Complete Gardening
As summer blooms in full force, gardeners begin to prepare for the beauty that fall will bring.
Seeding specific flowers in the summer can ensure a vibrant and colorful autumn garden.
Here’s a list of 13 fall flowers that you should consider planting during the summer season to enjoy their full splendor when the leaves start to turn.
1. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, often called mums, are the quintessential fall flower. Their rich colors range from golden yellows to deep burgundies, making them a favorite in autumn gardens. These flowers are not only beautiful but also hardy, thriving in cooler temperatures.
Did you know? Chrysanthemums have been cultivated in Asia for over two thousand years and are associated with positive meanings in various cultures.
As they bloom, they transform any garden into a spectacle of vibrant colors. Seeding them in summer will give them ample time to establish before the cooler fall months.
2. Asters
Asters bring a burst of color to any fall garden with their star-shaped blooms. These flowers are perfect for adding splashes of purple, pink, and blue.
They attract butterflies, adding a lively dynamic to your garden. Asters symbolize patience and elegance.
Originating from North America, they are a resilient choice for autumn gardens. These radiant flowers, seeded in summer, will thrive and flourish as fall approaches, offering a dazzling display that lasts well into the season.
3. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)
Rudbeckia, commonly known as Black-Eyed Susan, is a cheerful addition to any garden. Their bright yellow petals contrast strikingly with their dark centers, creating a captivating visual.
These flowers are easy to grow, making them a favorite among novice gardeners.
They symbolize encouragement and motivation. By planting them in summer, you ensure a robust and vibrant display come fall, as they stand tall and proud, swaying gently in the autumn breeze.
4. Marigolds
Marigolds are known for their vibrant hues and ease of care. Their bright orange and yellow flowers are a beacon of warmth as the days grow cooler.
These flowers have a rich history, with cultural significance in festivals around the world.
Marigolds are great for repelling pests, making them a practical as well as aesthetic choice. Seeding them in summer ensures they are ready to shine in your garden throughout the fall months, providing a splash of color and vitality.
5. Calendula
Calendula, with its sunny disposition, adds a cheerful touch to any garden. Known for their medicinal properties, these flowers have been used in herbal remedies for centuries.
Their bright orange and yellow blossoms not only beautify the garden but also attract beneficial insects.
Seeding calendula in summer will result in a vibrant fall display, as these flowers adapt well to various conditions, adding both charm and utility to your garden landscape.
6. Pansies
Pansies, with their delicate and cheerful blooms, are a gardener’s delight. Their intricate patterns and rich colors provide endless visual interest.
Pansies are known for their resilience, thriving even in cooler temperatures.
These lovely flowers symbolize remembrance and thoughtfulness. Planting them in summer ensures a bountiful and colorful display come fall, as they bravely withstand the early frost, adding charm and depth to your garden.
7. Dianthus
Dianthus, often known as pinks, bring a subtle spice to autumn gardens with their fragrant blooms. These flowers come in a variety of pinks and reds, often with intricate patterns.
They are easy to grow and maintain, making them perfect for gardeners of all levels.
Historically, dianthus has been appreciated since ancient times for its beauty and fragrance. Seeding them in summer will ensure a delightful fall display, as they bloom and fill the garden with their sweet aroma.
8. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, often called tickseed, brightens any garden with its sunny demeanor. These flowers are known for their abundant golden-yellow petals.
They attract butterflies and bees, adding to the ecosystem’s vitality.
Coreopsis is highly resilient and drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for sustainable gardening. When seeded in the summer, they prepare to dazzle with their bright display in the fall, exuding warmth and vibrancy.
9. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia, or Blanket Flower, is known for its vivid and striking colors. With red and yellow petals, they create a fiery display that livens up any garden.
These flowers are hardy and can withstand various conditions, making them ideal for new gardeners.
Gaillardia symbolizes joy and appreciation. By planting them in summer, you set the stage for a breathtaking fall scene, where their bold colors command attention and admiration.
10. Snapdragons
Snapdragons, with their unique dragon-shaped blooms, add whimsical charm to gardens. They come in a wide range of colors, providing endless design possibilities.
These flowers are adored for their playful appearance and are often used in bouquets and arrangements.
Snapdragons love cooler temperatures, making them perfect for autumn. Seeding them in summer ensures they are ready to delight with their colorful display as fall approaches, bringing joy to any garden setting.
11. Helenium
Helenium, with its rich reds and oranges, is a standout in fall gardens. These flowers are named after Helen of Troy, adding a touch of mythology to your garden.
They attract pollinators, enhancing garden life and activity.
Helenium thrives in well-drained soils, offering a long-lasting display if seeded in summer. Their vibrant colors mimic the hues of autumn leaves, adding a harmonious touch to the season’s palette.
12. Salvia
Salvia, with its tall and elegant spikes, creates an impressive silhouette in any garden. Known for their rich purple hues, these flowers are a favorite among pollinators.
Salvia is easy to grow and drought-resistant, making it a practical choice for any gardener.
By seeding them in summer, you prepare your garden for a regal autumn display. The vibrant spikes of Salvia stand tall, offering both beauty and ecological benefits as they bloom throughout the fall.
13. Verbena
Verbena, with its cascading blooms, brings a touch of elegance to fall gardens. Known for their long flowering season, these flowers continue to delight as autumn unfolds.
Verbena attracts butterflies, adding a lively touch to garden spaces.
These flowers are versatile and can be grown in containers or garden beds. By planting them in summer, you ensure an extended display of beauty, as they thrive and cover your garden in a blanket of color well into the fall.