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10 Easy-to-Grow Fall Flowers

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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.


10 Easy-to-Grow Fall Flowers

10 Easiest Flowers to Grow in Arizona in the Fall

The easiest fall flowers to grow in Arizona are simple to plant and care for and bloom through spring. Add color to your flower bed or containers with my top ten pics for easy growing cool season annual flowers.

The oppressive heat of an Arizona summer is (almost!) gone. Heat-tolerating flowers have mostly survived, but they are definitely 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? 
Snapdragons in bloom

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.

Snapdragons in bloom

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.

Blue Salvia

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. 

Petunias

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.

Gazania

Perpetual Annual Flower Calendar

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.

Alyssum

7. Dianthus

Plant transplants outside:
September – January

Months in bloom: October – April

Good to know: Easy to grow. Edible. Comes in many colors.

Dianthus

8. Marigold

Plant seeds or transplants outside:
FebruaryMay
SeptemberOctober

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. 

10 Easy to Grow Fall Flowers

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 Easy to Grow Fall Flowers

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.

How to Grow Lobelia

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7 comments on "10 Easy-to-Grow Fall Flowers"

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  1. 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.

    1. I’m not sure. There are a few poisonous flowers like ranunculus, foxglove, and larkspur. Those may be good options.

  2. Thank you for this wonderful list. Now I can go buy happiness!
    You are a wonderful source for gardening in Phoenix.

  3. 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!