When it comes to fall gardening, many people think that the only thing they can plant is a pumpkin. However, many different types of plants can be grown in the fall! One of our favorites is wildflowers. Not only do they add beauty to your landscape, but they also provide food and shelter for beneficial insects. This blog post will discuss the best wildflower seeds to plant in fall for beautiful blooms.
Why Plant In Fall?
Many gardeners wait until spring to plant their gardens, but fall seeding can provide several advantages. For one, the shorter growing season means the plants will be less likely to experience shock when they are first transplanted.
In addition, the cooler temperatures of fall can help to promote root growth, leading to more robust and healthier plants. Fall seeding provides a head start on the growing season, allowing you to enjoy color and blooms 2-4 weeks earlier than if you had waited until spring.
How To Choose Which Seeds Should I Plant?
One of the best ways to choose the right plants for your garden is to look for wildflower species that naturally occur in your area. These plants are generally well-adapted to the local climate and soils, so they are a good indicator of what will perform best in your garden.
Be wary of invasive species, as they can quickly take over your garden and crowd out other plants. Here are a few of our favorite native wildflowers that are perfect for fall planting:
Bee Balm
One of the best things about bee balm (Monarda) is that it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden. This plant is an excellent addition to any pollinator-friendly landscape. Bee balm grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils.
Blanket Flower
One of these is the blanket flower (Gaillardia pinnatifada). Native to North America, this tough little plant is perfect for areas with full sun and well-drained soils.
The blanket flower gets its name from its large, daisy-like blooms, which come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. These flowers appear in late summer and continue until early fall. Blanket flowers are relatively low-maintenance and are not often bothered by pests or diseases. They are also drought-tolerant once they are established.
Calendula
Calendula (Calendula) is a cheerful annual that blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and gold. It’s often used as a cut flower or as an ingredient in potpourris and herbal soaps. Calendula grows well in sunny areas with well-drained soil. The plants reach a height of 12 to 18 inches and have a spreading habit.
Cosmos
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is another excellent choice for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow annual. This plant grows best in full sun and prefers well-drained soils. Cosmos blooms from summer until fall, with flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow.
Lavender
There are many benefits to planting lavender in your garden. For one, it is a drought-tolerant plant that requires very little water. Additionally, lavender (Lavendula) is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t need to be deadheaded or trimmed.
It also has a long bloom period so that you can enjoy its flowers from early summer into fall. Plus, the scent of lavender is known to be relaxing and can help deter pests such as mosquitoes.
Poppy
Poppies (Papaveraceae) are one of the most popular flowers and come in a wide range of colors. While they are typically considered spring flowers, poppy seeds can be planted in the fall. This is because poppies need a period of cold dormancy to germinate, and planting the seeds in the fall ensures that they will get this chilling period.
Sweet Pea
Though they are often associated with spring, sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are a type of cool-season annual. In most regions, sweet peas can be planted in the fall and will bloom the following spring. These fragrant flowers come in many colors, including pink, white, purple, and red. Sweet peas are well-suited for trellises and arbors but can also be planted along fences and walls. With enough support, sweet peas can reach up to six feet.
Wallflower
Wallflowers are a type of flowering plant that comes in various colors. They are known for their vibrant hue and ability to brighten any garden. Wallflowers require very little maintenance and will often thrive in any type of soil. They are also tolerant of both heat and cold weather.
Other popular wildflower seeds to plant in the fall are:
- Cornflower
- Black-Eyed Susan
- Coneflower
- Chrysanthemum
- Love-In-A-Mist
- Lady’s Mantle
- Milkweed
- Pansy Viola
- Pincushion Flowers
- Prairie Coneflower
- Sweet Pea
Wildflower Seeds to Plant in Fall: Conclusion
There are many different types of wildflowers that can be planted in the fall. You can add color and beauty to your garden by planting these seeds.
These flowers are also low-maintenance and easy to care for. So, if you’re looking for a way to beautify your landscape, consider planting some wildflowers this fall.