Seasonal Planting CalendarPerfect Timing Every Season
Never miss the perfect planting window! Our comprehensive seasonal calendar shows exactly when to plant every flower variety for maximum success.
Four Season Planting Framework
Understanding seasonal rhythms is key to successful flower gardening. Each season has unique opportunities and requirements.
Spring
March - May
45-65°F
The renewal season - time for cool weather crops and garden preparation
Key Tasks:
- Prepare garden beds and soil
- Start seeds indoors for warm weather crops
- Plant cool-season flowers outdoors
- Divide perennials
Plant Focus:
Cool season annuals (pansies, snapdragons)
Summer
June - August
70-85°F
Peak growing season - time for warm weather planting and maintenance
Key Tasks:
- Plant heat-loving annuals
- Transplant warm-season seedlings
- Deep watering and mulching
- Deadhead spent blooms
Plant Focus:
Heat-loving annuals (zinnias, marigolds)
Fall
September - November
50-70°F
Preparation season - time for fall planting and winter prep
Key Tasks:
- Plant fall-blooming flowers
- Plant spring bulbs
- Divide and transplant perennials
- Collect and save seeds
Plant Focus:
Fall bloomers (mums, asters)
Winter
December - February
25-45°F
Planning season - time for garden planning and indoor activities
Key Tasks:
- Plan next year's garden
- Order seeds and plants
- Maintain indoor plants
- Check stored bulbs and seeds
Plant Focus:
Indoor seed starting prep
Month-by-Month Planting Calendar
Detailed monthly guide with specific tasks, optimal planting times, and important warnings for each month.
January
Planning & Preparation
Planting Focus:
Indoor seed starting prep
Main Tasks:
- Order seeds and plan garden layout
- Start slow-growing seeds indoors (begonias, impatiens)
- Check stored bulbs for damage
- Plan crop rotation and new varieties
Best Plants:
Warnings:
- • Protect containers from freezing
- • Watch for ice damage on evergreens
February
Seed Starting
Planting Focus:
Indoor seeding increases
Main Tasks:
- Start more flower seeds indoors
- Begin hardening off early seedlings
- Prune roses and fruit trees
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides in warm zones
Best Plants:
Warnings:
- • Last chance for severe pruning
- • Watch for late winter storms
March
Garden Preparation
Planting Focus:
Cool season outdoors
Main Tasks:
- Prepare garden beds (add compost)
- Plant cool-season flowers outdoors
- Divide perennials before growth starts
- Start warm-season seeds indoors
Best Plants:
Warnings:
- • Watch for late frost
- • Don't work wet soil
April
Active Planting
Planting Focus:
Transition to warm season
Main Tasks:
- Transplant hardy seedlings outdoors
- Direct sow cool-season flowers
- Plant bare-root roses and perennials
- Begin regular watering schedule
Best Plants:
Warnings:
- • Harden off seedlings gradually
- • Protect from unexpected frost
May
Main Planting Season
Planting Focus:
Warm season transplants
Main Tasks:
- Plant warm-season annuals after frost danger
- Transplant tomatoes and peppers
- Direct sow heat-loving flowers
- Mulch around plants
Best Plants:
Warnings:
- • Wait for soil to warm
- • Watch weather forecasts
June
Growth & Maintenance
Planting Focus:
Heat lovers & succession
Main Tasks:
- Plant heat-loving annuals and herbs
- Begin succession planting
- Deep water and mulch heavily
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly
Best Plants:
Warnings:
- • Avoid planting in extreme heat
- • Increase watering frequency
July
Peak Maintenance
Planting Focus:
Fall crop preparation
Main Tasks:
- Maintain consistent watering
- Continue deadheading and pruning
- Start fall flower seeds
- Monitor for heat stress
Best Plants:
Warnings:
- • Protect from extreme heat
- • Watch for drought stress
August
Fall Preparation
Planting Focus:
Fall transplants
Main Tasks:
- Plant fall-blooming flowers
- Transplant fall seedlings
- Begin saving seeds
- Reduce fertilizing
Best Plants:
Warnings:
- • Prepare for temperature swings
- • Reduce watering gradually
September
Fall Planting
Planting Focus:
Cool season & bulbs
Main Tasks:
- Plant cool-season flowers
- Begin planting spring bulbs
- Divide overgrown perennials
- Collect and store seeds
Best Plants:
Warnings:
- • Watch for early frost
- • Plant bulbs at proper depth
October
Winter Preparation
Planting Focus:
Spring bulb planting
Main Tasks:
- Finish planting spring bulbs
- Plant garlic for next year
- Clean up spent annuals
- Mulch tender perennials
Best Plants:
Warnings:
- • Protect from first frost
- • Don't cut perennials too early
November
Final Cleanup
Planting Focus:
Last chance plantings
Main Tasks:
- Final garden cleanup
- Protect tender plants
- Store garden tools
- Plant cover crops
Best Plants:
Warnings:
- • Prepare for hard frost
- • Don't compost diseased material
December
Planning & Rest
Planting Focus:
Indoor activities
Main Tasks:
- Plan next year's garden layout
- Order seed catalogs
- Care for indoor plants
- Check stored supplies
Best Plants:
Warnings:
- • Protect from winter damage
- • Minimize disturbance to dormant plants
Climate Zone Adjustments
Adjust the calendar timing based on your specific hardiness zone for optimal results.
Zones 3-4 (Northern)
Start 2-4 weeks later than calendar
Key Considerations:
- • Shorter growing season
- • Later last frost
- • Earlier first frost
- • Focus on hardy varieties
Pro Tip:
Extend season with row covers and cold frames
Zones 5-6 (Moderate)
Follow calendar as written
Key Considerations:
- • Balanced seasons
- • Moderate frost dates
- • Good variety selection
- • Standard timing works
Pro Tip:
Ideal conditions for most flower varieties
Zones 7-8 (Warmer)
Start 2-4 weeks earlier than calendar
Key Considerations:
- • Longer growing season
- • Earlier last frost
- • Later first frost
- • Heat tolerance important
Pro Tip:
Plan for summer heat stress and extend fall season
Zones 9-10 (Subtropical)
Reverse summer/winter priorities
Key Considerations:
- • Year-round growing
- • Minimal frost
- • Summer dormancy for some
- • Heat/humidity challenges
Pro Tip:
Plant cool-season crops in fall/winter, heat-lovers year-round
Critical Garden Dates
Four key dates that determine your entire planting schedule and garden success.
Last Spring Frost
Why It Matters:
Critical for warm-season planting
How to Calculate:
Average date when frost risk drops below 10%
Garden Impact:
Determines safe outdoor planting for tender flowers
Preparation:
Have protection ready for unexpected cold snaps
First Fall Frost
Why It Matters:
End of growing season for tender plants
How to Calculate:
Average date when temperatures drop to 32°F
Garden Impact:
Signals harvest time and winter prep needs
Preparation:
Protect valuable plants and harvest what you can
Soil Workable Date
Why It Matters:
When spring garden prep can begin
How to Calculate:
Soil is no longer frozen and not waterlogged
Garden Impact:
Determines when beds can be prepared and seeds planted
Preparation:
Test soil moisture - should crumble, not stick together
Heat Wave Season
Why It Matters:
Period requiring extra plant care
How to Calculate:
Sustained temperatures above 85°F
Garden Impact:
Stress period requiring increased watering and shade
Preparation:
Install shade cloth and ensure adequate water supply
Master Every Planting Season
With proper timing and seasonal awareness, you'll achieve continuous blooms and garden success throughout the entire year.
Perfect Timing
Never miss the optimal planting window again
Zone Specific
Customized timing for your climate zone
Year-Round Blooms
Strategic planning for continuous color