10 Easy-to-Grow Fall Flowers
The easiest fall flowers to grow in Arizona (and other mild winter climates) are simple to plant, care for, and bloom through spring. Don’t forget to add some flowers when planning your fall garden! If you’re wondering which fall flowers to plant in the Phoenix Valley and surrounding areas, this post shares my top ten picks for easy-growing cool-season annual flowers.
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The oppressive heat of an Arizona summer is (almost!) gone. Heat-tolerating flowers have mostly survived, but they are looking tired. It’s time to swap them out for new flowers that will grow and thrive during Arizona’s cooler months. The options seem overwhelming, and you may ask yourself:
- What are the easiest flowers to grow in Arizona in the fall?
- Which flowers can I plant from transplant in the fall that grow well through spring?
- Which flowers can I plant in the fall that will last through spring?
- Which flowers are simple to care for?
- Are there annual flowers that grow well in pots and containers?
- Which flowers can I buy from a big box store that will grow well and not die in a few weeks?
Here are my ten choices for easy-to-grow fall flowers
1. Snapdragons
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – February 15
Months in bloom: November – early June
Good to know: Attracts bees and butterflies. It is one of the easiest cool-season flowers to grow. Cutting the central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Excellent cut flower. Learn more about how to grow snapdragons in this guide.
2. Blue Salvia
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – October
March-May 15
Months in bloom: April – early December
Good to know: Reseeds. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies—several colors and varieties. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. It pairs well with lobelia.
3. Geranium
When to plant geraniums in Arizona: September – April
Months in bloom: February – June
Good to know: Remove flowers for the first few weeks to allow the plant to get established. Keep dead-headed for better blooms. Does best with regular water and 4-6 hours of sun. It pairs well with Alyssum.
4. Petunias
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – March
Months in bloom: October – early May
Good to know: Pinch off flowers when first planted to encourage root development. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Easy to grow. Needs regular watering.
5. Gazania
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – November
February – April
Months in bloom: Late October – June
Good to know: Considered a perennial flower, but often grown as an annual in the low desert of Arizona.
The Perpetual Annual Flower Planting Calendar, available in my shop, helps you learn when to plant flowers in the low desert of Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.
10 Easy-to-grow Fall Flowers (continued)
6. Alyssum
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
October – March
Months in bloom: Late October – May
This article shares more information about how to grow alyssum.
Good to know: Easy to grow. Grows well in the sun or part shade. Reseeds easily. Excellent companion plant. Attracts many beneficial insects and pollinators. It pairs well with geraniums.
7. Dianthus
Plant transplants outside:
September – January
Months in bloom: October – April
Good to know: Easy to grow. Edible. Comes in many colors.
8. Marigold
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
February – May
September – October
Months in bloom: Late September – December and March – June
This article shares more information about how to grow marigolds.
Good to know: Good companion plant in the garden. Reseeds easily. Easy to grow. Needs regular water. Cutting the central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Get planting dates for your favorite crops with these visual planting guides for vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers & vines.
9. Pansies and Violets
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – February 15
Months in bloom: Late November – early May
Read this article for more information about how to grow violas.
Good to know: Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Edible. Easy to grow. Needs part shade.
10. Lobelia
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – December
Months in bloom: March-early June
Read this article for more information about how to grow lobelia.
Good to know: Prefers part sun. Needs regular water. Wait until hot temperatures subside to plant transplants. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Pairs well with blue saliva.
See my How to Grow Poppies Guide for detailed instructions on planting and caring for poppies in the fall. This resource offers step-by-step advice on sowing, watering, and troubleshooting so you can enjoy these vibrant blooms in your cool-season garden.
Thank you for this. I live with javelinas and would appreciate knowing what I can plant that they won’t eat. I know lantana is on that list. The local herd has wiped me out more than once. Thanks again.
I’m not sure. There are a few poisonous flowers like ranunculus, foxglove, and larkspur. Those may be good options.
Thank you for this wonderful list. Now I can go buy happiness!
You are a wonderful source for gardening in Phoenix.
Happy planting!
Thank you! Almost planting season. Can’t wait to rev up the energy around here 🙂
Hi Angela, I’ve learned so much from your channel. I’m growing Roselle for the first time and they have started blooming. What is the best to time to pick the calix? Do they fall off or is it more like pruning them off? When I peel the calix does that red fruit freeze well for when I’m ready to use for a recipe?
Thanks so much!
All the details about when to harvest are in this post (with pictures) https://growinginthegarden.com/how-to-grow-roselle-hibiscus-growing-jamaican-sorrel/ Yes, you can freeze them until you’re ready to use in a recipe. The texture will change but if you’re not using them fresh, that’s ok.