Why Spring Planting Still Matters

Even if planting Spring-blooming bulbs is no longer an option, Spring is still one of the most powerful times to shape a garden that will carry color into Summer and Fall. The soil is workable, the air is cool, and plants root deeply before heat arrives. Planning now focuses on what you can plant in Spring that will either bloom quickly or support the Seasons ahead.

Spring gives you a clean slate. With the right choices, you can fill the year with layers of blooms that rise one after another.

Flowers You Can Plant in Spring for Fast Color

Many flowers will bloom quickly when planted in Spring, especially from seed. Zinnia Envy, Cosmos Sensation Mix, Cosmos Dazzler, and Calendula Touch of Red Mixed germinate easily once the soil warms and bloom steadily through Summer. Sunflower Autumn Beauty and Sunflower Vanilla Ice grow quickly and add height and vibrancy to beds and borders.

Spring is also a wonderful moment to plant Crocosmia, Mixed Liatris, Mixed Phlox, and Mixed Astilbe. These perennials build structure and often bloom the same year if planted early and given consistent moisture.

Bulbs That Thrive When Planted in Spring

Summer blooming bulbs are made for Spring planting. Gladiolus, Mixed Oriental Lilies, Mixed Asiatic Lilies, Red King Crocosmia, Spicata Alba Liatris, and Mixed Liatris all respond well to warming soil. Gladiolus in particular grow rapidly and can bloom about 70 to 90 days after planting. With staggered planting every 10 to 14 days, you can enjoy continuous color into early Fall.

Ranunculus can also be planted in early Spring in cooler regions. Once acclimated, they bloom with ruffled petals and rich tones that pair beautifully with early Summer flowers.

Setting the Stage for Summer and Fall Blooms

Spring planting is not only about quick color. It is about building a rhythm for the Seasons ahead. When you plant Gladiolus, Lilies, Crocosmia, and Liatris now, they become the pillars of your Summer garden. When you sow Zinnias, Cosmos, and Sunflowers, you support a long Season of pollinator activity and movement.

For Fall, look ahead to flowers like Crocosmia and late blooming Liatris. Many Gladiolus varieties, such as Essential, Zamora, or Coral Crush, will continue to bloom into early Fall if planted in waves through Spring and early Summer.

Sketching a Spring Plan That Evolves Through the Year

A Spring garden plan is more than a map of early plantings. It is a blueprint for how the garden will feel in July, September, and even October. Group bulbs in clusters for strong color. Place tall varieties like Gladiolus and Sunflowers in the back or toward the center of beds. Keep airy flowers such as Cosmos and Baby’s Breath near edges where they can soften pathways.

Planting with intention now ensures that the garden looks full and lively long after Spring fades.