Indoor Seed Starting

Hi! Everyone!! How is everything going? I am finally between semesters and I can hardly wait until school starts again later this month.

Today I purchased the little peat pots to start indoors. I also got two packets of zinnias and one packet of Blue Salvia seeds. I was thinking about starting the seedlings around January 15. I have no idea what to plant. I have two 72 peat pot kits. Last year I started about 72 zinnia seedlings. I guess I started them too late or I didn't leave the seedlings indoors long enough.

Does anyone have any suggestions about annuals that I can sow to use as nectar plants for butterflies? I have plenty of larval raising plants but the thing that I need is food for the adult butterflies.

Thanks,

Chuck

Here's a site that may help you--it's got a list of some different butterflies that you can find in CA and the types of plants that they will use. http://www.laspilitas.com/butterflylist.htm

You may also want to check out the winter sowing forum here at DG. Someone there has all the answers to your questions.
You may also find the cottage gardening forum helpful.
WIB,
SW

Thanks to both of you for your comments!!

SW, the cottage gardening forum is one that I have never visited. Right after I post, I am headed there...thanks!

ecrane3, I have several California natives although they sometimes take years to establish themselves. I was really looking for color during these cooler months, just a little annual that will supplement the nectar intake of butterflies. Right now, I only have euryops and scabiosa blooming (both perennials). In a couple of weeks, the cassia bicapsularis will be blooming. I would like to expand to lots of annual color for butterfly nectar all year around. Thanks for the link.

I just found a caterpillar trying to make a chrysallis on the bird waterer. I hope that where I put him is where he really wants to go.

Thanks again,

Chuck

Chuck,
Go to the Hummingbird and Butterfly forum for answers about your caterpillar chrysallis. A fun place to visit!
Hope you like the Cottage Gardening Forum! : )
WIB,
SW

Thanks, SW!!

Chuck

I'm a newbie to a lot of this, so when I have time, I've been doing a lot of exploring! : )
WIB!
SW