Annual Seeds to Plant in Fall
Sowing Annual Flower Seeds in Fall? Are We Crazy?
The truth is, many of the varieties we label simply as “annual” are very hardy, half-hardy, or tender annuals. Some are perennials, but only in tropical climates. All of these can be direct sown outdoors in autumn for beautiful blooms next spring and summer.
When sowing annual seeds in fall, it's important to consider both the plant's hardiness and the growing zone you're in. Some annuals, like poppies, calendula, and larkspur, can survive the winter by going dormant after fall planting and will bloom in early spring. These flowers thrive when sown in fall because they benefit from the cold stratification period, which helps break their dormancy, leading to faster and more vigorous growth in spring.
In terms of planting zones, many fall-sown annuals are hardy to zones 6 and above, meaning they can survive winter temperatures and bloom in spring. However, for gardeners in colder zones (zones 5 and below), it's recommended to plant these seeds in areas with some protection or mulch, or wait until late winter or early spring to sow them. Alternatively, you can start seeds indoors for a head start on the growing season.
For zones 7 and above, fall planting is ideal since the winters are mild enough for these hardy annuals to establish roots and endure cooler temperatures, providing earlier blooms than spring-planted seeds. It's essential to check the specific hardiness of the flower variety you choose to ensure success.
If you're looking for specific recommendations for fall-sown annuals, options like California poppies, bachelor's buttons, and larkspur are great choices. They not only withstand winter but thrive with the cold period, leading to beautiful early spring blooms.
Sweet Peas
In warm-winter climates (generally zone 7 and farther south and/or west), sweet pea seeds are best sown outdoors anytime from September through November. They love the cold and will be ready to pop up and start growing in spring.
Nasturtium
There’s never a wrong time to start nasturtium for indoor growing. This well-behaved little trailing plant makes a splendid addition to the kitchen — its flowers are edible and very decorative on salads and cakes! Tip: Soak the seeds overnight in water before sowing, to speed up the germination process.
Pot Marigold (Calendula)
Start seeds right now (late summer/early fall) for a quick fall crop in warm winter areas.
Foxglove
Okay, these are biennials, but they love being sown in fall so we have to mention them. Sow the seeds as early in fall as you can, scattering them on top of the soil in the garden or in pots. (They need light to germinate.) These seeds can take up to a month to sprout, but they aren’t difficult — just slow to start! If you live in a severe climate, let them overwinter in a coldframe. They will be ready to take off in spring.
California Poppy
Staggeringly beautiful, California Poppy is easy to grow.
Pop these seeds into the ground in late fall, just before the first freeze is due. The seeds will patiently over winter. Tip: No matter when you sow California poppies, remember to put the seeds directly into the ground or into their final pot — they do not transplant well.
Eryngo
Fall is the perfect time to sow seeds of this gorgeous Native American annual
Coreopsis tinctoria
Roulette is a C. tinctoria that goes from sprout to bloom in about 3 months.
This is the coreopsis that decorates the Great Plains and pops up just about everywhere in the country at one time or another! Toss the seeds onto the soil in mid- to late fall and let them overwinter. They will be up and at ’em next spring!
