When to Plant Flowers – Guide by Seasons

Chicago is known for its harsh and unpredictable weather, which can make planting flowers a bit challenging. However, with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can create a beautiful and colorful garden that will thrive throughout the seasons. In this blog post, we’ll discuss when to plant flowers in Chicago outdoors.

• Spring Planting
  

  Marigold

Spring is a wonderful time to plant flowers in Chicago, as the weather starts to warm up and the frost danger passes. The best time to start planting is in late April to early May when the soil temperature is around 50°F. You can start with cool-season annuals like pansies, violas, and snapdragons. They are hardy enough to withstand the cooler temperatures in the spring and will bloom all the way through summer.

Summer Planting

Summer is the perfect time to plant warm-season annuals, such as petunias, marigolds, and zinnias. These flowers need warm soil temperatures to germinate and grow, so wait until mid to late May to plant them. You can also plant heat-tolerant perennials like black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, and daylilies.

Fall Planting

Fall is an excellent time to plant bulbs for spring blooms. Tulips, daffodils, and crocuses are just a few of the popular bulbs that can be planted in the fall. These bulbs need a cold period to bloom, so they should be planted in the fall before the ground freezes. You can plant bulbs in late September to mid-October.

Winter Planting

Believe it or not, you can also plant flowers in the winter in Chicago. Winter is the perfect time to plant evergreen shrubs and trees like holly, pine, and spruce. These plants will add greenery and color to your garden during the winter months.

In conclusion, the best time to plant flowers in Chicago outdoors depends on the season and the type of flower you want to plant. Spring and summer are ideal for planting annuals and perennials, while fall is perfect for bulbs, and winter is great for evergreens. With proper planning and preparation, you can create a beautiful and colorful garden that will flourish throughout the seasons.