While summer plants are wrapping up their growing season and producing their final blooms, September is the time to get some new seeds in the ground so the bloom colors can continue for a few more weeks.
Plant some of these fast-growing, frost-tolerant flowers in September so you can enjoy bloom color in your garden through November. Depending on your climate, flower species and planting location, you might even coax colorful blooms from the plants until Christmas.
1. Asters (Symphyotrichum)
Asters look like daisies with colorful petals. These cold-hardy plants are frost-tolerant and filled with pollen that will attract pollinators.
Plant these fall-blooming beauties in September and they will return for several years and provide late-season blooms.
Asters grow best in a sunny location but will tolerate light shade.
Prepare the soil before planting by adding 2 inches (5 cm) of compost and working it into the soil. Place seeds 1 foot ( 30 cm) apart and cover with 1/4 of soil. Water well.
2. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Golden, open-faced blooms are a sunny addition to any fall and winter landscape. The blooms are 4 inches (10 cm) across, make excellent cut flowers and plants will tolerate a light frost.
Calendula blooms are edible and are often used in place of saffron. The perennial plant is also prized for its medicinal purposes and natural pest-deterrent properties for garden plants.
Select a sunny location and prepare soil by working in 2 inches (5 cm) of compost. Plant seeds 1 foot (30 cm) apart and water in well.
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3. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemums)
A favorite fall flower that will tolerate light frost. Bloom colors span the spectrum, and plant size ranges from 1 foot (30 cm) to 4 feet (1.2 m) across.
Chrysanthemum, also called mums, are perennial plants that grow best is loose moist soil in a partially shaded area. Plant potted chrysanthemums in September, or just leave them in the pot to use as fall porch decor. Plant mums in-ground after they have finished blooming for more blooms next September.
Select mum plants that are filled with unopened buds for the longest bloom time.
4. Pansies (Viola)
Happy-faced little plant that can be planted in early spring or September.
Pansies enjoy cooler weather and will bloom through a couple of light frosts in fall and may even survive light snow.
Place plants in partial sun and keep the soil moist.
5. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)
This cool-weather flower bears a multitude of bell-shaped blooms on 3-feet (90 cm) tall stems.
The colorful, cold-hardy plant will tolerate several frosts and is ideal for planting in September.
Plant seeds in a sunny location in prepared soil.
When blooms are touched, they ‘snap’ and expel seeds, making the plant self-seeding and lots of fun for kids.
Why don’t you plant these flowers in September to enjoy the blooming season a little longer!
To prepare your garden for fall/autumn, you may be interested in my other article.
How to Prepare the Garden for Fall/Autumn
