Planting flowers successfully in New York State requires careful consideration of the local climate. The state spans a wide range of temperatures and conditions, meaning the ideal planting time changes significantly depending on the region. Understanding these seasonal variations is the first step toward a vibrant garden. This guide will help you determine the best flowers to plant based on your specific location and the time of year.
Determining Your Planting Window in New York
Gardeners rely on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zones, which classify regions based on average minimum winter temperatures. New York encompasses zones ranging from 4 in the Adirondacks to 7 on Long Island, which dictates which plants can survive the winter outdoors.
The most significant factor for spring planting is the last expected date of spring frost, which signals the safe window for tender plants. This date can range from late April in coastal areas (Zone 7) to late May in the colder, interior parts of the state (Zone 4). The first expected fall frost date determines how long warm-season plants will survive. Knowing your specific zone and these two frost dates provides the necessary context for all planting decisions.
Warm-Season Flowers for Planting
After the danger of spring frost has passed (usually late May across most of the state), the focus shifts to annual flowers that thrive in full sun. Petunias are popular choices, known for their continuous blooms and ability to tolerate summer heat. Marigolds offer a bright, cheerful display and are robust, often requiring minimal maintenance. Zinnias are another excellent option, providing long-lasting color and attracting pollinators.
For areas that receive less than six hours of direct sunlight, shade-tolerant annuals are the preferred selection. Impatiens are a classic choice for brightening up deeply shaded garden beds or containers with their dense foliage and prolific flowering. Begonias also perform well in partial to full shade, offering colorful leaves or waxy, continuous blooms. These plants require consistently moist soil and protection from the hottest afternoon sun.
While annuals complete their life cycle in one season, many heat-tolerant perennials can also be planted from nursery containers during the warm months. Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are resilient and provide bursts of color that return reliably year after year. Coneflowers (Echinacea) are valued for their drought tolerance and ability to withstand the midday sun once established. Planting perennials from pots during the summer requires consistent watering until the roots have expanded into the surrounding soil.
When selecting warm-season flowers, considering the specific light requirements of the planting location is paramount to success. Full-sun varieties need direct light to support their blooming cycles. Planting a shade-loving variety in an unshaded spot will lead to decline, while placing sun-loving plants in deep shade results in spindly growth and few flowers.
Cool-Season Flowers and Fall Preparations
As summer ends and temperatures moderate, the focus shifts to flowers that tolerate cooler conditions, extending the garden season into the fall. Pansies (Viola) are a popular choice, capable of surviving light frosts and providing cheerful color when warm-season plants have faded. Chrysanthemums (Mums) are the quintessential fall flower, offering dense color as the first expected fall frost date approaches. These cool-tolerant annuals are generally planted from established pots in late August or September.
Beyond traditional flowers, ornamental plants like flowering Cabbage and Kale provide textural interest and color throughout the cool months. These plants are grown for their dramatic, colorful foliage, with colors intensifying after exposure to light frosts. They are resilient and can often last well past Thanksgiving, providing structure to beds and containers. Planting these cool-season selections in well-drained soil helps prevent root rot as autumn rains increase.
The late summer and fall planting window is the designated time for preparing the garden for the following spring. Many popular spring-blooming flowers, such as Tulips, Daffodils (Narcissus), and Crocuses, must be planted as dormant bulbs during the autumn months. These bulbs require a specific period of cold exposure, known as the chilling requirement, to initiate flower development.
The ideal time for planting spring bulbs in New York is typically from October through November, after the soil temperature has dropped below 55°F but before the ground freezes solid. Planting too early can cause the bulbs to sprout prematurely, making them vulnerable to hard freezes. A general guideline for planting depth is to bury the bulb two to three times its height, ensuring the pointed side faces upward.
For most Daffodils and Tulips, this means placing the bulb about six to eight inches deep, which protects them from temperature fluctuations. Proper spacing, often three to six inches apart, allows the plants room to grow and multiply. Following these timing and depth requirements guarantees the necessary chilling period and a robust display of color the following spring.