Last September, I completely forgot to plant anything. I meant to, honestly. I even bought seeds. But they sat in the glove compartment of my car until January. And then I felt a little sad when nothing bloomed in spring. Lesson learned. This year, I’m ahead of the game. I’ve put together this list of 13 flowers to plant in September so I don’t make the same mistake again. If you're anything like me and only remember gardening when your neighbor’s yard starts showing off, this list is for you too.
Let me tell you something: September might feel like gardening season is winding down, but it's actually the perfect time for planting certain flowers. The soil is still warm, the air is a little cooler, and the bugs are finally calming down. It's a great moment to get your hands dirty again.
Don’t worry if you’re new to gardening. My first time, I planted tulips upside down. We all start somewhere.
Let’s get to it.
13 Flowers to Plant in September That Even I Didn’t Kill
Pansies
Pansies are like the golden retrievers of the flower world: happy, forgiving, and adorable. Plant them now, and they'll bloom this fall. They might even come back in early spring as a surprise.
Pro tip: They prefer morning sun and don’t like the harsh afternoon heat. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Violas
These are like smaller, tougher pansies. My grandmother used to call them “cheerful little faces,” and she was right.
Tip: Sprinkle crushed eggshells around them to keep slugs away.
Calendula
Bright orange or yellow, and edible too. They handle light frosts and often re-seed themselves, which means less work for you next year.
Hack: Snip off the old blooms regularly to encourage more flowers.
Sweet Alyssum
They smell sweet and grow like soft little clouds. Plus, bees absolutely love them.
Tip: Plant them at the edge of garden beds or in pots. They spill out beautifully.
Snapdragons
I used to think these were difficult, but they’re actually very easy. Plant them in early fall and enjoy their bright blooms even through light frost.
Pro tip: Pinch the tops when they’re young to encourage bushier growth.
Dianthus
They smell spicy-sweet and come in a bunch of colors like pink, red, and white. They’ll make your garden look thoughtfully designed.
Trick: Add a little mulch after planting to help them stay warm through the winter.
Forget-Me-Nots
Ironically, I forgot to plant Forget-Me-Nots once. They actually do best when planted in fall and will come up strong in spring.
Tip: Keep the soil moist until they sprout.
Iceland Poppies
These are show-stoppers. If you plant them now, you’ll get dramatic, ruffled blooms in spring.
Pro tip: They don’t like being moved, so plant them directly where you want them to grow.
Lupines
Tall, elegant, and perfect for that cottage garden feel. They prefer to start in cooler weather, making September ideal.
Trick: Soak the seeds overnight before planting to help them germinate faster.
Foxglove
Beautiful, tall spires of bell-shaped flowers. Yes, they’re toxic, so don’t eat them—but they’re stunning.
Hack: Choose a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.
11. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
They’re perfect for late planting and will bloom beautifully next summer.
Tip: If you already have some, divide them now to get more plants. It’s easy and very satisfying.
Coneflowers (Echinacea)
These are strong, low-maintenance flowers that return every year. Plant them now, and they’ll reward you later.
Pro tip: Leave the seed heads on through winter to feed birds.
Columbine
They’re slow growers but come back every year once established. Delicate blooms and interesting foliage.
Trick: Be sure not to bury the crown of the plant when mulching. Keep it exposed to avoid rot.
How to Actually Plant in September
Here are a few basics I wish someone had told me before I got too excited and started throwing seeds everywhere:
- Loosen your soil before planting. Don’t just dig one hole and hope for the best.
- Add compost even if you think your soil is fine. Flowers love the extra nutrients.
- Water after planting, but don’t overdo it. A gentle soak is all they need.
- Use mulch if your area gets cold quickly. It helps protect new roots.
And if frost comes early where you live, use raised beds or containers so you can keep a closer eye on things.
Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To
- Planted seeds too deep
Most flower seeds need just a light covering of soil. Read the packet carefully. - Watered late at night
That caused mildew problems. Water in the morning instead. - Used expired seeds
Half of them didn’t grow. Always check the expiration date. - Didn’t label anything
I thought I’d remember what I planted where. I did not. Everything became a mystery.
Lazy Gardener Hacks That Actually Work
- Use a muffin tin to evenly space seeds in rows.
- Reuse cardboard egg cartons as seed starters. You can plant them directly in the ground later.
- Set out a shallow dish of beer to attract and trap slugs.
- If you don’t have fancy tools, a spoon and fork from your kitchen work just fine.
September Isn’t Too Late. It’s Just Right.
If it’s already mid-September and you haven’t planted anything yet, that’s okay. You still have time. A lot of these flowers are meant to get cozy in the soil before winter comes.
Even if your garden looks like a wild mess right now (mine did last year, complete with a tomato plant growing out of an old boot), it’s not too late to start. Some of these won’t bloom until spring anyway, so think of it as a gift to your future self.
So grab your gloves, a bag of compost, and maybe a curious cat to keep you company. Let’s make this September the one where everything blooms—on purpose this time.
And if something goes wrong? It’s okay. Gardening, like life, is a work in progress.
