Last Updated on October 11, 2021 by
The best time to plant flowers depends on whether you are dealing with seeds, transplants, or flower cuttings. Planting time also depends on some factors like heat, wind, and seeds. But, most flowers do better when you plant early in the morning, late in the evening, or during a calm day.
For the transplants, the best time depends on the type of flowers. For example, if you are transplanting annual flowers such as marigolds, petunias, or impatiens, you need to transplant them early in the morning before it gets hot. These flowers also need transplanting in the spring after the last frost date. You can transplant perennials such as daylilies early in the morning, any time on a cloudy day, or late in the afternoon. For rose bushes transplants, the best time is the same as with the perennials.
This article highlights some factors that influence planting time for flowers and the best time to plant seeds and flowers. Read On!
What Are The Factors That Influence The Best Time Of The Day To Plant Flowers?
Several factors play a role in determining the best time for planting flowers, including;
Temperature
Most seedlings and starter plants experience some shock after transplanting. Their leaves may droop or wither for some moment after planting, and heat from the sunlight can cause irreparable damage. It is best to plant the flowers when the temperatures are low (like early morning or late afternoon) to prevent such damage. Planting at this time gives the plants enough time to recover from the shock before getting exposed to the hot sunshine.
If you are planting during hot weather, it is more practical to do it late in the afternoon. Ensure that you water the flowers to give them adequate time to absorb the water before the sun rises in the morning.
Seeds
If you are planting seeds, ensure that the earth is warm and well-watered. This practice will encourage the newly planted seeds to swell and their new stems to sprout. Your seeds need enough time to sit undisturbed in the soil before there is a heavy rainstorm. It is, therefore, necessary to check the weather forecast.
Weather
It is also crucial to plant your flowers when the weather is conducive. For example, it is not advisable to sow when windy as this can destroy the plants. Since winds slow down late in the evening and remain calm throughout the night, ensure that you plant your flowers when it is not windy. Make sure also that you check the weather forecast and look out for still days.
The Phases Of The Moon
According to ‘National Geographic’ most gardeners have embraced the practice of planting by the phases of the moon. It is believed that planting biennials and perennials, seedlings, and bulbs are best done in the moon’s dark. Some authorities recommend planting in the darkness of the moon at night before a new moon waxes again. Most gardeners believe that when you plant seeds in the dark of the moon, they will sprout faster, grow rapidly, and produce more yield.
Which Is The Ideal Time To Plant Seeds?
Seeds do well when planted in the morning since they will get what they need to germinate and are less prone to dangers. Since seeds require warmth to germinate, planting them in the morning will expose them to sunlight which will help them this warmth. The seeds will also get the essential moisture during their initial 12hours in the garden bed.
Seeds are sensitive to dryness and require a constant level of humidity. Planting in the morning also protects seeds from attack by rodents.
Which Is The Right Time Of The Year To Plant Flowers?
The best time of the year to plant your flowers depends on whether you are growing perennials or annuals. Before you can plant your seeds, it is necessary to understand your region’s spring and fall frost date, as this will help you know when it is safe for your plants.
For perennials, planting seeds may require starting earlier than other flowers since they may take longer to sprout. If you are planting mature perennials from a nursery, the fall is ideal.
The following table shows different perennials, the best time to plant seeds indoors, and when to plant outdoors.
Flower | When to start growing seeds indoors (number of weeks before the last frost date) | When to plant outdoors |
Anise Hyssop, Catmint, Columbine. Coreopsis, Coneflower (Echinacea), Gaillardia, Helianthus, Hibiscus, hollyhock, Thyme, Yarrow. | 8 weeks to 10 weeks | On the last frost date |
Phlox (perennial), Heliopsis, Foxglove (Digitalis), Asclepias (Milkweed) | 10 weeks to 12 weeks | One to two weeks after the last frost |
Dianthus, Delphinium, Daisy, Foxglove, | Ten to twelve weeks | Between one and two weeks before the last frost date |
For the annual flowers, sprout, grow and bloom in one season. These plants also seed in the same season and die during winter. Annuals are easy to grow.
The Table Below Gives A Summary Of When To Grow The Flowers, Both Indoors And Outdoors.
Flower | Number of weeks to plant seeds indoors (before the last frost date) | When to plant outdoors |
Allium, ageratum, aster, bachelor button, celosia, cosmos, Gomphrena, marigolds, Nicotiana, salvia, scabiosa, statice, strawflower, | Six weeks to eight weeks | On the last frost date |
Alyssum, calendula, Delphinium (annual), | Six weeks to eight weeks | One to two weeks before the last frost |
Coleus, impatiens | Eight weeks to ten weeks | Between one and two weeks after the last frost |
Zinnia | Four weeks to six weeks | One to two weeks after the last frost |
Petunia, phlox (annual), snapdragon, stock, verbena, | Eight to ten weeks | On the last frost date |
Sunflower | Three to four weeks | one to two weeks after the last frost date |
Conclusion
Planting flowers is an excellent way to add seasonal colors to your garden. But, unless you do it at the right time of the day and year, this exercise could be a frustrating one. For most flowers, the best time to plant is early in the morning before the sun becomes too hot and late in the afternoon; it is also ideal for growing the flowers on a calm day since planting when it is windy could blow off the seeds.
Depending on whether you are dealing with annuals or perennials, you will need to know your area’s spring and fall frost dates. Be sure to plant during the suitable season for your flowers to be safe.
