When Can I Plant Flowers Outside?

Springtime brings with it the excitement of planting flowers, but when is the right time to start? Many gardeners make the mistake of planting too early, only to have their plants suffer from unexpected cold snaps. To ensure successful growth, it's important to know when you can safely plant flowers outside.

Frost Dates

The first step in determining when to plant flowers outside is to identify the frost dates for your area. Frost dates are the average dates for the last spring frost and first fall frost. Knowing these dates will help you determine when it's safe to plant your flowers without risking cold damage. You can find your area's frost dates by checking with your local gardening center, or by doing an online search.

Planting Zones

In addition to frost dates, you should also be aware of your planting zone. Planting zones are used to determine which plants will thrive in which areas. Each zone has a range of temperatures that are optimal for the plants grown there. Knowing your planting zone will help you choose the best flowers to plant for your area, and will also help you determine when to start planting. You can find your planting zone by doing an online search, or by consulting a gardening guide.

Types of Flowers

The type of flowers you plan to plant will also impact when you can plant them outside. Annuals, for example, are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season. These should be planted after the last spring frost, as they won't survive any frost or freeze. Perennials, on the other hand, can survive colder temperatures and can be planted earlier in the season, even before the last frost. If you're unsure about when to plant a particular type of flower, consult with your local gardening center or do some research online.

Conclusion

Planting flowers outside is a delightful way to welcome the warmer weather of spring. However, it's important to take frost dates, planting zones, and flower types into consideration when determining when to start planting. With a little research and careful planning, you can ensure a beautiful, bountiful garden that will thrive all season long.