First things first…get the cool flower growing Bible here. It has everything you need to get started including an exhaustive list of which flowers can be started in fall.
As summer’s warmth begins to wane and the leaves turn golden, gardening enthusiasts often bid farewell to their blooming gardens. But did you know that fall is an ideal time to sow the seeds for a spectacular spring display? While many associate spring with planting, autumn presents a unique opportunity to get a head start on your garden. Here, we’ll explore ten stunning flowers that you can easily start growing from seeds in the fall.
1. Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis) Pansies are renowned for their vibrant colors and cheerful faces. Plant their seeds in the fall, and these cold-tolerant blooms will thrive throughout winter, offering an early burst of color.
2. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) With its delicate clusters of fragrant flowers, sweet alyssum is a fantastic choice for fall sowing. These low-growing plants are perfect for borders, rock gardens, or as ground covers.
3. Larkspur (Consolida ajacis) Larkspur’s tall spikes of richly colored flowers make a striking statement in any garden. Sow their seeds in the fall, and you’ll be rewarded with a graceful display in the spring.
4. Iceland Poppies (Papaver nudicaule) Iceland poppies are known for their papery petals and diverse hues. These cool-weather favorites are easy to grow from seeds and will brighten up your garden as temperatures drop.
5. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Calendula, or pot marigold, boasts sunny blossoms that are not only beautiful but also edible. Plant their seeds in the fall to enjoy their warmth-inducing colors come spring.
6. Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella damascena) Love-in-a-mist’s intricate blooms are surrounded by delicate, feathery foliage, adding a touch of whimsy to your garden. Fall is the perfect time to sow these seeds for early-season blossoms.
7. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) Snapdragons offer a wide range of colors and heights, making them versatile additions to your garden. Plant their seeds in autumn, and they’ll reward you with vertical bursts of color.
8. Bachelor’s Buttons (Centaurea cyanus) Bachelor’s buttons, also known as cornflowers, thrive in cooler temperatures. Their blue, pink, or white blooms are not only visually appealing but also attract pollinators.
9. Shirley Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) Shirley poppies exhibit delicate, tissue-like petals in an array of pastel shades. These wildflowers can be sown in the fall for an enchanting spring garden.
10. Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis sylvatica) As their name suggests, forget-me-nots are unforgettable with their dainty blue flowers. Sow their seeds in the fall to create charming carpets of color.
Starting your flower garden from seeds in the fall not only provides an early burst of color but also offers a sense of anticipation and connection with the changing seasons. Before you embark on this autumn gardening journey, here are some helpful tips to ensure your success:
1. Choose the Right Location: Select an area with well-drained soil and ample sunlight for your flower seeds.
2. Prepare the Soil: Clear away debris and weeds, and amend the soil with compost to create an optimal growing environment.
3. Water Regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the germination period.
4. Protect from Frost: If frost threatens, cover your seedlings with frost cloth to safeguard them.
5. Thin Seedlings: As your seedlings grow, thin them out to ensure proper spacing and healthy development.
6. Provide Support: Some flowers, like snapdragons, may require staking as they grow taller.
7. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
With these guidelines in mind, your fall-planted flower seeds are bound to flourish, filling your garden with a riot of colors and scents come spring. So don’t pack away your gardening tools just yet; embrace the autumn season and get a head start on next year’s blossoms.
