what flowers can i plant now in georgia

2 min read 31-01-2025

Georgia's diverse climate means the best flowers to plant depend heavily on the specific region and the time of year. This guide will help Georgia gardeners determine the perfect blooms for their current planting season, focusing on popular choices and offering tips for success. Remember to always check your local hardiness zone (Georgia spans several) for the most accurate planting advice.

Spring Planting in Georgia (March-May)

Spring offers a vibrant palette of possibilities for Georgia gardeners. The soil is warming, and many flowers thrive in the mild temperatures and increasing sunlight.

Cool-Season Annuals:

Pansies: These cheerful faces are cold-hardy and provide early color. Plant them in well-drained soil in partial shade or full sun.
Violas: Similar to pansies but smaller, violas are excellent for borders and containers. They tolerate cooler temperatures beautifully.
Snapdragons: These tall, elegant flowers come in a wide variety of colors. Plant them in full sun to partial shade for best results.
Sweet Alyssum: A low-growing, fragrant ground cover, sweet alyssum is perfect for spilling over edges of containers or filling in gaps in flowerbeds.

Perennials to Plant in Spring:

Coneflowers (Echinacea): These drought-tolerant beauties attract pollinators and offer long-lasting blooms. Plant them in full sun.
Daylilies (Hemerocallis): Incredibly adaptable and low-maintenance, daylilies come in a vast array of colors and sizes. They thrive in full sun to partial shade.
Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia): These cheerful yellow daisies are easy to grow and attract butterflies and bees. Plant them in full sun.

Summer Planting in Georgia (June-August)

Summer in Georgia can be hot and humid, so choose heat-tolerant flowers for best results.

Heat-Loving Annuals:

Zinnias: These vibrant blooms come in a rainbow of colors and are extremely heat-tolerant. Plant them in full sun.
Cosmos: Easy to grow and drought-tolerant, cosmos add airy grace to the garden. Plant them in full sun.
Salvia: Attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, salvia offers long-lasting blooms and comes in various colors. Plant them in full sun.
Sunflowers: These iconic flowers are known for their height and cheerful yellow blooms. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Summer Perennials:

Butterfly Bush (Buddleja): A magnet for butterflies, the butterfly bush tolerates heat and drought. Plant it in full sun.
Lantana: This colorful shrub provides long-lasting blooms and attracts pollinators. It thrives in full sun.

Fall Planting in Georgia (September-November)

Fall offers a chance to plant flowers that will bloom in the spring or to add some late-season color.

Cool-Season Annuals (for Spring Bloom):

Many of the cool-season annuals listed for spring planting (pansies, violas, snapdragons) can be planted in the fall for an early spring show.

Fall-Blooming Annuals:

Mums (Chrysanthemums): These classic fall flowers come in a wide range of colors and sizes. Plant them in full sun to partial shade.
Ornamental Kale and Cabbage: Prized for their colorful foliage rather than flowers, these plants add winter interest to the garden. Plant them in full sun to partial shade.

Tips for Success:

Soil Preparation: Amend your soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods.
Sunlight: Choose plants that are appropriate for the amount of sunlight your garden receives.
Pest and Disease Control: Monitor your plants for pests and diseases and take appropriate action if necessary.

This guide provides a starting point for choosing flowers to plant in Georgia. Remember to consider your specific microclimate, soil type, and personal preferences when making your selections. Happy gardening!