Flowers to Plant in the Fall

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One of the best things about fall is the cooler weather. It’s a great time to get in the garden and plant some flowers! Let’s discover some of the best flowers to plant in the fall. Whether you’re looking for something to brighten up your yard or attract pollinators, we have you covered!

Can Flowers Grow in the Fall?

The short answer is yes! Many flowers can actually thrive when planted in the fall. The cooler temperatures can help certain flower varieties to grow more slowly, which can result in stronger plants.

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Fall is also a great time to plant because the soil is still warm from the summer sun, so you’re not competing with soil that is too cool as is the case in the spring sometimes. Warmer soil means that roots will have an easier time growing and taking hold and hopefully the plants will be able to establish more easily before colder fall temps set in.

The Best Flowers to Plant in Fall

Now that we’ve answered the question, “Can flowers grow in the fall?” let’s discuss some of the best varieties to plant in your garden this season.

Aster: One of our favorite fall flowers is the aster. This beautiful flower comes in a variety of colors including pink, purple, blue, and white. Asters are a great choice for the fall garden because they can tolerate cooler temperatures and will bloom all the way until the first frost. (Buy aster seeds here!)

Chrysanthemum (Mums): Another classic flower for the fall garden is the chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums come in a wide range of colors, so you’re sure to find one that matches your fall decor perfectly! They are perfect for porches and other areas where you want to add a pop of fall color. See my full guide for How to Care for Mums.

Pansies: Pansies a beautiful and fun choice for the fall garden. These hardy flowers can withstand cooler temperatures and will bloom all season long. Pansies come in a wide range of colors, so you’re sure to find one that you love! (Buy pansy seeds here.)

Goldenrod: Nothing says fall to me quite like goldenrod. This beautiful yellow flower is actually a wildflower, but it’s perfect for adding to bouquets or dried arrangements. Goldenrod is also a great choice for attracting pollinators to your garden.

Marigold: If you missed planting these bloomers in your spring or summer garden, it’s not too late to get them in the ground for the fall! Marigolds are one of the most popular flowers for fall gardens. These cheerful blooms will add fall color of orange, yellow, or cream to your garden all season long. See my full guide for How to Grow and Care for Marigolds.

Viola: Similar to pansies, violas are a colorful pop to any fall garden or flower bed. These beautiful flowers come in a wide range of colors and will bloom all season long. (Buy viola seeds here.)

Cornflower: Cornflowers, also known as Bachelor Buttons, are a beautiful blue flower that is perfect for adding to bouquets or dried arrangements. I just started growing these a few years ago, and they are lovely! These flowers are also great for attracting pollinators to your garden. Buy cornflower seeds here.

Petunia: Petunias are a popular choice for the spring and summer garden, but did you know that they can also be planted in the fall? Petunias come in a wide range of colors and will bloom all season long. I especially love the wave variety that trails, making it perfect for hanging baskets and planters. (See my post of Best Trailing Plants.)

Canna: We were gifted canna plants early on in our marriage, and I wish I would have appreciated them more. Cannas are a tropical plant, but they can actually be planted in the fall in most parts of the country. These beautiful plants come in a wide range of colors and will add a touch of the tropics to your garden all season long. Buy canna seeds here.

Cosmos: Cosmos are a beautiful and delicate looking flower. However, they’re actually easy to grow and perfect for the fall garden. These flowers come in pink, purple, blue, and white, and they’re also great for attracting pollinators to your garden. Buy cosmos seeds here.

Snapdragon: Another one of my personal favorites for the fall garden is snapdragons. I love them both in my garden beds and in window boxes. Snapdragons come in a lovely range of colors and will bloom all season long. Buy snapdragon seeds here.

Caring for Fall Flowers

Now that you know some of the best flowers to plant in the fall, let’s talk about how to care for them.

Fall flowers will need regular watering, especially if we have a dry autumn and they’re in full sun all day. Be sure to check your plants daily and water them as needed. I like to use a soaker hose or Garden Grids irrigation system to water so that it can be done without me standing over them. Very easy!

Use a good quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Flower Tone to feed your plants once a month. This will give you good quality blooms and keep your plants happy!

There are so many beautiful flowers that you can plant in your garden this fall! I hope this list has inspired you to add some color to your garden this season. What are your favorite flowers to plant in the fall? Let me know in the comments below!