Dig In to Fall Planting

As fall approaches and the flower season fades, I'm quickly turning my attention to next year’s garden. I truly believe that a big key of my success as a flower farmer has been the ability to get a jump start on sales in the early spring. And to have early spring flowers to sell, I have to plan (and plant) in the fall. 

If you're not already taking advantage of the fall planting period, here are a few tips to get you started...

Take Root with Hardy Annuals

Unlike warm season flowers (tender annuals planted after the danger of frost) this group of flowers can take some cold and even thrive on it! Hardy annuals can be planted in the fall or very early spring and spend the cooler months getting established in the garden before bursting into bloom weeks before you’ve sown your first summer seeds. These plants can tolerate cold, frost and even snow and ice with little or no protection from the elements. 

To make the most of hardy annuals, plant in the field 6-8 weeks before your last average first frost date in fall, or 6-8 weeks before your last average frost in spring. Some plants may benefit from a light row cover to protect from harsh winds, but be sure to remove any covering ahead of potential snow fall to avoid crushing; the snow will act as insulation for your plants! 

Remember that some hardy annuals can be sown directly into the field, while others do best as transplants. I order seeds from Johnny's Seeds and transplants from Farmer Bailey Plugs. If you're relying on transplants, remember to account for an additional 4-6 weeks to start the plants before they need to go into the field. I order plugs in June for September planting, or start them indoors early August.

My favorite hardy annuals include snapdragon, sweet peas, sweet william, rudbeckia and larkspur. Find my complete grow list here!

Dig into Bulbs & Corms

The earliest blooms here at Hidden Springs arrive via bulbs and corms. Tulips, narcissus, anemone and ranunculus are customer-favorites and their early blooms provide a jump-start on the traditional flower season. 

Bulbs can be planted anytime before the ground fully freezes, but keep in mind that tulips require a lengthy period of cold to bloom. If you’re in a warmer climate, opt for pre-chilled bulbs to remove the guess work. You can find tulip and narcissus bulbs at your local garden store and from many reputable retailers online. Remember to look for varieties bred for cut flower production (which often have longer stems than landscape varieties.)

Anemone and ranunculus are some of the showiest flowers on the farm but they require a little extra effort to extend the growing season. In zone 6b, I plant corms under DIY unheated caterpillar tunnels mid-fall. The tunnels protect the corms from freezing and allow the plants to get an early start on the growing season, usually beginning to flower by the end of February. I do a second planting in late January that extends the bloom time by a few extra weeks. You can order the same corms I grow here on the farm and grow along with me.

Think Long Term with Perennials

Fall is the ideal month to fill your garden with perennials. These plants live for more than two years, are tolerant of cold, and require less maintenance compared to annuals which need to be replanted each year.

Peonies are one of the most profitable perennials you can add to your lineup, but don’t just focus on the flowers; part of my perennial field is comprised of plants used for foliage and filler including mint, hellebore, spirea and ninebark. Be sure to select plants that will thrive in your zone and get them into the ground before it freezes, making sure to water well as the plant takes root.

Perennials are a true investment into your garden or farm. Since they'll produce for years to come, you'll quickly recoup your initial costs and can rely on solid income for many years after. I invest in peonies every year; you can find and grow the same varieties that I'm planting here!

Keep Growing 

Looking for more? I've rounded up all of the resources I've created on fall planting including seed starting, grow guides and tutorials. 

Sign up for my FREE Fall Planting Mini Course for a deep dive on everything I plant in fall. Throughout this course, I'll send a daily email packed with my exact process including favorite varieties and where to purchase, plus tips for growing and selling those blooms. Click here to sign up!

If you're looking for additional guidance on fall planting and how to get started with your flower business, learn how to work with me including private coaching and my exclusive flower business course. And be sure to follow along with fall planting @hiddenspringsflowers.