This guide provides recommendations for flowers to plant each month throughout 2026. Planting times are based on temperate climates (USDA zones 5-8). Adjust timing based on your local climate and last frost date.
January
Start the year by planning your garden and ordering seeds. In mild climates (zones 8-10), you can plant outdoors, while colder zones should focus on indoor seed starting.
Best flowers to plant:
- Sweet peas (start indoors in cold climates)
- Snapdragons (indoors, 6-8 weeks before last frost)
- Pansies and violas (outdoors in mild climates)
- Primrose (mild climates only)
February
Continue indoor seed starting for spring blooms. In warmer regions, direct sowing becomes possible for hardy annuals.
Best flowers to plant:
- Petunias (start indoors)
- Marigolds (start indoors)
- Cosmos (start indoors)
- Hollyhocks (direct sow in mild climates)
- Larkspur (direct sow where ground isn't frozen)
March
Spring arrives in many regions, making this an excellent month for both indoor starting and outdoor planting of cool-season flowers.
Best flowers to plant:
- Calendula (direct sow outdoors)
- Bachelor's buttons (direct sow)
- Poppies (direct sow)
- Zinnias (start indoors)
- Cleome (start indoors)
- Sweet alyssum (direct sow or transplant)
April
After the last frost passes in most temperate zones, April is perfect for planting both annuals and perennials.
Best flowers to plant:
- Sunflowers (direct sow)
- Nasturtiums (direct sow)
- Morning glories (direct sow)
- Dahlias (plant tubers)
- Gladiolus (plant corms)
- Asters (transplant seedlings)
May
Late spring offers ideal conditions for planting warm-season flowers. Most frost danger has passed, and soil temperatures are rising.
Best flowers to plant:
- Impatiens (transplant)
- Begonias (transplant)
- Geraniums (transplant)
- Celosia (direct sow or transplant)
- Verbena (transplant)
- Gazania (transplant)
June
Summer planting focuses on heat-tolerant flowers that will bloom through fall. This is also a good time for succession planting.
Best flowers to plant:
- Portulaca (direct sow)
- Vinca (transplant)
- Salvia (transplant)
- Black-eyed Susans (direct sow)
- Zinnias (succession planting)
- Sunflowers (succession planting)
July
Midsummer planting can fill gaps in the garden and provide late-season color. Consider fall-blooming varieties.
Best flowers to plant:
- Chrysanthemums (transplant for fall blooms)
- Sedum (transplant)
- Ornamental kale (start seeds)
- Pansies (start seeds for fall planting)
- Cyclamen (transplant)
August
Late summer is ideal for planting fall-blooming flowers and starting perennials that will establish before winter.
Best flowers to plant:
- Asters (transplant)
- Ornamental cabbage (transplant)
- Mums (transplant if not done in July)
- Pansies (transplant seedlings started in July)
- Dianthus (transplant for cool-season color)
September
Fall planting allows flowers to establish roots before winter dormancy. This is excellent for spring-blooming perennials and bulbs.
Best flowers to plant:
- Tulip bulbs (plant mid to late September)
- Daffodil bulbs
- Crocus bulbs
- Hyacinth bulbs
- Snapdragons (in mild climates)
- Foxglove (transplant for next year's blooms)
October
October is prime bulb-planting season in most temperate zones. The soil is still workable but cool enough to prevent premature sprouting.
Best flowers to plant:
- All spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocuses, alliums)
- Peonies (bare root divisions)
- Poppies (direct sow for next spring)
- Sweet peas (in mild winter climates)
- Irises (bare root rhizomes)
November
As winter approaches, planting activities wind down in cold climates but continue in warmer regions.
Best flowers to plant:
- Lily bulbs (if not frozen)
- Wildflower seeds (for cold stratification)
- Sweet peas (zones 8-10)
- Pansies (zones 8-10)
- Snapdragons (zones 9-10)
December
The gardening year comes full circle. In most cold climates, outdoor planting isn't possible, but planning and preparation continue.
Best flowers to plant:
- Amaryllis (indoor bulbs for holiday blooms)
- Paperwhites (indoor forcing)
- Review and plan next year's garden
- Order seed catalogs
- Start sweet pea seeds indoors late in the month (zones 5-7)
Tips for Success
Know your zone: These recommendations work best for USDA hardiness zones 5-8. Adjust planting times by 2-4 weeks earlier for warmer zones or later for colder zones.
Watch the weather: Last and first frost dates vary each year. Monitor local conditions and be prepared to protect tender plants.
Succession planting: Plant flowers like zinnias and sunflowers every 2-3 weeks for continuous blooms throughout the season.
Prepare soil: Regardless of when you plant, ensure your soil is well-draining and amended with compost for the best results.
Water wisely: Newly planted flowers need consistent moisture to establish, but avoid overwatering which can lead to rot.
