Late Summer Planting: Flowers for a Gorgeous Fall Bloom

It’s time to sneak the last little bit of flower goodness into the garden! July is the perfect time, and albeit, the last opportunity to add one last planting to have extra flowers for fall bouquets. Focusing on flowers that bloom in rich autumn hues of burgundy, yellow, red, brown, and orange, can transform your outdoor space into a vibrant tapestry that mirrors the changing leaves. Here’s a guide to help you select and plant the best varieties for a stunning fall display.

Seasonal Colors for Fall

Fall gardens thrive on deep, warm colors. When choosing flowers, think about the seasonal transition from summer's brightness to autumn’s earthy tones. Here's a breakdown of ideal flowers and their respective colors to create a cohesive fall garden:

Burgundy: Amaranth, Celosia

Yellow: Marigolds, Zinnias

Red: Zinnias, Celosia, Gomphrena

Brown: Amaranth, or Specialty grasses like Panicum (Switchgrass) or Millet

Orange: Marigolds, Zinnias, Strawflower, Sunflower

Ideal Flowers for Fall Blooms

1. Zinnias:
Zinnias are versatile and easy to grow, producing vibrant flowers that last until the first frost. For fall colors, choose varieties like 'Benary's Giant' for bold, robust blooms in red, orange, and yellow.

2. Amaranth:
Amaranth offers striking, upright flower spikes that add height and drama to your garden. Varieties like 'Hopi Red Dye' and 'Love-Lies-Bleeding' come in deep burgundy and red shades.

3. Celosia:
Known for their unique, flame-like blooms, Celosia varieties such as 'Cockscomb' and 'Plume' come in rich burgundy and red tones. They add an exotic touch to any garden.

4. Marigolds:
Marigolds are hardy, easy to grow, and perfect for adding bright yellows and oranges to your fall garden. French Marigolds and African Marigolds are both excellent choices.

5. Specialty Grasses:
Ornamental grasses like Panicum (Switchgrass) and Millet provide a soft, flowing contrast to the bold colors of fall flowers. Their feathery plumes add interesting texture and movement to the garden.

6. Gomphrena, also known as Globe Amaranth, features clover-like blooms in shades of burgundy, red, and purple, which are perfect for fall.

7. Sunflowers bring a classic autumn feel with their large, bright yellow blooms. Varieties like 'Autumn Beauty' offer shades of red, orange, and yellow, fitting perfectly into a fall-themed garden.

8. Strawflowers are another excellent choice, with their sturdy, papery blooms in warm shades of yellow, orange, and red, making them great for both garden display and dried arrangements.

Pro Tips for Planting in Hot Weather

Planting in early July can be challenging due to the heat. Follow these tips to give your seedlings the best start:

Pre-Wet the Ground:
Before planting, thoroughly water the soil to ensure it's moist and cool. This helps reduce transplant shock and gives seedlings immediate access to water.

Evening Planting:
Plant in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This allows seedlings to acclimate overnight before facing the next day’s heat.

Consistent Watering:
Water your newly planted flowers consistently, especially during dry spells. Morning watering is ideal to avoid mildew and fungal issues.

Following these best practice tips and by choosing the right flower varieties, your garden will burst with fall colors, creating a stunning display that will delight you and your visitors. Happy growing!