Autumn is a time for warm sunny days, crisp evenings, changing leaves on the trees, and maybe even a yard full of colorful flowers. Spring and summer aren't the only seasons your yard can be a sea of bright blooms. If you time your planting correctly and pick the right varieties, autumn can be flower season in your yard, too.
Considerations When Planting Fall Flowers
Timing and climate can be important factors when planting fall flowers. Many fall flowers don't do well during intense summer heat, but don't want to wait too long to plant, or you might miss the fall blooms. You may find mid-August to mid-September is the best time for planting, but adjust the schedule to your local weather.
Just about all flowers fare better when planted in a bed that drains well. And, based on your soil conditions, you may need to add some fertilizer before planting. Purdue University offers some excellent tips on preparing a flower bed for all types of flowers. Your flower bed should receive sunlight according to the needs of the types of fall flowers you choose to plant. A few popular types of fall flowers are:
- Chrysanthemum
- Sweet pea
- Flowering cabbage
- Aster
- Pansies
The University of California lists the many varieties of fall flowers and details their colors, sizes, and growing requirements. If you plant fall perennials and provide them with adequate protection from winter's cold, you may have fall flowers for many years to come. Planting fall flowers allows you to add their color to your celebration of the season's holidays, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. So, enjoy the possibilities of flower gardening during three seasons.
Jeffrey Anderson has a Degree in English from V.M.I. and served as an officer in the Marine Corps. He worked in Residential and Commercial construction management for 25 years before retiring to write full time.
