long-season plants that benefit from an early indoor start, especially in cooler climates. Starting seeds indoors helps ensure strong plants capable of producing buds later in the season.

Endive

Endive prefers cool growing conditions and grows steadily once established. An indoor start allows you to transplant strong seedlings into the garden as soon as conditions are suitable.

Herbs to Start Indoors

Many culinary herbs grow slowly at first and benefit from the controlled environment of indoor seed starting.

Chives

Chives are hardy perennials that germinate reliably indoors. Starting them early helps establish strong clumps that can be harvested lightly in their first season.

Parsley

Parsley seeds can be slow to germinate. An indoor start gives seedlings time to develop strong roots before being transplanted into the garden.

Review the Seed Packet Before You Start

Your seed packet is one of the best resources for successful seed starting. Before planting, take a moment to review the information on the packet, including:

• Timing: When to sow seeds based on your last frost date.
• Planting Depth: How deep to plant seeds for proper germination.
• Germination Time: How long seeds typically take to sprout.
• Spacing: Helpful to know when thinning, potting up, or transplanting.

Because some of these seeds germinate slowly, patience and consistent moisture are especially important.

Tips for Starting Seeds Indoors Successfully

To grow strong, healthy seedlings during this stage of seed starting:

• Use bright grow lights positioned close to seedlings.
• Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
• Provide gentle air circulation.
• Label the trays clearly with the crop variety.
• Pot up into larger containers as needed so the plants can grow healthy root systems.

A simple grow light setup and steady care will keep your seedlings growing evenly and on schedule.

Helpful resources:

• Using Grow Lights for Seedlings and Indoor Gardens
• How to Start Seeds Indoors (10 Steps for Strong, Healthy Seedlings)
• How to Harden Off Seedlings Before Transplanting to the Garden

Can These Seeds Be Started Earlier or Later?

There is some flexibility built into this stage of seed starting.

• Chives and parsley can be started slightly earlier if you’re eager to get growing, as they grow slowly and tolerate extended time indoors.
• Artichokes and endive are best started within this window so they don’t become oversized before transplanting.

If you’re unsure, it’s generally better to wait until you’re closer to the 8–10 week mark than to start too early without adequate light.

What to Start Next

As your last frost date approaches, the seed-starting season begins to ramp up quickly.

Next in the seed sowing schedule:
Seeds to Start Indoors 6–8 Weeks Before Your Last Frost (Coming Soon).

This is often considered peak seed-starting season and includes many popular garden vegetables and herbs.

Each step in the seed-starting process builds on the last. By starting only what’s appropriate for each window, you’ll keep your seed-starting season organized, manageable, and enjoyable one tray at a time.

Good planning is key to a successful vegetable garden

Whether you are new to growing your own food or have been growing a vegetable garden for years, you will benefit from some planning each year. You will find everything you need to organize and plan your vegetable garden in my PDF eBook, Grow a Good Life Guide to Planning Your Vegetable Garden.