Before you put away your trowel and hang up your sunhat for the winter, I have some good news for you. Right now, as the weather is cooling off and the garden is once again a pleasant place to spend time, there’s already much you can do in the fall to prepare your garden for spring. Here, we’ll share 39 seeds you can plant in autumn for beautiful spring blooms!
We don’t typically don’t think of fall as an ideal time to start flower seeds. Certainly, some winter vegetables prefer to be grown during the cooler weather. Garlic and onions, for example, are best planted in autumn, as they grow best in cooler weather. But did you know that many flowering plants enjoy a bit of cold weather before they grow in spring?
Why Plant in Fall?
Gardening in fall offers advantages like milder weather, fewer weeds, and better seed growth.
The answer to this question is multifaceted but relatively simple. For one thing, there are fewer garden chores and more comfortable hours during the day. With the temperatures falling, it is no longer a game of seeing how long you can tolerate being outdoors before melting into a puddle of sweat.
In fall, most weeds are dormant, so there are fewer pesky plants to contend with, making the job more pleasant in general. You can prep your fall beds in one weekend and not worry that they will be full of weeds by the time the next weekend rolls around and you’re ready to do your planting.
Seeds planted in fall also have a leg up on weeds compared to spring-planted seeds. Seeds already sown will have a few weeks to start the growing process before the weeds creep in and compete for nutrients. When the weeds sprout in spring, your flower seedlings will be easily distinguishable, and weeding will be much easier.
Finally, many types of flowering plants require a period of cold temperatures before their seeds will germinate. This process, known as cold stratification, mimics nature. These flowering plants will self-sow their seeds in the late summer or fall; when spring rolls around, the gradually warming temperatures indicate to the seeds that it’s time to spring to life, but they won’t know that if they aren’t exposed to the cold!
When to Plant
Successful gardening often means mimicking nature’s seed germination process, influenced by climate timing.
Successful gardening can be boiled down to imitating nature. Most plants shed their seeds in late summer or fall. These seeds spend winter in a state of dormancy and germinate as soon as the soil temperature is right. The closer we can mimic this process, the more likely our seeds will thrive.
The question of timing is going to depend significantly upon your climate. In colder climates, waiting until a killing frost has occurred is best.
This ensures that your seeds don’t have time to sprout. Avoid letting your seeds sprout because they are unlikely to survive the cold. We want them to remain dormant throughout the winter.
If your seeds sprout due to some unexpectedly warm weather, there are some measures you can take to protect them. None are foolproof. If you see seedlings pop up, cover them by spreading a thick layer of mulch. This will help to keep them insulated.
Aim for late fall to early winter in warm climates that typically don’t experience freezing temperatures. If you live in a climate with a rainy season in winter, try to get your seeds in the ground before the onset of that rainy season.
How to Plant
Prepare your bed for the fall by removing weeds and debris.
Follow the instructions on your seed packets when sowing your seeds. Your seed packets should give you clear directions. Since all plants do not have the same needs, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to how to go about planting seeds.
Something to note is whether or not your seeds require cold stratification. Fall planting is perfect for seeds that require cold stratification, as this process exposes seeds to moist, cold conditions to encourage them to germinate.
This happens naturally for plants that reseed themselves. These plants drop their seeds, which overwinter beneath a layer of cold earth or snow.
Cold stratification can be carried out by placing your seeds in a container with potting mix in the refrigerator for some time, typically equal to one month. While this is a perfectly valid way to carry out cold stratification, fall planting will accomplish the same objective.
For best results, clear your bed as you ordinarily do. Clear away any weeds and leftover debris from the prior season.
It’s a great idea to amend the soil at this time. Organic soil amendments need time to break down, which makes fall the perfect time to get them in place and allow them the time they need to enrich the soil. This can be done with a layer of compost or a similar enriching agent such as worm castings.
Now comes the tricky part; I say that because it is almost too simple. Spread your seeds over the soil and compress them lightly. You can accomplish this by walking over them. All you want to accomplish here is to set them into the soil so they don’t blow away. Think of how a plant would drop its seeds. This is what you want to replicate.
Avoid the urge to cover your seeds with mulch, straw, or anything else. Just let them be. Even if birds come to have a snack on your freshly sown seeds, it shouldn’t be a problem. There will be plenty left behind.
When spring comes, make sure that your flower bed remains moist. You are unlikely to have to do much watering, but if the soil appears to be drying out, give it some water. Once your seeds sprout, don’t allow the soil to dry out completely.
What Should I Plant?
Now for the good part. Here are 39 types of seeds that you can plant in the fall so that they can get a head start in spring and have your garden bursting with color in no time at all.
Alyssum
This versatile and attractive ground cover has clusters of tiny flowers.
 | botanical name Alyssum |
|---|---|
 | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
 | height 3-9” |
 | hardiness zones 5-9 |
Alyssum makes a beautiful ground cover and filler plant in the garden. Clusters of tiny flowers top dense foliage. Plant these in well-drained soil. These low-growers aren’t picky about soil type but do like moisture.
They look great in containers as well! They prefer to have some protection from the afternoon sun, as this will keep them blooming for a longer period.
Baby Blue Eyes
These attractive low-growing plants thrive in cool, partially shaded areas.
| | botanical name Nemophila menziesii |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Partial shade |
| | height 6” |
| | hardiness zones 7-10 |
Another low-growing plant that looks beautiful in a grouping or as a border, baby blue eyes prefer cool weather and at least partial shade. Indirect sun is best for these pretty blue flowers.
These bloom from mid-spring until summer heat sets in. Give them loose soil that is rich in organic material when planting the seeds in fall.
Baby’s Breath
Baby’s breath is a stunning, versatile plant that thrives in various settings and requires well-draining soil.
| | botanical name Gypsophila |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 6”-3’ |
| | hardiness zones 2-9 |
Baby’s breath looks gorgeous in a mass planting or interspersed in a cottage garden setting. They will appreciate some afternoon shade in warm climates.
It looks stunning in floral arrangements. Plant in slightly alkaline soil for best results. Baby’s breath prefers dry conditions, so be careful not to overwater this plant. When planting seeds in fall, keep them evenly moist until germination.
Bachelor’s Buttons
Bachelor’s buttons are resilient perennials that thrive in various soil types.
| | botanical name Centaurea cyanus |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 1-3’ |
| | hardiness zones 2-11 |
This reseeding annual will stick around for years if you skip deadheading. Bachelor’s buttons are not picky about soil type as long as it’s slightly acidic and drains well.
Give them full sun, with some protection during the afternoon in warmer climates. Pretty flowers come predominantly in blue, pink, and white. If you plant seeds in fall, a bounty of colors will pop up in spring!
Bee Balm
This pollinator-friendly plant has summer flowers and attractive foliage.
| | botanical name Monarda |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 4’ |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
Bee balm flowers in summer but have attractive foliage that will appear in early spring. Rich, moist soil is best.
Plant these seeds in a sunny spot, as bee balm will get leggy if it has to reach for the light. Space seeds out 18-24” to avoid issues with powdery mildew. As its name implies, this is a popular plant for pollinators to visit.
Bells of Ireland
These ornamental plants self-seed.
| | botanical name Moluccella laevis |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 2-3’ |
| | hardiness zones 2-11 |
Bells of Ireland is another self-seeding annual that prefers cool weather and blooms in late spring, dying off by mid-summer. Planting seeds in fall mimics their natural cycle. Leave the dried flower stalks in place if you want them to reseed.
These will take a bit more time to germinate, but with some patience, they are stunning and make a gorgeous addition to a cut flower arrangement.
Bigleaf Lupine
Bigleaf lupine needs afternoon shade in warm climates for extended flowering.
| | botanical name Lupinus polyphyllus |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 3-5’ |
| | hardiness zones 4-8 |
Lupines like cool, moist locations and average soil, although it will grow well in sandy soil if kept moist. Simply break up the soil and scatter these seeds in a spot with at least four to six hours of morning sun. In warmer climates, give them some afternoon shade for longer repeat flowering.
Black-Eyed Susan
Planting black-eyed Susans in your garden benefits bees with late spring pollen and nectar.
| | botanical name Rudbeckia hirta |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 4-5’ |
| | hardiness zones 3-10 |
The bees will love you for planting black-eyed Susans in your garden. Although they won’t bloom until later in spring, they provide an excellent pollen source and nectar for pollinators.
Plant the seeds in fall in a sunny spot. They are not picky about soil but are susceptible to powdery mildew, so thin them out and keep air circulating through their foliage.
Blanket Flower
These flowers are warm-weather plants, producing red and yellow blooms.
| | botanical name Gaillardia |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full Sun |
| | height 12-18” |
| | hardiness zones 8-11 |
Blanket flower is a warm-weather plant. These seeds can be sown in late fall to early winter in Zones 8-11.
These plants need lots of sun and well-drained soil. They are quite drought-tolerant and do well in rocky or sandy soil. Over time, they will spread, although not aggressively, blanketing the ground with stunning red and yellow blooms from spring until fall.
Calendula
Calendula requires well-draining soil and six hours of daily sun.
| | botanical name Calendula officinalis |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 8-24” |
| | hardiness zones Perennial in 9-11, Annual elsewhere |
Sometimes mistaken for marigolds, calendula is visually similar but a different genus of plants. Plant these in a space with rich soil that drains well and gets at least six hours of sun daily.
These beauties grow easily from seed. In spring, when they sprout, thin your calendula to about eight inches apart.
Columbine
Columbines are cross-pollinating perennials requiring patience for unique, beautiful blooms.
| | botanical name Aquilegia |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Partial shade |
| | height 1-3’ |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
These short-lived perennials are heavy re-seeders and cross-pollinate freely. Filtered light or partial shade is best for lovely columbines, and they prefer rich, well-drained soil.
Many varieties don’t bloom their first year, so get a head start by planting the seeds in fall. They require patience, but they are worth it. The flowers are unique and beautiful.
Coneflower
The coneflowers bloom in their second spring from fall-started seeds.
| | botanical name Echinacea |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-4’ |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
Coneflower is another plant that is unlikely to bloom in its first year. Start the seeds during fall, and by the second spring, you should see some of these fun spiky blooms that are irresistible to pollinators.
They will tolerate partial shade but flower best in at least six hours of direct sun. They are adaptable to different soil types, but these prefer sandy soil.
Cosmos
These annual flowers require infrequent watering and deadheading for optimal blooming.
| | botanical name Cosmos |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 18-60” |
| | hardiness zones 2-11 |
Cosmos are lovely annuals that begin blooming two to three months after germination. They prefer loose, dry soil and should be watered only once or twice weekly in cooler weather.
Deadhead these plants by cutting the stem back to the closest leaf for more blooms. You will see far more flowers if your cosmos get plenty of sun.
Delphinium
Plant delicate Delphinium flowers with hollow stems in a wind-protected area.
| | botanical name Delphinium |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 5-6’ |
| | hardiness zones 3-7 |
Plant these tall flowers in a spot sheltered from the wind and stake them early. Delphinium has hollow stems that can be fragile and break easily.
Large, stunning flower spikes make these an excellent addition to the cottage garden. Plant them in well-draining, neutral to slightly alkaline soil.
Dianthus
Dianthus, also called sweet William, prefers partial afternoon shade in very hot climates.
| | botanical name Dianthus |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 10-20” |
| | hardiness zones 3-10 |
Also known as sweet William, dianthus is a beautiful genus of sturdy flowers that includes carnations. These mounding plants make a great border and will continue blooming into the summer if you deadhead them.
Most varieties are perennial. During the hot summer months, they will appreciate some shade in the afternoon.
False Queen Anne’s Lace
These unique flowers thrive in varied sunlight and well-drained soil.
| | botanical name Ammi majus |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 3-4’ |
| | hardiness zones 2-11 |
False Queen Anne’s lace is related to regular Queen Anne’s lace but has a slightly different flower formation. This plant can handle lots of direct sun, but needs well-drained soil.
The lacy look of these flowers adds a special element to the garden reminiscent of wildflowers. They are perfect for a cottage garden.
Flax
Flax plant’s beautiful flowers are a delightful addition to gardens.
| | botanical name Linum usitatissmum |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full Sun |
| | height 18-30” |
| | hardiness zones 5-8 |
You may recognize the name flax from the health food store, and linen fabric is made from the fibers of this plant. You’re in for a treat if you are unfamiliar with the flowers because while we don’t often consider flax in a garden, their blue flowers are well worth growing!
The delicate and beautiful flowers produced by the flax plant make a wonderful addition to the garden. They like some shelter from the afternoon rays. Their size makes them a perfect mid-ground plant.
Forget-Me-Not
Forget-me-nots are hardy perennials with abundant flowers that thrive in cooler months.
| | botanical name Myosotis |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 4-12” |
| | hardiness zones 3-8 |
Sturdy and tolerant, forget-me-not is a flowering perennial that produces lots of pretty flowers in the cooler months before going dormant during the heat of summer.
Giving your plants some afternoon shade in warmer climates will prolong their blooming season. They like moist, organically rich soil and grow very well near a stream or other water feature.
Foxglove
Foxgloves thrive in well-drained, moist soil and attract pollinators with their bell-shaped flowers.
| | botanical name Digitalis |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 2-5’ |
| | hardiness zones 3-10 |
Foxgloves are easy to grow and maintain if you get a few planting elements correct. Well-drained, moist soil is necessary for these plants, but composition and pH are less critical.
Most cultivars prefer partial shade, but a few types can tolerate more sunlight. Their bell-shaped flowers are very popular among pollinators, especially bees.
Hollyhock
Hollyhocks are tall, short-lived perennials ideal for the back of a garden bed.
| | botanical name Alcea |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 6-8’ |
| | hardiness zones 2-10 |
Hollyhocks are short-lived perennials. They are quite tall and best planted toward the back of the garden bed.
If you start them early and where they can naturally cold-stratify, they may bloom the first year, so planting these seeds in the fall is ideal. They flower best with eight hours of sunlight, but they can tolerate some afternoon shade. Hollyhocks often need staking to keep them upright, as they can be heavy when in bloom.
Honeywort
Honeywort is a striking plant with violet flowers that thrives in warm climates.
| | botanical name Cerinthe |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 2-4’ |
| | hardiness zones 7-10 |
For warmer climates, honeywort is a stunning addition to the garden that you can grow from seed. Uniquely shaped, deep violet flowers bloom in early spring and will start growing in winter.
This Mediterranean native is often grown as a warm weather annual in colder climates, but it performs as a perennial in tropical and subtropical climates. Rich, well-drained soil will help your honeywort produce the most flowers.
Lavender
Lavender is highly drought and cold-tolerant, making it a stunning summer-blooming garden choice.
| | botanical name Lavandula |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2’ |
| | hardiness zones 5-9 |
Who doesn’t love lavender? I often hear that gardeners find them difficult to grow, but a few tricks of the trade will keep your lavender happy.
Lavender plants like poor soil conditions. Think sandy or rocky. They don’t need to be fertilized and are exceptionally drought and cold-tolerant. A mass planting of lavender is a beautiful sight to behold, and they will bloom through the summer.
Lobelia
This tender perennial produces cool-colored flowers with delicate foliage.
| | botanical name Lobelia |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height up to 4’ |
| | hardiness zones 2-11 |
Lobelia is a tender perennial in zones 9-11 that is grown as an annual elsewhere. Mass planting these seeds will create clouds of cool-colored flowers against fine, delicate foliage.
Rich soil is a must, so add a healthy dose of compost before sowing these seeds. Lobelia likes to be fertilized and is happy in full sun or partial shade.
Love-in-a-Mist
Love-in-a-mist is a charming plant with a unique texture and fern-like foliage.
| | botanical name Nigella damascena |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 15-24” |
| | hardiness zones 2-11 |
The name alone makes me want to have this in my garden. Love-in-a-mist is a fun plant with lots of texture and a unique flower form.
The fern-like foliage gives a soft and airy vibe. Soil type is not particularly important, but the plant’s long tap root makes direct sowing a must. Keep the soil pH neutral to alkaline.
Marigold
In hot conditions, marigolds flourish, exhibiting an extended period of blooming.
| | botanical name Tagetes |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 6”-3’ |
| | hardiness zones 2-11 |
Marigolds are tough little plants with many benefits as companion plants. They love heat and have an extra-long blooming season. It might take these seeds a bit longer to sprout, but sprout they will, and you will have flowers for months.
Marigolds are not picky about soil. They do prefer for it to be moderately fertile with good drainage. Sow these seeds in a sunny spot for lots of warm-colored blooms.
Milkweed
The Monarch butterfly larvae rely on the milkweed genus as their food source.
| | botanical name Asclepias |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 2-6’ |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
Best known for its use as the larval food of Monarch butterflies, the milkweed genus is wide-reaching and contains more than 70 species native to the United States. It will grow under just about any conditions as long as you plant a variety native to your region.
Once established, milkweed will reseed itself freely. Snapping off seed pods before they open will help keep these plants under control.
Morning Glory
This climber needs a sturdy structure to climb.
| | botanical name Ipomoea |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 6-10’ |
| | hardiness zones 2-11 |
Morning glory likes to climb, so plant these seeds in a spot where the plant will have a structure to hold onto. A sunny, bright location is very important. The flowers will not open without 6-8 hours of daily sunshine.
Keep the soil neutral to acidic and moist but well-drained. They’re invasive in some areas, so deadhead if you don’t want them to reseed.
Nasturtium
Nasturtiums, ideal edible flowers, prefer poor soil for abundant blooms.
| | botanical name Tropaeolum |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 6-12” |
| | hardiness zones Perennial 9-11, Annual elsewhere |
If you fancy edible flowers, there is no lovelier specimen than the nasturtium flower. Nasturtiums like cool weather. They are an excellent trap plant for aphids!
They may die off in summer in warmer climates, but they reseed themselves freely, so they should return when the weather cools off again. Nasturtiums typically prefer poor soil, as too much nitrogen will mean more green growth and fewer flowers.
Pansy
Pansies are resilient spring flowers of various colors that tolerate light frost.
| | botanical name Viola tricolor var. hortensis |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Partial sun |
| | height 6-12” |
| | hardiness zones 6-10 |
Another edible flower, the pansy is the epitome of spring and comes in many different colors and color combinations. The wonderful thing about these plants is that they will stand up to a light frost, so there is no need to worry about them sprouting early.
Place pansies in a space that gets full morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much hot sun will wilt these delicate blooms. These flowers are perfect for the spring and fall garden.
Penstemon
Penstemons, or beardtongues, are attractive pollinator-friendly flowers that thrive in full sun.
| | botanical name Penstemon |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 1-2’ |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
Penstemons, also called beardtongues, are a stunning pollinator favorite. Their pretty, tubular flowers are spring food for hummingbirds, and who doesn’t love to see a hummingbird flitting through the garden?
Give these plants plenty of sun and soil that is not too rich. Penstemons will be happiest in sandy or gravel soil that is slightly alkaline. Fertilizer is not necessary if you mix some compost into the soil.
Poppy
Poppies are a reliable August birth flower, with extended blooming from late spring to summer.
| | botanical name Papver |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height Varies widely |
| | hardiness zones 2-10 |
You can’t go wrong with poppies. The birth flower of August has an excellent, long blooming time, from late spring through the summer, going dormant during the hottest months and returning as the weather cools.
Poppies do best when directly sown and left uncovered, as they need light for germination. Give them well-drained soil.
Purple Chinese Houses
Purple Chinese houses feature tiered purple blossoms and thrive in shaded, moist soil.
| | botanical name Collinisia heterpohylla |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Partial shade |
| | height 1-2’ |
| | hardiness zones 2-11 |
Add this butterfly host to your spring garden to draw a host of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Purple Chinese houses are named for their tiers of purple blossoms that resemble a Chinese pagoda. These woodland flowers prefer to be in partial shade or dappled sun and appreciate rich, loamy, moist soil types.
Snapdragon
Snapdragons are underrated but charming flowers with a variety of colors.
| | botanical name Antirrhinum |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height up to 4’ |
| | hardiness zones Perennial 7-11, Annual elsewhere |
Snapdragons are grossly underrated, especially in the cut flower garden. Not only are they absolutely lovely in form, but they come in so many beautiful colors and have a good vase life, too!
They bloom in cooler weather, and if given plenty of water, they will survive the summer and bloom again in the fall. Neutral pH and nutrient-rich soil are ideal for these pretty flowers. They need some protection from the harsh afternoon sun.
Spider Flower
These tall, exotic plants enhance flower beds and attract pollinators.
| | botanical name Cleome |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height up to 5’ |
| | hardiness zones Perennial 10-11, Annual elsewhere |
Spider flowers add great texture to the flower bed, with exotic-looking blooms appealing to pollinators. Their height makes them a great background plant, and they appreciate consistent moisture to bloom their best.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause growth to become leggy and spindly. If you plant in a windy location, anticipate staking your spider flowers.
Sweet Peas
These fragrant, versatile cut flowers need well-draining soil.
| | botanical name Lathyrus odoratus |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 5-6’ |
| | hardiness zones 2-11 |
Sweet peas make excellent cut flowers with their sweet fragrance and intricate blooms. A native of Mediterranean regions, these plants prefer soil that is sandy or loamy and well-draining.
Some varieties are bushy, while others are climbers and will enjoy a structure to climb. Pick your sweet peas often to keep them flowering rather than going to seed, especially in hot weather.
Tickseed
Tickseed is a hardy, continuous blooming flower that prefers full morning sun.
| | botanical name Coreopsis |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 6”-4’ |
| | hardiness zones 4-9 |
This big bloomer is not picky and will continue to bloom from spring straight through to fall as long as you deadhead it and shelter it from the heat of the afternoon sun.
Full morning sun is Tickseed’s preference. These low-maintenance flowers are drought-tolerant and make wonderful cut flowers. They will reseed if the birds leave their seeds uneaten.
Veronica
Veronicas, or speedwells, are recognizable cut flowers with tall spikes suited for arrangements.
| | botanical name Veronica |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun |
| | height 6”-3’ |
| | hardiness zones 3-11 |
Veronica, also known as speedwell, is a flower that is likely familiar to you from places where cut flowers are sold. The tall, neatly arranged flower spikes make perfect airy elements in a cut flower arrangement.
Plant Veronicas in fertile soil. Once established, they are drought-tolerant but try to keep the soil moist while they develop strong roots. Groundcover types are very pretty in rock gardens.
Virginia Stock
Virginia stocks are visually appealing, fragrant plants that thrive in the sun and tolerate shade.
| | botanical name Macomia maritima |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 6-12” |
| | hardiness zones 3-9 |
A relative of broccoli and other brassicas, Virginia stocks aren’t much for eating, but they are lovely to look at and have a very pleasant fragrance. Also called gilly flower, Virginia stock prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade, especially in the afternoon.
This is an excellent plant for coastal gardens. It is salt tolerant and feels at home in various soil types.
Wallflower
Wallflowers feature fragrant, warm-toned flowers that thrive in sandy soil.
| | botanical name Erysimun |
|---|---|
| | sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
| | height 2-3’ |
| | hardiness zones 6-9 |
Wallflowers are another member of the Brassica family, with wonderful, fragrant flowers in warm tones. These biennials may not bloom in their first year, but if planted in the fall, there is a chance.
They are easy to grow and do well in sandy soil. Neutral to alkaline soil will keep your wallflowers happiest.
Final Thoughts
By sowing these flower seeds in the fall, your garden will get a head start on producing a wonderful mass of spring-blooming flowers. Some of these beauties will continue to bloom throughout the summer and into the fall. Doing this small task in the fall will save time and effort in the spring for planting all of those delicious veggies that you want to grow!
