While there are many flowers you can plant now for the perfect fall garden, transitioning from a summer garden also means it’s time to prep your spring garden! With that said, you may be wondering what you can plant now for a head-start on the spring season.
Planting in the fall is essential if you want to see colorful blooms to refresh your garden once the drab and cold winter is over. Below, you’ll find the best six spring-blooming flowers to plant now, as well as some growing tips and tricks.
Summer Snowflakes (Leucojum)
Also known as summer snowflakes, leucojum flowers feature wispy, delicate bell-shaped flowers and lengthy green leaves. These stunning plants are perfect if you’re looking to add a touch of whimsy to your spring garden. Plant leucojum bulbs 3 to 4 inches deep in the fall, or you can divide the perennials after leaves have died off in the fall.
The plants prefer full sun, but will also grow well in partial shade. The sweet white flowers of summer snowflakes will thrive in well-draining, moist soil, so it’s important to keep these plants well-watered.
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
Dicentra, also known as the bleeding heart plant, will earn your love with its sweet pink and white heart-shaped flowers. The blooms hang like pendants from a necklace, draping romantically along the garden foliage. You can plant these tubers in the spring or fall, allowing roots to develop before or after the frost respectively.
The perennial thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade, making it incredibly easy to care for. Remember to keep the soil moist, otherwise the foliage may die back in the summer.
Grape Hyacinth (Muscari)
Full and bursting with life, the rounded and plump blossoms of grape hyacinth resemble grapes, which is where the plant gets its name. Plant the bulbs in the fall 3 to 4 inches deep and 2 inches apart to give them plenty of room to grow. The lengthy, floppy green foliage will emerge in the early spring, followed by the lively blooms.
Well-drained soil and sun to partial shade are key to keeping these plants happy. Grape hyacinth will do well in container gardens, as edging in garden beds, and along walkways or paths.
Candytuft (Iberis)
The iberis plant, also known as candytuft, features a cluster of small and elegant flowers. The supple blooms on this low-growing perennial make it an excellent addition to window boxes and container gardens. That said, it also works well as ground cover. Plant in early fall or mid-spring, allowing the plants ample time to acclimate and develop roots.
Candytuft plants prefer full sun, but they will tolerate partial shade. Also, opt for well-draining soil, leaning more on the dry side as the roots will not tolerate overwatering. The flowers will bloom from spring through early-summer, so you’ll enjoy the luxurious pillow-y flowers for a few months.
Pro Tip: Plant iberis next to colorful spring-blooming bulbs to create contrast and dimension.
Crocus
A member of the iris family, crocus flowers feature wide, inviting violet flowers that bloom in early spring. The plant grows about 6 inches tall and wide when it is fully mature, making it an excellent option for filler in gardens or containers. Plant crocus corms 2 inches apart and 2.5 inches deep in the fall to see spring flowers.
The plants prefer full sun to partial shade and loamy, well-drained soil. They will tolerate a light drought but it’s important to keep the soil moist during the growing season to encourage new growth.
Tulips
A spring classic, tulips are best planted in the fall for a strong flowering by spring. The crowd favorite comes in an abundance of different colors, ranging from yellow to pink to purple, which are perfect for welcoming spring.
Perennial tulips thrive in full sun alongside well-drained soil filled with organic matter, such as peat moss or compost. Plant tulip bulbs about 6 to 8 inches deep, covering with soil and a layer of mulch to maintain moisture levels.
Tulips will add plenty of color to your spring garden, but they can also bring life indoors. Try creating your own tulip wreath to decorate the entrance to your home for spring, or snip the stems and fill vases with stunning tulip bouquets all over your house.
Rooting For You!
While you can technically plant these blossoms once the weather warms up, adding them to your garden now will give you plenty of time to prepare for the upcoming season, filling your garden with color as soon as the last frost clears. In general, these plants prefer full to partial sun and well-drained, loamy soil, so planting and care are incredibly simple!
Will you be adding any of these spring-blooming flowers to your fall to-do list? Share in the comments below!
