The best time to plant flowers outside generally depends on your local climate and the type of flowers. Most flowers should be planted after the last frost date in your area, which means late spring is commonly the ideal time. Hardy flowers can be planted as soon as the soil is workable, sometimes weeks before the last frost, while tender flowers should be planted only when no frost is expected for the rest of the season. Morning or evening planting is preferable to avoid heat stress on plants. For specific timing, knowing your area's last frost date is key, and protecting plants from unexpected frosts using coverings is advisable if needed.
If you want to be more precise:
- Hardy flowers: plant as soon as soil can be worked, even before last frost
- Half-hardy flowers: plant a couple of weeks before last frost
- Tender flowers: plant after last frost and when freezing danger is gone
Overall, spring (late April to May) is a common and safe planting time for many flowers.
