8 Cool Flowers to Start in Fall

As the vibrant colors of summer begin to fade and the crisp air of fall takes over, it’s time to turn your attention to cool season flowers. These hardy blooms not only thrive in cooler temperatures and yes even the dead of winter, but also add a touch of beauty to your garden when most plants are winding down. In this blog post, we will explore eight exquisite cool season annual flowers that you can start sowing in fall, ensuring a delightful burst of color in later winter or early spring. Yes, they will survive through winter and you will have established plants and early spring blooms.

1. Pansies: with their velvety petals and a rainbow of hues, are one of the most popular cool season annual flowers. Their endurance in chilly weather and their ability to bloom until the first frost make them a perfect addition to fall gardens. Plant them in well-drained soil and watch as they brighten up your flower beds and containers.
2. Snapdragons: are another fantastic choice for fall planting because they take a very long time to reach maturation. These elegant flowers come in a wide range of colors and boast tall, spiky blooms that add vertical interest to your garden. They flourish in cool weather and are known for their ability to withstand light frosts. Whether used as cut flowers or left in the garden, snapdragons are sure to impress.
3. Sweet Alyssum: For delicate charm and a sweet fragrance, consider planting sweet alyssum. These dainty annuals produce clusters of small, fragrant flowers that attract butterflies and bees. Their low-growing habit makes them ideal for borders, rock gardens, or as a ground cover. Sweet alyssum thrives in cool temperatures and can tolerate light frosts.
4. Calendula: also known as pot marigold, is a versatile and attractive cool season annual flower. Its sunny yellow and orange blossoms brighten up the garden during fall and winter. Calendula prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. Its petals are edible and can be used to add a touch of color to salads and other dishes.
5. Iceland Poppies: are delicate, yet hardy flowers that grace the garden with their cheerful presence during fall and early winter. Their papery petals come in shades of white, yellow, orange, and pink, adding a burst of color to any landscape. These beauties thrive in cooler temperatures and make excellent cut flowers.
6. Violas: also known as miniature pansies, are small but mighty cool season annual flowers. They are available in a myriad of colors and often feature adorable faces on their petals. Violas are perfect for borders, containers, and window boxes, and they will continue to bloom until the arrival of winter and overwinter sucsessfully. You will have violas well before the garden centers do.
7. Stock: With their captivating fragrance and stunning spikes of flowers, stocks are a must-have cool season annual. These robust plants thrive in cooler temperatures and emit a sweet scent that fills the air. Choose from an array of colors and enjoy their beauty in the garden or as a cut flower for indoor arrangements.
8. Dusty Miller: Dusty Miller is an excellent choice for adding texture and contrast to your cool season garden. Its silver-gray foliage creates a stunning backdrop for other flowers, enhancing their colors. This low-maintenance plant thrives in cool weather and is perfect for borders, containers, or as a filler in floral arrangements.

Don’t let the arrival of fall discourage your gardening ambitions. By planting cool season annual flowers, you can extend the beauty of your garden well into winter. From the enchanting pansies to the delicate Iceland poppies, these flowers will add a touch of color and vibrancy to your landscape during the cooler months. So, grab your gardening gloves and get ready to sow the seeds of these fabulous cool season annuals!