As winter starts to retreat and warmer temperatures begin to emerge, spring is on the horizon. You might notice blooms and sprouts peeking through the soil and branches, signaling that it’s time to consider which garden ideas to explore this spring.
Whether you have a spacious tiered garden or just a few window boxes, certain flowers should be planted before spring fully arrives. This not only enhances your garden’s appearance sooner but, with careful planning, ensures a continuous cycle of blooms that will thrive through both chilly and warm days of this unpredictable season.
Searching for “the best flowers to plant in spring” might leave you overwhelmed by the multitude of choices or disheartened by suggestions focusing on bulbs planted in the fall. To simplify your decision, here are some of the most vibrant and stunning flowers like pansies, tulips, and snapdragons, perfect for spring planting. These selections cater to everyone, from novice gardeners to those aspiring to be a Martha Stewart in their garden.
Tulips
If you missed planting bulbs in the fall, you can still enjoy these quintessential spring blooms. Instead of bulbs, look for tulips (Tulipa spp.) that have already sprouted as spring arrives. These are widely available, from local grocery stores to flower shops. After their bloom cycle ends this season, they might continue to bloom for the next three to ten years. Under optimal conditions, tulips can self-propagate with bulblets from the main bulb, flourishing in zones 3 through 8.
Pansies
If gardening isn’t your forte, pansies (Viola × wittrockiana) are an excellent choice. These hardy and low-maintenance biennials come in a spectrum of vibrant colors, blooming from early spring through late fall. They pair beautifully with bulb plants like tulips, bridging seasonal gaps with their blooms. Requiring only shallow planting, they are ideal for window boxes and individual pots in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 9.
Gladiolus
Unlike many bulb plants typically sown in fall, gladioli (Gladiolus spp.) prefer warmer conditions and thrive as perennials in zones 8 through 11, though they can grow as annuals in colder areas. Plant gladiolus bulbs about two weeks before the season’s last frost, expecting their rich, fragrant blooms around mid-June, depending on your climate.
Sweet Pea
For a delightful and vibrant garden, consider sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) flowers. Known for their sweet scent, these plants thrive in cooler climates. While southern regions benefit from fall planting, northern areas (zones 7 and below) can start seeds in late winter or early spring, maintaining blooms into early summer. Available in colors like purples, whites, reds, and corals, they create stunning arrangements.
Phlox
Phlox (Phlox spp.) is another low-maintenance option, best planted after frost threats subside. They range from 6 to 48 inches tall, depending on the cultivar, with full and partial sun varieties. Phlox attracts wildlife such as birds, bees, and butterflies, making them ideal for supporting pollinators. These flowers grow in hardiness zones 3 through 9 and serve well as cut flowers.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) boast a unique puppet-like feature, allowing you to pinch the bloom open and closed like a mouth. Available in a dazzling array of colors, including pink, orange, purple, yellow, white, and red, they take about two to three months to grow from seed to flower. For quicker results, consider pre-sprouted plants. They thrive in zones 7 through 10.
Morning Glories
Some of life’s best experiences are fleeting, and morning glories (Ipomoea spp.) are no exception. Blooming from early summer to early fall, these blossoms grace mornings for just a few hours in zones 2 through 11. This climbing vine offers nature enthusiasts a show. Whether starting from seed indoors or waiting for the ground to warm to around 64 degrees Fahrenheit, these annuals may reseed themselves, possibly returning the following year—though caution is advised to prevent overgrowth.
