Learn how to grow fall-sown hardy annuals and perennials for earlier spring blooms. Discover cold-tolerant flowers, winter protection, and tips for Minnesota gardens.

Starting seeds indoors doesn’t have to mean investing in expensive greenhouse systems or specialty grow lights. With a simple setup and the right lighting specifications, you can grow strong, healthy seedlings right in your home.

If you grow flowers in Minnesota, you already know winter isn’t something we “work around” — it’s something we work with. For starting flowers in climates like USDA Zone 4B, winter sowing is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to start strong, hardy plants without grow lights, greenhouse heat, or complicated setups.

If you’ve ever driven by a flower farm in early June and wondered, Where are all the flowers? — you’re not alone! In Minnesota’s Zone 4B, our growing season starts late, and most of the colorful blooms you’re excited to cut don’t show up until late June into July.

There’s nothing quite like the joy of stepping into a flower field at the peak of summer. The air is sweet with scent, bees hum from bloom to bloom, and the colors are so vibrant they seem to glow. At The Romestead Flower Farm, we live for these moments—and we know our guests do, too. But behind this beautiful scene is a deeper purpose: the choice to grow flowers seasonally, and locally.

At The Romestead Flower Farm, our passion for flowers runs deep—but so does our love for the soil beneath them. When you step into our fields to pick your own bouquet, you're not just experiencing color and fragrance. You're stepping into an ecosystem built on mindful choices and a deep respect for the earth. Every flower you clip is the result of sustainable farming methods that prioritize health—of the soil, the environment, and ultimately, of you. In this article, we’d love to pull back the curtain and share the behind-the-scenes look at how we grow. From no-till soil practices to completely chemical-free cultivation and plastic-reducing seed-starting techniques, our farm is rooted in eco-friendly principles that shape everything we do.

When Is the Best Time to Visit a You-Pick Flower Farm in Minnesota?

At The Romestead Flower Farm, nestled in the heart of Minnesota, we know that timing can transform your visit from simply beautiful to truly unforgettable. Whether you're dreaming of armfuls of sunflowers, a serene afternoon among the snapdragons, or the golden glow of an evening stroll through our zinnias, we’re here to help you plan the perfect visit.

If you're planning your very first visit to a you-pick flower farm—welcome! Whether you’re coming for the perfect afternoon outing, a photo-worthy bouquet, or just a chance to slow down and breathe in the scent of fresh blooms, you’re in for something special.