As the new school year begins and the temperatures (finally!) begin to drop, it’s time to start thinking about adding some fall beauty to your garden. The leaves may or may not change color where you live, but you can still bring bursts of colors to your outdoor space with fall flowers. These flowers also provide much-needed nectar for late-season pollinators and even seeds for birds.
To help you make the most of your autumn garden, we’ve compiled a list of 15 stunning fall flowers. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will help you create a vibrant and welcoming fall garden.
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A List of Our 15 Favorite Fall Flowers
In no particular order, our favorites are:
- Asters
- Marigolds
- Strawflowers
- Pansies
- Sweet Alyssum
- Black-Eyed Susans
- Dianthus
- Chrysanthemums
- Snapdragons
- Dahlias
- Coneflowers
- Cornflowers
- Zinnias
- Nasturtium
- Calendula
All of these flowers can be planted in late summer or early fall (if not in the spring) and enjoy cooler temps. Some are even frost-tolerant. You’ll need to get them in the ground no later than 6 to 8 weeks before your first frost of the season to ensure you enjoy as many beautiful blooms as possible.
1. ASTERS ARE THE PERFECT FLOWERS FOR LATE FALL
Asters are beloved for their captivating daisy-like flowers, which come in various shades of purple, blue, pink, yellow, and white, and they’ve become a flower symbolic of fall. In fact, I think of them as the counterpart to fresh-faced daisies in the spring.
Asters are super low-maintenance and will bloom prolifically. These hardy perennials are known to attract butterflies and other pollinators, and because they continue to bloom long after other flowers fade, they’re a really important food source for our little friends before winter.
Instead of deadheading flowers during the growing season, just give asters a good pruning down to the ground before winter. Plants should return in the spring in warmer climates.
ASTER GROWING TIPS
Sunlight: Asters thrive in full to partial sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zones: Zones 3–9, depending on the variety. Most perennial asters are fully cold-hardy and will return year after year.
Seeds or transplants? Transplants are the easier route! Garden centers carry them in late summer and fall when they’re already in bloom. If growing from seed, sow indoors in winter (seeds need 4–6 weeks of refrigeration to simulate dormancy before germination). For fall planting, aim to get transplants in the ground 6–8 weeks before your first frost so roots have time to establish.
Warm climate note: In zones 8–9 (hello, Texas!), asters can be planted in early fall for blooms that extend well into November.
Container tip: Asters do fine in containers, but choose a pot at least 12–14 inches wide and deep, their root systems need room to spread for good blooming. Dwarf varieties like ‘Wood’s Blue’ or ‘Purple Dome’ are better suited to pots than the taller native types, which tend to flop in containers.
If you’re looking for aster seeds, try this stunning Bonita Top Blue aster from Botanical Interests. Thanks to their sturdy stems, they make excellent cut flowers for fall floral arrangements.
2. MARIGOLDS ARE PERFECT FOR FALL GARDENS
If you want a super low-maintenance plant that will give you a stunning fall display, vibrant flowers in all our favorite autumn colors, then look no further than marigolds. Marigolds are ridiculously easy to grow, thriving in so many different soil types, and they even deter certain garden pests, making them a valuable addition to your fall salad garden.
Pinch off spent blooms to encourage your marigolds to bloom all the way through your first light frost. Marigolds are annual flowers that often reseed themselves the following spring.
MARIGOLD GROWING TIPS
Sunlight: Full sun, at least 6 hours a day. More sun = more blooms.
Hardiness zones: Grown as annuals everywhere (zones 2–11), but they thrive as long-season bloomers in zones 8–11 where the growing season stretches into late fall.
Seeds or transplants? Both work beautifully. Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date in spring, or start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting. For a fall display, plant transplants in late summer — marigolds establish quickly and will bloom right up to frost. In warm climates like Central Texas, a late August planting gives you color well into November.
Container tip: Marigolds are excellent in pots — French marigolds especially thrive in containers thanks to their compact size. Use a pot with good drainage, since marigolds dislike soggy roots, and choose dwarf or French varieties over the tall African types for the best container habit.
Learn more about growing marigolds: How to Grow Marigolds in Spring
Try Favorite Blend French marigold and Crackerjack African marigold seeds to add a touch of warmth to your garden.
3. STRAWFLOWERS DOUBLE AS THE PERFECT FALL DECOR
I don’t understand how more people aren’t obsessed with these gorgeous flowers that love crisp autumn temperatures. (Spread the strawflower love, folks!) Strawflowers come in all different varieties and colors, including yellow, orange, red, and white for fall. They look like daisies except the petals (technically modified leaves called bracts) around the central disk are stiff and papery. Thanks to this unique texture, the flowers literally never wilt.
These plants are super-hardy short-lived perennials in warmer climates. Luckily for those of you in colder climates, they grow quickly from seed. The plants have long, sturdy stems made for cutting (honestly, it’s like they were created with a Thanksgiving centerpiece in mind), and the flowers can be dried and used forever as fall decor.
STRAWFLOWER GROWING TIPS
Sunlight: Full sun — strawflowers need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best blooms and sturdiest stems.
Hardiness zones: Grown as annuals in zones 3–7; perennial in zones 8–11. If you’re in Central Texas, you may find strawflowers overwintering and returning the following season with minimal effort.
Seeds or transplants? Seeds are easy and economical! Just press them onto the surface of the soil (do NOT cover; they need light to germinate). Start indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date, or direct sow after frost danger has passed. Transplants are less commonly available at garden centers, so seeds are usually your best bet. For fall color, start seeds indoors in midsummer and transplant out in late summer.
Container tip: Strawflowers do well in pots as long as drainage is excellent — they hate sitting in wet soil. Choose a container at least 10–12 inches deep, since taller varieties can reach up to 3 feet and may need a heavier pot to avoid tipping.
Snap up this Swiss Giants Strawflower Blend for some extra large double blooms in a variety of colors.
4. PANSIES THRIVE FROM FALL TO SPRING IN WARMER CLIMATES
Pansies love cooler weather, and these cold-tolerant annual flowers can even handle some frost. Plant them in fall, and you’ll get early winter blooms. In mild climates, your pansies can push all the way to spring.
Pansies are beloved for their “face-like” appearance and come in an array of colors, including purple, blue, red, yellow, and white. I love planting pansies in my flower beds, containers, and hanging baskets for pops of color from about October to April. Since pansies spread side to side instead of growing very tall, they’re also perfect for the edges of raised garden beds.
Did I mention that pansies are edible and make pretty little garnishes for baked goods?
PANSY GROWING TIPS
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, pansies actually prefer a spot with afternoon shade to help them survive temperature swings.
Hardiness zones: Typically grown as cool-season annuals in all zones. They’re frost-tolerant down to about 25°F, making them one of the toughest fall flowers you can plant.
Seeds or transplants? Both work, but transplants are far more common and convenient for fall planting. To start from seed, sow indoors 10–12 weeks before your desired planting date. Pansy seeds need cool temperatures (around 65°F) and darkness to germinate. For most gardeners, grabbing a flat of transplants at the garden center in early fall is the easier path.
Warm climate note: In zones 7–10 (including Central Texas), pansies planted in October will bloom through winter and right into early spring, giving you 5–6 months of color. This is one of the best investments you can make in a warm-climate fall garden.
Container tip: Pansies are one of the best fall flowers for containers and hanging baskets, period. Their compact, spreading habit makes them ideal for window boxes, porch pots, and mixed containers. Pair them with ornamental kale or pansy-friendly grasses for a classic fall look.
While you can certainly buy flats of pansies at the garden center, you can also grow your own from seed. Some of my favorite pansy varieties are the Swiss Giants Blend.
5. SWEET ALYSSUM ADDS DELICATE FRAGRANCE TO YOUR FALL GARDEN
Sweet alyssum loves the cooler months. This low-growing annual produces clusters of tiny, fragrant flowers (mini rosettes), making it a good choice for edging your garden beds or spilling over the side of container gardens.
Sweet alyssum doesn’t do very well in the summer, so if your spring-planted flowers are looking a little frizzled up, prune them back to promote fresh flowers for the fall or plant new seeds.
SWEET ALYSSUM GROWING TIPS
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, a bit of afternoon shade helps sweet alyssum thrive longer into the season.
Hardiness zones: Grown as an annual in most zones (2–11), but it self-sows readily and can overwinter in zones 9–11. It tolerates light frost, making it a great fall planting choice.
Seeds or transplants? Sweet alyssum is one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed — direct sow in early fall (or early spring) by simply scattering seeds on the soil surface and pressing lightly. Seeds germinate in about 7–14 days in cool weather. Transplants are widely available at garden centers in the fall. Either way, this is a low-fuss plant.
Container tip: Sweet alyssum is one of the best fall flowers for pots and hanging baskets — the trailing habit and fragrance make it a natural “spiller” in container arrangements.
Botanical Interests has seeds for sweet alyssum flowers in shades of purple (Oriental Nights), white (Tiny Tim), and pink (Rosie O’Day), plus a pastel blend (Allure Pastel).
6. BLACK-EYED SUSANS ARE PERFECT FALL PERENNIALS
Black-eyed Susans, AKA rudbeckia, are classic fall wildflowers with their golden-yellow petals and a dark central cone. They grow on strong, tall stems, which makes them ideal as cut flowers for fall centerpieces. If you leave the flowers, you’ll attract just about every pollinator in the hood.
Low-maintenance black-eyed Susans are known for their ability to thrive in diverse conditions — drought, cold, wind, you name it. They can grow in full sun to partial shade and are drought-tolerant once established. All you have to do is deadhead spent flowers to promote new blooms and then cut back the stems in winter to encourage them to return in the spring.
BLACK-EYED SUSAN GROWING TIPS
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. They bloom most abundantly in full sun but tolerate light shade without complaint.
Hardiness zones: Zones 3–9. Black-eyed Susans are true perennials that return reliably each year, spreading into larger clumps over time. In zones 8–9, they may behave more like short-lived perennials but often reseed themselves to fill in.
Seeds or transplants? Both are good options. Direct sow seeds in fall or early spring — black-eyed Susans actually benefit from cold stratification (winter freeze-thaw cycles do this naturally when you fall-sow). For transplants, plant in early fall to give roots time to establish before winter. Established plants will spread and naturalize over the years.
Container tip: Black-eyed Susans can grow in containers, but they’re not the best fit — their spreading roots and tall habit (often 2–3 feet) mean they’ll outgrow most pots within a season or two and perform much better planted directly in the ground. If you do want to try a container, pick a dwarf cultivar and a deep, large pot (16+ inches).
You can’t go wrong with these reliable Black-Eyed Susan seeds or these beautiful maroon-red Cherry Brandy seeds.
7. DIANTHUS IS A MUST-GROW AT THE END OF SUMMER
Dianthus, also known as “pinks,” produce charming, fragrant flowers in various colors, including stunning shades of pink, purple, red, and white. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. Because they don’t grow very tall, these annuals are perfect for borders and edges of fall container gardens.
DIANTHUS GROWING TIPS
Sunlight: Full sun — at least 6 hours daily. Dianthus needs good sun to produce its best blooms and maintain its compact, mounding habit.
Hardiness zones: Varies by species. Annual dianthus (like China pinks) grows in all zones. Perennial varieties are typically hardy in zones 3–9. In warm climates like zones 8–10, dianthus planted in fall will often bloom right through winter and into spring, making it a fantastic cool-season annual.
Seeds or transplants? Transplants are the most convenient option for fall planting — pick them up at the nursery in late summer or early fall for immediate color. To grow from seed, start indoors 8–10 weeks before your desired planting date. Seeds germinate best at 60–70°F and take about 2–3 weeks.
Warm climate note: Dianthus is one of the best fall flowers for warm climates. In Central Texas, it can bloom from fall all the way through April, giving you months of fragrant color for minimal effort.
Container tip: Dianthus thrives in containers thanks to its compact, mounding shape — it’s a great choice for mixed pots, window boxes, and the edges of larger planters. Just make sure the container has good drainage, since dianthus is prone to root rot in soggy soil.
For classic dianthus flowers in rosy reds and pastel pinks, try the Doubled Chinensis Mix. If you want a frilly, super fragrant spin on dianthus, try the Rainbow Loveliness Cottage Pinks seeds. Their blooms smell a bit like jasmine, which would be a nice contrast to all your pumpkin-scented candles!
8. CHRYSANTHEMUMS ARE ICONIC FALL FLOWERS
Was it even October if you didn’t grow mums? These quintessential fall flowers come in a whole array of colors, including rich shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple.
Instead of starting mums from seed, grab a potted plant with blooms in your favorite fall hue from your local nursery or grocery store as soon as you see their autumn displays.
MUMS GROWING TIPS
Sunlight: Full sun — mums need at least 6 hours of direct sun to bloom their best. Plants grown in too much shade tend to get leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Hardiness zones: Zones 3–9 for garden mums. Hardy varieties can overwinter in the ground in most of the US. In frost-free zones (9 and warmer), mums may grow as short-lived perennials.
Seeds or transplants? Transplants all the way. While mums can be grown from seed, germination is slow and results are inconsistent for home gardeners. Buy potted plants in bloom in September or October for immediate fall impact. For the best chance of mums surviving winter and returning next year, plant them early enough in fall (at least 6 weeks before your first frost) so their roots can establish before the ground gets cold. Those purchased in full bloom very late in the season are often best treated as annuals.
Container tip: Mums are one of the best fall flowers for pots and front porches. Drop them into a decorative pot with some ornamental kale or trailing sweet potato vine for a classic autumn container display.
Mums can be grown as perennials in the ground or a container with proper care, so it’s a good investment (if you leave them outside for winter, they’ll only survive if their roots had a chance to get established). Place them in well-drained soil and ensure they receive adequate sunlight for spectacular fall blooms.
9. SNAPDRAGONS GROW THE MOST GORGEOUS FLOWERS
Snapdragons wait for nice, crisp weather before they put on their heaviest blooms. Short-lived perennials that are typically grown as annuals, snapdragons produce tall spikes of colorful, tubular flowers that resemble dragon heads and look stunning in flower arrangements or as edible garnishes. Snapdragons prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade. Since their preferred temps are in the 40s, 50s, and 60s, gardeners in warmer climates can grow snapdragons right through the winter.
SNAPDRAGON GROWING TIPS
Sunlight: Full sun to light shade. They’ll bloom more in full sun, but afternoon shade is actually helpful in warm climates where temperatures can still spike.
Hardiness zones: Grown as cool-season annuals in all zones. In zones 8–11, snapdragons planted in fall will bloom through winter and into spring — treating them like a winter annual is the secret warm-climate gardeners use to keep them thriving for months.
Seeds or transplants? Both work well. Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your planting date — they need light to germinate, so press seeds onto the soil surface without covering. Germination takes 10–14 days at 65–75°F. Transplants are widely available at garden centers in early fall and are the faster route to blooms. Either way, plant them out when daytime temperatures are consistently below 80°F.
Warm climate note: This is one of the best flowers to plant in fall for warm-climate gardeners. In Central Texas, plant snapdragons in October for blooms that can last all the way to April or May.
Container tip: Snapdragons do well in containers, especially dwarf or compact varieties (look for “border” or “dwarf” on the seed packet). Taller varieties can work too, but they’re more prone to flopping in pots and may need a stake. A pot at least 10–12 inches deep gives the best results.
Night and Day Snapdragons would be the star of any fall planting. The petals start off red and turn dark burgundy, almost black, as the weather cools. Perfect for spooky season!
10. DAHLIAS ARE BEAUTIFUL FALL- AND SPRING-BLOOMING BULBS
Dahlias are known for their impressive, large blooms in an array of colors and forms. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Dahlias require some care, including staking for taller varieties (make sure to put them near the back of your garden) and regular deadheading, but the stunning rewards are well worth the effort. The large blooms do really well as cut flowers.
DAHLIA GROWING TIPS
Sunlight: Full sun — at least 6–8 hours daily. Dahlias are sun lovers and won’t perform well in shady spots.
Hardiness zones: Dahlias are winter-hardy in zones 8–11, where tubers can stay in the ground year-round. In zones 3–7, they’re grown as annuals or the tubers need to be dug up and stored indoors over winter before replanting in spring.
Seeds or transplants? Most dahlias are grown from tubers (which are technically what you plant), not seeds or transplants in the traditional sense. Plant tubers in spring after the last frost for summer-to-fall blooms. For a fall-only display in warmer climates, tubers can be planted in late summer. Dahlias can also be started from seed, but the resulting plants won’t necessarily match the parent plant — tubers are the reliable way to get the variety you want.
Warm climate note: Zones 8–10 gardeners can leave dahlia tubers in the ground all year. In Central Texas, plant tubers in late summer (August–September) for a gorgeous fall flower display.
Container tip: Dahlias can grow in containers (as shown in the photo image above of dahlias I grew in a pot), but they’re not the easiest fit. Taller varieties need a deep pot (at least 16–18 inches) plus staking to keep from toppling, and they’re heavy feeders that dry out fast in pots. If you want a container dahlia, look for dwarf or “patio” varieties, which stay more compact and manageable.
Unlike the majority of plants on this list, dahlias are bulbs (technically tubers) that can be planted by seed in late spring or early summer for a late summer and fall display. However, in warmer climates, they can be planted in late summer for fall blooms.
For flowers in all the pretty colors, try this Decorative Double Blend. They are surprising easy to start by seed and in my temperate zone 9 climate, I am able to leave the tubers they create in the ground and the come back every year.
11. CONEFLOWERS ARE SOME OF THE BEST PLANTS TO GROW
Coneflowers, also called echinacea, are native perennial flowers with striking pinkish-purple flowers with a raised central cone. (You can also find them in shades of pink and white if you prefer.)
These hardy plants are a favorite among pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. They provide late-season nectar, plus seeds for goldfinches and other birds in the late fall and winter if you leave spent flowers on the plants.
Established plants can bloom well into the fall. In most hardiness zones, coneflowers will die back during the winter and then return in the spring.
CONEFLOWER GROWING TIPS
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. Coneflowers will bloom in full sun but can handle some afternoon shade, which is actually helpful in hot climates.
Hardiness zones: Zones 3–9. Coneflowers are tough, long-lived perennials that naturalize beautifully over time and are drought-tolerant once established — making them excellent for low-water gardens in warm climates.
Seeds or transplants? Both work, but patience is key with seeds — coneflowers typically don’t bloom until their second year when started from seed. Sow seeds directly in fall (they benefit from winter cold stratification) or start indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost date. Transplants planted in early fall will establish roots and bloom the following summer and fall. Once established, coneflowers spread and self-sow, giving you more plants each year.
Container tip: Coneflowers can survive in containers, but they’re really at their best planted in the ground, where their deep taproots have room to grow and they can naturalize over time. If you want to try a pot anyway, go big (16+ inches deep) and expect to divide or replant within a couple of years as the roots outgrow the space.
You can find both purple coneflower and white coneflower seeds from Botanical Interests. Or try out these Paridiso Dwarf Blend for patio containers!
12. CORNFLOWERS MAKE BEAUTIFUL FALL-BLOOMING FLOWERS
These little beauties, also called bachelor’s buttons, display vibrant blue, pink, and white blooms that add a touch of nostalgia to your garden. They are easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil types; they’re even drought tolerant, which is great if you have a dry fall season. Cornflowers are annuals, but they readily self-sow for next season. They make pretty little cut flowers, but if you leave the spent flowers, the birds will sure appreciate it.
CORNFLOWER GROWING TIPS
Sunlight: Full sun. Cornflowers need at least 6 hours of direct sun and will become leggy and produce fewer blooms in shade.
Hardiness zones: Grown as cool-season annuals in all zones. They are frost-tolerant — seeds can even be direct sown in fall in mild climates and will overwinter to bloom in early spring.
Seeds or transplants? Direct sowing from seed is the preferred method — cornflowers don’t like having their roots disturbed, so transplanting can be tricky. Scatter seeds directly in the garden in early fall (in mild climates) or in early spring. In warmer zones (8–10), fall sowing is ideal for spring blooms. Seeds germinate in 7–14 days. If transplanting, use seedlings started in peat pots that can go directly in the ground to minimize root disturbance.
Container tip: Cornflowers aren’t an ideal container plant — their long taproots and floppy growth habit mean they tend to do best directly sown in garden beds. If you’d still like to try, choose a deep pot and a dwarf variety, and be prepared to stake the plants as they grow.
If Halloween is your favorite holiday, try Black Magic Bachelor’s Button seeds. If, instead, you want that classic cornflower blue, try Blue Boy seeds. But my heart is also set on these Bride (Snowy White) Bachelor Button Seeds!
13. ZINNIAS ARE HARDY SUMMER FLOWERS THAT THRIVE THROUGH FALL
Zinnias deserve all the love they receive for their bright and cheerful blooms, which come in all different colors, shapes, and sizes. These annuals are low-maintenance and attract a wide range of pollinators, everything from hummingbirds to ladybugs. Zinnias will bloom in spring, thrive over summer even when most other flowers are wilting, and then push all the way to the first frost.
Harvest your zinnia blooms often to encourage your plant to keep producing. Zinnias make excellent cut flowers, but blooms should be placed in fresh water ASAP after being harvested for best results.
ZINNIA GROWING TIPS
Sunlight: Full sun — 6 or more hours daily. Zinnias are true sun worshippers and will disappoint in shady conditions.
Hardiness zones: Grown as annuals in all zones (2–11). They are frost-sensitive, so they’ll bloom right up until the first hard frost. In warm climates, they can provide color from spring all the way through November.
Seeds or transplants? Seeds are the way to go — zinnias sprout fast (5–7 days), grow quickly, and don’t love being transplanted. Direct sow seeds in the garden after the last frost date in spring for a summer-through-fall bloom season. For fall specifically, you can also start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before your desired planting date. In zones 8–10, a second sowing in late summer (August) can give you a fresh flush of fall blooms.
Container tip: Zinnias do great in pots, especially dwarf varieties like the Thumbelina Mix. Choose a container with excellent drainage and at least 8–10 inches of depth, and give them as much sun as possible. Zinnias in containers can be more prone to powdery mildew if airflow is limited, so don’t overcrowd the pot.
Learn more: How to Grow Zinnias for Endless Backyard Bouquets
Some of my favorite zinnias for fall include Fireball Blend Zinnias, Queen Lime Orange Zinnias, Persian Carpet Zinnias, Orange Zinnias, and Queeny Lemon Peach Zinnias.
14. NASTURTIUMS ARE TROPICAL-LOOKING COOL-SEASON FLOWERS
Nasturtiums are prized for their vibrant, hibiscus-like blooms that come in bright red, orange, and yellow. They’re easy to grow from seed in a sunny spot, though I do recommend lightly sanding the seed with a nail file before planting. Pick a bushy or trailing variety to suit your space. Trailing varieties look beautiful growing up a garden trellis. The colorful flowers are edible and add a peppery flavor to salads.
If you’ve got aphids lingering in your garden from the summertime, plant some nasturtiums to attract ladybugs. They’ll handle your aphid problem for you! Even though they love cool weather, nasturtiums cannot handle too much frost.
NASTURTIUM GROWING TIPS
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, afternoon shade helps nasturtiums thrive in the heat of early fall before temperatures cool down.
Hardiness zones: Grown as cool-season annuals in all zones. They’re frost-sensitive (damaged below 32°F), so in colder climates, plant in early fall and enjoy them until the first hard freeze. In zones 9–11, nasturtiums can be planted in fall and will bloom through winter.
Seeds or transplants? Seeds are strongly preferred — nasturtiums are fast growers that dislike being transplanted. Direct sow seeds (after lightly sanding or soaking overnight) in the garden in early fall when temperatures start to cool. In most of the US, that’s September–October. Seeds germinate in 7–10 days. In warm climates, you can sow in October for blooms from November through spring.
Container tip: Nasturtiums are fantastic in containers — bushy varieties work well in pots on their own, while trailing varieties look beautiful cascading over the edge of a hanging basket or window box. Direct sow seeds right into the container since nasturtiums dislike being moved.
Learn more: Growing Nasturtiums from Seed to Harvest
Our favorite fall colored nasturtium varieties include Black Velvet Nasturtiums, Fiesta Blend Nasturtiums, and Cherry Rose Jewel Nasturtiums.
15. CALENDULA IS A COOL-SEASON ANNUAL THAT THRIVES IN THE FALL
Calendula, often known as “pot marigold,” boasts bright and cheerful red, yellow, or orange petals. These versatile flowers not only enhance your garden’s aesthetic but also have various culinary and medicinal uses (I like to make a salve to calm itchy skin). Calendula prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It’s also frost-tolerant, making it a fantastic addition to your fall flower lineup.
It may be an annual or a short-lived perennial in your area, but calendula reseeds itself easily and pops back up again when the weather is right.
CALENDULA GROWING TIPS
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. Calendula is one of the more shade-tolerant flowers on this list, producing blooms even in spots that get only 4–5 hours of sun.
Hardiness zones: Grown as a cool-season annual in all zones. Calendula can handle light frost (down to about 25°F), which makes it one of the most cold-hardy annual flowers you can plant in fall. In zones 8–11, it often survives winter and blooms through early spring.
Seeds or transplants? Both work well. Direct sow seeds in early fall (or early spring) — calendula doesn’t love transplanting, but it tolerates it better than nasturtiums do. Seeds germinate in 5–14 days in cool soil (55–65°F is ideal). Transplants are available at most garden centers in the fall and are a great option if you want instant color. Calendula self-sows generously, so once you plant it once, you may find it returning season after season on its own.
Warm climate note: In Central Texas and other warm zones, calendula planted in October will bloom all the way through February or March, giving you one of the longest fall-through-winter bloom seasons of any flower on this list.
Container tip: Calendula grows happily in containers and is a great option for porch pots or window boxes. Its compact size and shade tolerance make it more forgiving than many other fall flowers if your container spot isn’t in full sun all day.
Learn more: How to Grow Calendula from Seed
Some of our favorite calendula seeds are Pacific Beauty Calendula and Zeolights Calendula.
I hope you’re feeling inspired to transform your fall garden into a colorful, vibrant oasis for the autumn months. From classic mums to delicate sweet alyssum, there’s a fall flower for every gardener’s taste. Plant a couple of these beauties for a stunning fall garden that will continue to thrive until the first frost arrives.
Let us know in the comments below if we missed your favorite fall flower!
