Plant these blooms in October for a stunning garden in the coming year:
As autumn approaches, it's time to consider planting flowers for a vibrant display in the coming seasons. Here's a guide to the recommended flower seeds to sow in September and perennials to plant for an early spring bloom or autumn display.
For those seeking early spring blooms, hardy annuals like English marigold (Calendula officinalis), Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena), and Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) are excellent choices. Sowing these seeds in September results in flowers from May onwards. English marigolds, with their deep orange petals, are easy to grow either directly in the soil or in pots. Love-in-a-mist, a charming cottage garden favorite, produces attractive dried seedheads, while cornflowers are a staple in meadow and pictorial schemes, available in blue as well as red, pink, white, and dark purple varieties.
If you're after perennial flowers for fall planting, varieties like Autumn Joy sedum (Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude') and Autumn phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Laura') are excellent choices. While these are typically planted as established plants or divisions in fall, starting some perennials in September can help them establish before winter.
Larkspur, a flower that thrives in full-sun positions in well-draining, fertile soil that is alkaline to neutral, can be planted in October and features tall spires of purple, pink, or white. Larkspur seeds require a cold period before germinating and do best when sown directly where they are to grow.
Rose campion, with its interesting gray-green foliage and bold magenta flowers, is a biennial or short-lived perennial in USDA zones 4 to 8. Ideally planted in the fall, rose campion seeds need some light, so should be lightly pressed into the surface of the soil without being covered.
Columbine, a perennial favorite in gardens, is suitable for USDA zones 3 to 9. This flower, known for its bell-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds, can be directly sown where you want plants to grow. Keep the soil moist until columbine plants are established, then water occasionally in dry periods.
Agastache, or anise hyssop, is a drought-tolerant perennial herb that provides a long flowering season. Its flowers are most commonly seen in shades of purple, but can also be found in pink, blue, orange, or white. Agastache's licorice aroma and flavor make the plant resistant to deer.
Sweet peas have deep roots and require tall pots for growth, needing the protection of a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Autumn sowing of sweet peas ensures stronger plants and can extend the growing season if sown successionally. Sweet peas have a heavenly scent and pretty flowers ranging from white, pink, and mauve to deep red and navy blue.
Snapdragons, deer-resistant and ideal for beds and borders, come in a wide range of colors, from vibrant sunny hues to elegant whites and pastels. Snapdragons will bloom from spring to summer in warmer USDA zones and will go on into fall in cooler areas.
Livingstone daisies are perennial in USDA zones 10-11, otherwise they must be grown as annuals. Ideal for as a ground cover in dry areas, rock gardens, and even between garden pavers, livingstone daisies feature vivid daisy-like flowers.
Agastache is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 10, but benefits from a layer of mulch to overwinter in colder zones. Snapdragons make charming additions to beds and borders, and are also ideal for growing in pots.
Sowing seeds and planting perennials in the autumn can ensure a beautiful display in the following seasons. With a variety of flowers to choose from, there's something for every garden. Happy planting!
| Flower | Type | Bloom Time | Notes | |---------------------|-------------|---------------|-------------------------------------| | English marigold | Annual | May onwards | Direct sow, easy to grow | | Love-in-a-mist | Annual | Early spring | Sow in modules or direct | | Cornflower | Annual | Early spring | Sow for early spring color | | Autumn Joy sedum | Perennial | Fall | Plant as established plants/divisions| | Autumn phlox | Perennial | Mid-summer to mid-fall | Plant established for autumn display | | Larkspur | Annual | Spring | Sow directly for spring blooms | | Rose campion | Biennial | Spring | Sow in autumn for spring blooms | | Columbine | Perennial | Spring | Direct sow for spring blooms | | Agastache | Perennial | Summer | Sow directly or indoors in fall | | Livingstone daisies | Annual | Spring | Sow in warmer zones, grow as annuals | | Snapdragons | Annual | Spring-Fall | Sow for spring-fall blooms | | Sweet peas | Annual | Spring | Sow for spring blooms |
Incorporating the suggested flowers into one's lifestyle, a home-and-garden enthusiast might consider sowing English marigold seeds in September for early spring blooms, or planting Autumn Joy sedum perennials in fall for a vibrant autumn display. These tips could offer a diverse assortment of flowers for every garden, contributing to a beautiful garden setting welcoming the coming seasons.
