Annual Collection Schedule

The easiest way to know when to plant your annuals is to think of the frost dates.

When it comes to gardening, the frost dates are your friend. These are the dates that predict when the first and last frosts will occur in a given area. Frost dates are important because they tell you when it’s safe to start planting tender plants—those that can’t withstand cold temperatures—outside. The first frost date is typically in early April, but this varies depending on where you live. In addition, if you’re interested in planting a fall garden, knowing your last frost date is useful for finding out when to plant those seeds and starts so they’ll have time to mature before the weather turns cold again.

The easiest way to find these dates is with a quick Google search of “[frost dates], [your location].” You might also check out our list of last and first frost dates by state below!

If you happen to live in a place where there is no frost, then these dates don’t apply.

If you live in a place where the annual frost dates don’t apply, then these are only suggestions.

It would be nearly impossible to set out a specific planting schedule for all of the areas that don’t have frost. There are just so many variables. So many factors can change how early or late you should plant such as:

  • Are you going to plant them outside? or indoors?
  • What kind of annuals do you want to plant?
  • How big are they when they arrive in the mail?
  • What time of year is it now and what time of the year will it turn into winter?

You can use these dates as general guidelines, and play around with them if you like. Just remember that there may not be any other options available later on, except for maybe small transplants at your local garden center.

Here are the approximate annual frost dates for the various seasons.

  • Seasonal frost dates may vary by region and year. For best results, consult local weather forecasts.
  • Northern Hemisphere: Most plants can be safely planted when the annual average frost date is April 1st through May 31st. Annuals should be harvested for the season when the annual average frost date is October 15th through December 31st.
  • Southern Hemisphere: Most plants can be safely planted when the annual average frost date is August 1st through September 30th. Annuals should be harvested for the season when the annual average frost date is February 15th through April 30th.

Spring – April 9th- May 14th

As with all gardening, planting at the right time is extremely important.

A useful guideline for planning your planting schedule would be to plant annuals that are suitable for zone 5 when the temperature is consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

The weather in New York tends to be unpredictable, so it’s best to start planting after April 9th, which is when we can expect the last frost warning of the year has passed.

Summer – June 13th-October 9th

Here is a list of annuals that we think you should plan to plant in the summer.

  • Larkspur (Lachenalia spp.) – Beautiful daisy-like flowers in white, blue, or yellow.
  • Verbenas (Verbena spp.) – Small plants with bright green leaves and sweetly scented flowers.
  • Lantana (Lantana camara) – Big, succulent leaves and fragrant yellow flowers.

Planting these seeds will help fill areas where perennials may not yet be established—and for those who are experienced at edibles, preparing them for planting will make it easier to get them growing fast!

Fall – September 4th- November 20th

When it comes to planting your fall annuals, be sure to plant your buds after Labor Day but before the last frost, which will occur sometime between September 4th and November 20th.

A good rule of thumb would be to wait anywhere from 2 weeks to a month after that first frost before you plant your autumn annuals. This way, you’ll avoid any chance of having them succumb prematurely to another cooling off period. For example, if your first frost occurs on September 12th, then wait at least until October 12th or later before you plant your autumn annuals.

If you live in a warmer climate where the last frost doesn’t occur until November 20th (or later), then feel free to continue planting up until that date!

Winter – November 10th- March 1st

Winter (November 10th – March 1st)

When to plant: Annual flowers are generally grown indoors during the winter. Plants can be placed outside once the weather has warmed up and there is no chance of frost. Use a thermometer to determine when it’s safe to place plants outdoors.

What kind of annuals to buy: For most indoor plants, you can find seeds at any home improvement store or a gardening supply retailer. We also recommend you try your local farmer’s market or greenhouse for some beautiful options! You’ll want to find bulbs that will bloom in wintertime as well as summertime so that you aren’t left with an empty garden when it’s time for planting later on down the line.

How to take care of winter annuals: It’s important not only what kind of annual flower seeds you buy, but also how you will take care of them after purchasing them from your local nursery or greenhouse! If they don’t have soil with enough nutrients, then all those lovely plants could die before they even get started blooming throughout spring and summer months.

If you want your garden to look as lovely as possible, it’s important to know when you should plant your annuals.

  • Alliums: Plant when the soil is cold, transplant anytime.
  • Alyssums: Plant in fall or spring, transplant anytime, harvest in spring and summer.
  • Anise Hyssop: Plant in spring, transplant anytime, harvest before blooming begins; prune after blooming.
  • Asters: Plant in spring, transplant anytime until mid-summer; harvest in the fall; deadhead to encourage more blooms.
  • Begonias: Plant indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost date (typically April 1); transplanted outdoors after last frost date (typically April 15); harvest for bouquets all season long.
  • Caladiums: Ideally plant as tubers directly into the ground but can be potted up indoors as well if desired; transplant to garden or container once soil temperature reaches 60°F; divide every 2–3 years by cutting tubers apart with a sharp knife and repotting into fresh soil.

The easiest way to know when to plant your annuals is to think of the frost dates.

When it comes to gardening, the frost dates are your friend. These are the dates that predict when the first and last frosts will occur in a given area. Frost dates are important because they tell you when it’s safe to start planting tender plants—those that can’t withstand cold temperatures—outside. The first frost date is typically in early April, but this varies depending on where you live. In addition, if you’re interested in planting a fall garden, knowing your last frost date is useful for finding out when to plant those seeds and starts so they’ll have time to mature before the weather turns cold again.

The easiest way to find these dates is with a quick Google search of “[frost dates], [your location].” You might also check out our list of last and first frost dates by state below!

If you happen to live in a place where there is no frost, then these dates don’t apply.

If you live in a place where the annual frost dates don’t apply, then these are only suggestions.

It would be nearly impossible to set out a specific planting schedule for all of the areas that don’t have frost. There are just so many variables. So many factors can change how early or late you should plant such as:

Are you going to plant them outside? or indoors?

What kind of annuals do you want to plant?

How big are they when they arrive in the mail?

What time of year is it now and what time of the year will it turn into winter?

You can use these dates as general guidelines, and play around with them if you like. Just remember that there may not be any other options available later on, except for maybe small transplants at your local garden center.

Here are the approximate annual frost dates for the various seasons.

Seasonal frost dates may vary by region and year. For best results, consult local weather forecasts.

Northern Hemisphere: Most plants can be safely planted when the annual average frost date is April 1st through May 31st. Annuals should be harvested for the season when the annual average frost date is October 15th through December 31st.

Southern Hemisphere: Most plants can be safely planted when the annual average frost date is August 1st through September 30th. Annuals should be harvested for the season when the annual average frost date is February 15th through April 30th.

Spring – April 9th- May 14th

As with all gardening, planting at the right time is extremely important.

A useful guideline for planning your planting schedule would be to plant annuals that are suitable for zone 5 when the temperature is consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

The weather in New York tends to be unpredictable, so it’s best to start planting after April 9th, which is when we can expect the last frost warning of the year has passed.

Summer – June 13th-October 9th

Here is a list of annuals that we think you should plan to plant in the summer.

Larkspur (Lachenalia spp.) – Beautiful daisy-like flowers in white, blue, or yellow.

Verbenas (Verbena spp.) – Small plants with bright green leaves and sweetly scented flowers.

Lantana (Lantana camara) – Big, succulent leaves and fragrant yellow flowers.

Planting these seeds will help fill areas where perennials may not yet be established—and for those who are experienced at edibles, preparing them for planting will make it easier to get them growing fast!

Fall – September 4th- November 20th

When it comes to planting your fall annuals, be sure to plant your buds after Labor Day but before the last frost, which will occur sometime between September 4th and November 20th.

A good rule of thumb would be to wait anywhere from 2 weeks to a month after that first frost before you plant your autumn annuals. This way, you’ll avoid any chance of having them succumb prematurely to another cooling off period. For example, if your first frost occurs on September 12th, then wait at least until October 12th or later before you plant your autumn annuals.

If you live in a warmer climate where the last frost doesn’t occur until November 20th (or later), then feel free to continue planting up until that date!

Winter – November 10th- March 1st

Winter (November 10th – March 1st)

When to plant: Annual flowers are generally grown indoors during the winter. Plants can be placed outside once the weather has warmed up and there is no chance of frost. Use a thermometer to determine when it’s safe to place plants outdoors.

What kind of annuals to buy: For most indoor plants, you can find seeds at any home improvement store or a gardening supply retailer. We also recommend you try your local farmer’s market or greenhouse for some beautiful options! You’ll want to find bulbs that will bloom in wintertime as well as summertime so that you aren’t left with an empty garden when it’s time for planting later on down the line.

How to take care of winter annuals: It’s important not only what kind of annual flower seeds you buy, but also how you will take care of them after purchasing them from your local nursery or greenhouse! If they don’t have soil with enough nutrients, then all those lovely plants could die before they even get started blooming throughout spring and summer months.

If you want your garden to look as lovely as possible, it’s important to know when you should plant your annuals.

Alliums: Plant when the soil is cold, transplant anytime.

Alyssums: Plant in fall or spring, transplant anytime, harvest in spring and summer.

Anise Hyssop: Plant in spring, transplant anytime, harvest before blooming begins; prune after blooming.

Asters: Plant in spring, transplant anytime until mid-summer; harvest in the fall; deadhead to encourage more blooms.

Begonias: Plant indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost date (typically April 1); transplanted outdoors after last frost date (typically April 15); harvest for bouquets all season long.

Caladiums: Ideally plant as tubers directly into the ground but can be potted up indoors as well if desired; transplant to garden or container once soil temperature reaches 60°F; divide every 2–3 years by cutting tubers apart with a sharp knife and repotting into fresh soil.

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