Fall Flower Planting

 

For gardeners, the delight of fall is not only the cooling temperatures, but that it is time to plant. This sounds strange but roots continue growing here during our mild winters, so fall is the best time to plant. Fall planting makes your plants ready to withstand the stress of high temperatures next summer. The exception to recommended fall planting is tropical plants such as lantana which are best planted in spring to develop strong enough root structure to withstand cold temperatures.

 

Now is the time to plant seeds for spring bloomers like columbines (in shade), larkspur (in part sun/ shade), and poppies (in full sun.) The spring bloomers take advantage of spring moisture. Then, when summer stress comes, they have done their show and are ready to rest. Very water wise! You can wait until late spring to sow seeds for summers bloomers like cosmos, but now is the time for planting spring bloomers.

 

Whether from a local nursery or mail order, purchase seeds of native wildflowers from a reliable source. Seeds planted now will give you months of color next spring, as well as the fun of seeing little green seedlings coming up through the winter.

 

1. Rake the soil surface smooth, removing rocks and sticks. If there is mulch, poke holes for planting.

2. Sow seeds evenly over soil; use rake to barely cover them; press seeds to make contact with soil.

3. Water gently; keep evenly moist first couple of weeks to ensure germination. After that, Mother Nature should take care for them unless it is an unusually dry fall/winter.