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Give your spring garden a head start! Sow Flower Seeds To Plant In September For Spring Blooms and enjoy healthy plants.
Summer may be coming to an end, but September is a great time to sow seeds for flowers that will bloom next year. The soil is still warm, while cooler temperatures make it easier for many seeds to get started.
Many hardy annuals and perennials can be planted in September and grown in garden beds or pots. Before sowing, check that the flowers suit your USDA hardiness zone, soil type, and available sunlight.
Some seeds can be sown directly in the garden, while others need to be started indoors. You can also protect young plants through winter in a cold frame or greenhouse.
Most of these flowers can also be planted in spring, but sowing them now can give you stronger plants and more flowers next year.
Flower Seeds To Plant In September For Spring Blooms
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1. Scabiosa
Scabiosa, also called pincushion flowers, are pretty garden plants that attract butterflies. They bloom for a long time and have long stems, making them a good choice for cut flower gardens. Depending on the variety, they can be annual or perennial and grow well in USDA zones 3 to 7.
Sow scabiosa seeds in September or October under cover, then plant them outdoors in spring. This can give you flowers throughout summer. You can also sow the seeds directly in the garden during spring.
Scabiosa are easy to care for. Water them when the weather is dry and plant them in full sun. They can also handle some partial shade. Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
Use this plug planter to sow your seeds in deep soil and make your gardening easier!
2. Nigella
Nigella, also known as “love in a mist,” is a hardy annual that can give you spring flowers when planted in September. It grows well in USDA zones 2–11.
The flowers come in blue, pink, and white shades. They sit among fine, ruffled leaves, which give the plant a soft, misty look.
It is easy to grow. Sow the seeds in a sunny spot with fertile, well-draining soil. Water the plants during dry periods.
Nigella has a short flowering season, so sowing seeds in batches can help you enjoy flowers for longer. After the flowers fade, they form attractive seed pods that look great in flower arrangements. The seeds are also edible and can be used in curries and bread.
Your pretty Nigella can be planted in this plant bed and make a pretty bunch.
3. White Lace Flower
White lace flower (Orlaya grandiflora) has delicate, airy flowers that look a little like lacecap hydrangeas. The flowers attract pollinators and also make beautiful, long-lasting cut flowers.
White lace flower is a hardy annual that can grow in USDA zones 2–11. You can sow the seeds in spring or fall. If you plant them in September or October before the first frost, the plants will have more time to grow and should be larger the following year.
These plants are easy to grow and need little care. They can grow in full sun or partial shade. For the best results, plant them in rich, well-draining soil, although they can also grow in poorer soil.
4. Sea Holly
Sea holly (Eryngium) is a striking flower that attracts butterflies. Its blue or purple blooms are surrounded by spiky bracts, giving the plant a unique look. The flowers also work well in fresh and dried arrangements.
Sea holly is a hardy perennial that can handle drought, wind, and sandy soil. Most varieties grow well in USDA zones 4–9, while some can also grow in zones 2 and 3.
September is a good time to sow sea holly seeds. Plant them directly in a sunny spot with moist, well-draining soil. They may not bloom in the first year, but they need little care once established.
Avoid adding fertilizer. Water the plants during long dry periods and remove faded flowers to encourage a longer blooming season.
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5. Douglas Meadowfoam
Douglas meadowfoam (Limnanthes douglasii) is a small flowering plant native to Oregon and California. It is also called the poached egg plant because its white flowers have bright yellow centers. The flowers attract pollinators, and the plant works well as a border or groundcover because it grows to only about 6 inches (15 cm) tall. It is hardy in USDA zones 4–8.
Sow the seeds indoors in autumn and move the plants outside in spring. Plant them in loose, well-draining soil where they can get plenty of sunlight. Water them during long dry periods.
Poached egg plants can self-sow and spread naturally in the garden. They also help cover the soil and keep weeds under control.
6. Cornflowers
Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus), also called bachelor buttons, are known for their bright blue flowers. They are tough plants that need little care or water and can grow well even in poor soil. They can grow in USDA zones 2–11.
Cornflowers are annuals. You can sow the seeds in spring for summer flowers or in September for earlier blooms the following year.
Sow the seeds directly in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of full sun each day. In hot areas, some afternoon shade can help. Add compost or fertilizer to the soil when planting, and water the plants during dry periods.
Here is a potting soil mix that you can add to your plants.
7. Cerinthe
Cerinthe, also called blue shrimp plant, is an attractive herb with purple-blue flowers. It adds a nice splash of color to garden beds and pots and grows well in USDA zones 7–10. Its flowers attract pollinators and also work well as cut flowers in arrangements.
The flowers are small but look larger because of the blue bracts around them. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and have a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
Sow the seeds indoors in September or October, then move the plants outdoors in spring. Cerinthe grows best in well-drained soil and can handle full sun or partial shade. Water it during dry periods.
The plants can grow up to 4 feet (1 m) tall, so they may need support. Add stakes when planting them outdoors to prevent damage to the roots later.
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