The Best Time of Year to Plant Your Favorite Flowers

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, timing is everything when it comes to planting flowers. Choosing the right season ensures your blooms thrive and your garden bursts with color. Here's a seasonal guide to help you plant popular flowers at the perfect time. 

Spring is ideal for planting many annuals and perennials, especially after the last frost. The best flowers to plant in spring include Pansies, which are hardy and colorful, Snapdragons, which love the cooler early spring temperatures, and Peonies, which should be planted in early spring for summer blooms. Tulips and Daffodils are known for their spring blooms but should be planted in the fall. 

Summer is great for planting heat-tolerant flowers and late bloomers. There are several examples of great flowers to plant for the summer. Sunflowers are fast growing and perfect for sunny areas. Zinnias thrive in the heat and will bloom until the first frost. Marigolds are pest resistant and bright additions to your space. Cosmos are easy to grown and great for pollinators. 

Fall is the time to plant bulbs and hardy perennials that will bloom in spring. Some of these include Crocus, which is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, Hyacinths, which are excellent for adding fragrance and color to your space, Alliums, which boost a unique globe shaped flower, and Irises, which should be planted in early fall. 

In warmer regions, winter can be a good time to plant cool-season flowers. For example, Calendula have bright orange and yellow blooms and do not handle the heat well. Primroses are also hardy and colorful and are best suited for mild climates. Sweet peas and fragrant and are best planted for early spring blooms. 

Know your zone when getting ready to plant seasonal flowers. Check your USDA Hardiness Zone to determine the best planting times for your area. Watch the weather. Avoid planting during extreme heat or frost. And lastly, don’t forget to prep your soil. Healthy soil means healthy flowers—add compost and check drainage.