August Flower Planting: A Spectacular Late Summer and Autumn Display with These 8 Colors
August is the Perfect Time for Fall Blooms: Zinnias, Cosmos, and More
August is a great month for gardening enthusiasts, as it's the ideal time to plant various ornamental flowers that will bloom well into the fall. Two of the fastest developing and most reliable flower seeds to consider are zinnias and cosmos.
Zinnias, especially fast-maturing varieties like ‘California Giant,’ thrive in full sun and well-draining soil and produce bright, cut-worthy flowers that last through fall frosts. These cheerful, bright annuals have a quick maturation time of 60 to 70 days, allowing them to bloom by September or October, depending on your region.
Cosmos are easy to grow, require minimal nutrients, and also attract pollinators in the fall garden. They mature quickly from seed and can bloom 50 to 60 days after sowing. Cosmos are suitable for planting in August in climates with later first frosts.
Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) is another good option for August planting. This plant self-seeds easily and can provide delicate flowers and ornamental seed pods, though its bloom may be more abundant the following year if started from seed in August.
For those seeking perennials, garden or hardy mums can be planted in August. They grow quickly and bloom from early September through mid-October, offering robust color for fall.
Snapdragons are another excellent choice for August sowing. These flowers tolerate temperatures as low as 25 degrees (-7°Celsius) and can mature between 60 and 80 days. Pinch out the top stem and long side shoots of snapdragons to encourage more flowers.
Marigolds are annuals that do well in the heat and can be surprisingly cold hardy, lasting up to and beyond the first frosts. They require plenty of water and full sun for growth.
Stock is another flower that can be sown in August for a bed full of flowers in October. The compact dwarf 'Anytime Mixed' is a stock variety that can bloom in 10 weeks.
For snapdragons, ‘Orange Wonder’ seeds are suitable for growing, while ‘Pacific Beauty’ seeds are suitable for growing calendula. Pansies are suitable for seeding in August in milder and warmer climates and can be cultivated in hanging baskets or containers on the patio.
Lastly, quick-growing sunflower varieties like ‘Lemon Cutie,’ ‘Zohar,’ ‘Junior Dwarf,’ ‘Sunrich Orange,’ ‘Sunrich Gold Summer,’ and ‘Autumn Beauty’ are excellent choices for August sowing. Calendula plants should have stalks pinched out to avoid growing spindly, and they require plenty of water and can be heavy feeders, requiring compost or fertilizer in poor soil.
In summary, August is a great time to plant various ornamental flowers for fall blooms. Zinnias, cosmos, snapdragons, pansies, marigolds, stocks, nigella, and sunflowers are all suitable choices for August sowing. By ensuring these flowers get daily sunlight and well-drained soil, you can enjoy a beautiful fall garden.
Zinnias, cosmos, and snapdragons are excellent options to consider for August planting, as they bloom brightly through fall frosts, attract pollinators, and have quick maturation times. Additionally, nigella, marigolds, stocks, pansies, and various sunflower varieties are also suitable choices for sowing in August, providing a vibrant garden display throughout the fall season.
