Home » Misc » Flowers to plant in may

Flowers to plant in may


What to Plant in May

Your hard work at the beginning of spring is paying off, with all sorts of gorgeous, colorful blooms thriving throughout your garden. Now it's time to up the ante by filling your outdoor space with a vibrant vegetable garden. Tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and peppers are just a few of the delightful veggies we dream of as soon as September rolls around, and May is the perfect time to start planting (or transplanting) your favorites for a season full of hyper-local dining alfresco. And there are always perennial herbs to add throughout the season for an aromatic outdoor space—and kitchen. We've also added a few bold florals to add even more life to your garden this season so you'll never want to leave its resplendent beauty.

1

Tomatoes

Paulo Sousa / EyeEmGetty Images

While those in the deep South could start planting spring's most popular plant in March, May is the perfect time for anyone living in Hardiness Zones 3-10 to start growing their favorite tomato variety once free of lingering early- and mid-spring frosts. If you started growing tomatoes in March, now is a great time to transplant them and ensure they are growing in full sun for the ripest, juiciest tomatoes in the neighborhood.

2

Asters

Liyao XieGetty Images

While asters may look delicate, they are actually very summer hardy and can handle some seriously hot temperatures. This is a great perennial flower to start planting in May for those living in Zones 3-9 if you haven't already. And who doesn't love a lavender bloom reminiscent of a favorite spot in Provence?

3

Herbs

Barbara RichGetty Images

If you've already planted or are preparing to plant tomatoes this year, you might as well plant some aromatic herbs, like basil, to go with all your Caprese salads and gazpachos this summer. May is a ideal month for those across the U. S. to plant any and all of your favorite annual and perennial herbs.

4

Marigolds

Hor Kosal / EyeEmGetty Images

These vibrant beauties bring some sunshine to your garden and are perfect for growing in May, as they also thrive in full sun exposure. These annuals are an excellent low-maintenance plant for anyone living in Zones 2-11.

5

Zucchini (And Other Types of Summer Squash)

ideeoneGetty Images

Dreaming of a summer filled with ratatouille and tian? Now's the perfect time for those in Zones 3-10 to start planting zucchini and other summer squash varieties for an abundant bounty come July. (It's also a good time to transplant your eggplants somewhere sunny).

6

Hibiscus

Renate Frost / EyeEmGetty Images

It's high-time to start making the most of the ever-warming weather and plant a few of your favorite tropical blooms. Hibiscus is a favorite option with a wide variety of beautiful colors and brings an exotic look to yards in Zones 6-11. These flowers just need plenty of space and water to truly thrive in a non-tropical climate. Chinese Hibiscus are especially useful for attracting bees and other pollinators.

7

Pumpkins

Marcia StraubGetty Images

As a gardener, you're always thinking a season (or two) ahead, and now is a great time for those in Zones 3-10 to start growing pumpkins. Those in Zones 3-4 may want to wait until the middle or end of the month to make sure the last frost has come and gone.

8

Lantana

stockcamGetty Images

Lantana flowers are a popular choice for May planting, as they are low-maintenance, are very drought-tolerant, and will keep blooming all season long. These are best for those living in Zones 2-11 looking to enjoy a fun, multi-color pop in the garden.

9

Cabbage

kupicooGetty Images

While cabbage is winter hardy, you may have brought your plants inside for the harshest weather of February and early March. May is an excellent time for those in Zones 3-10 to transplant your cabbage or start growing now for a later harvest. These beauties do best when planted near herbs like dill and rosemary.

10

Purple Echinacea (Coneflower)

Valerie LoiseleuxGetty Images

Purple echinacea, a type of coneflower, is a lovely addition to the summer garden, as it attracts pollinators such as birds and butterflies. Plus, it brings a beautiful and wild look to your outdoor space. Purple coneflowers are great option for those living in Zones 3-9 and just need ample space to spread out and grow!

Lauren Wicks Lauren Wicks is a Birmingham-based writer covering design trends, must-have products, travel inspiration, and entertaining.

What to Plant in May

Type keyword(s) to search

Today's Top Stories

1

The 33 Coziest Designer Bedrooms Ever

2

Why You Need This All-Access Design Program

3

The Best Celebrity Furniture and Home Decor Lines

4

60 Backyard Ideas to Turn Your Space Into Paradise

5

The Best Design Books to Buy Now

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Herbs are on the way.

By Arricca Elin Sansone

By Eve LiveseyGetty Images

Spring is in full swing now, and it’s time to get serious about planting! For warm regions, heat-loving vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplants are ready to go in the ground. But you may need to hold off until the end of the month or later in northern climates, especially if the nights still get down into the 40s. For much of the country, annual flowers can be planted now. For less hardy annuals that don’t like a bit of frost—impatients, for example—wait until after your area’s last expected frost date. Hardy flowers, such as sweet alyssum and snapdragons, will take some cool nights, though not a hard freeze. Check with your local university coop extension service (find yours here) for the last frost date in your area.

Typically, here’s what you can plant in May:

1

Spinach

Alexandra Ribeiro / EyeEmGetty Images

Spinach prefers cool weather and will bolt (go to seed) when temperatures warm up. It’s your last chance to plant this hardy green until fall, so get it in the ground to enjoy baby leaves in a few weeks. Sprinkle seeds in a row, and cover lightly with soil. Keep moist.

Varieties to try: Bloomsdale Longstanding, Space

SHOP NOW

2

Snapdragons

aimintangGetty Images

These pretty annuals have strong upright forms, and they keep blooming all summer long. They're a little more cold-hardy than many other annuals, so you can set them out earlier in the season in northern climates. They also make a long-lasting cut flower for vases.

Varieties to try: Madame Butterfly mix, Tutti Frutti

SHOP NOW

3

Swiss Chard

Inga SpenceGetty Images

This beautiful plant is a good choice for mixing in with ornamentals with its large pale green or bronze leaves and stems in every color of the rainbow. Direct seed, and cover lightly with soil. It prefers cool weather but has some heat tolerance and may overwinter in mild climates. Swiss chard also grows well in containers.

Varieties to try: Bright Lights, Fordhook Giant

SHOP NOW

4

Lobelia

MARIA MOSOLOVA/SPLGetty Images

This low-growing annual loves cooler weather, so enjoy it now before temperatures soar. If it starts to look shaggy, a haircut will help it rebound when the weather cools down again in fall.

Varieties to try: Laguna Ultraviolet, Laguna White

SHOP NOW

5

Beans

bryttaGetty Images

In warm climates, beans can go in the ground at the beginning of the month. Northern climates should wait until the end of the month, as beans don’t germinate well in cool soil. Plant seeds because transplants aren’t usually successful. Bush beans and pole beans, which require a trellis or net to climb, are prolific plants—the more you pick, the more they produce.

Varieties to try: Blue Lake 274 (bush), Seychelles (pole)

SHOP NOW

6

Herbs

Rosmarie WirzGetty Images

Now is the time to get your herbs in pots or beds. Cilantro actually prefers cool weather, and rosemary, parsley and thyme are hardy enough to get in the ground if it’s still cold in your part of the country. Wait for warm nights before planting more tender herbs such as basil.

Varieties to try: Amazel Basil, Lemon Thyme

SHOP NOW

7

Marigolds

Veena NairGetty Images

Marigolds are tried-and-true for a reason: They bloom all season, they're bright and perky, and pests don't bother them. Plant them between edible crops to keep away bugs and bunnies (it sometimes works!). Seeds or transplants are both okay to plant now.

Varieties to try: Queen Sophia, French Vanilla

SHOP NOW

8

Bok Choy

CreativeFireGetty Images

Traditional cabbage takes up a lot of space in your garden, so this is a good alternative since it grows upright. This sturdy Chinese cabbage can be planted from early spring to midsummer. You can clip baby leaves as you would with other greens.

Varieties to try: Black Summer, Joi Choi

SHOP NOW

9

Sweet Alyssum

Iryna_LGetty Images

This delightful annual tolerates cold, so it's fine to plant now if weather is still a bit iffy in your region. Its sweet scent attracts pollinators, and it looks lovely in baskets, containers, or edging walkways.

Varieties to try: Snow Princess, Dark Knight

SHOP NOW

10

Carrots

PhotoAlto/Laurence MoutonGetty Images

Directly sow seeds into the garden after danger of frost has passed. Transplants do not work well. Thin the plants to 3 inches or so between plants. Use scissors to trim off tops, as pulling up seedlings may damage others nearby.

Varieties to try: Danvers, Purple Haze

SHOP NOW

11

Strawberries

Jacky Parker PhotographyGetty Images

These perennials need fertile soil, so make sure you add plenty of compost to your bed. Put transplants in the ground so that the crown, the central growing bud where the leaves emerge, is at soil level. Look for types that are “everbearing,” which means they produce fruit until the first frost. Most types grow well in containers.

Varieties to try: Seascape, Berried Treasure

SHOP NOW

12

Corn

Jose A. Bernat BaceteGetty Images

In most of the country, plant seeds now. Corn needs lots and lots of water, so make sure it’s not too far from your water source (you don’t want to be hauling water too far during dry spells!). Plant in blocks of short rows for proper pollination.

Varieties to try: American Dream, Honey and Cream

SHOP NOW

13

Sorrel

Jenny DettrickGetty Images

Never heard of this heirloom green? Sorrel is making a comeback because it’s pretty, perennial and one of the first greens to appear in spring! Plant it this year to enjoy its tangy, lemony leaves in spring and early summer salads, and look for its return next spring!

Varieties to try: Red-veined, Sorrel

SHOP NOW

14

Cucumbers

VostokGetty Images

Cucumbers are sensitive to cold, so be patient and wait until all danger of frost has passed in your region. Seeds are okay, as plants only need 50 to 60 days to mature.

Varieties to try: Lemon, Diva

SHOP NOW

15

Lavender

Phatthaya Awisu / EyeEmGetty Images

Lavender is a perennial, so it will come back every year. Just make sure to choose a variety that is hardy in your USDA zone. Its sweet scent and long-lasting flowers make every garden a little more romantic! Bonus: Save the dried flower heads to make sachets.

Varieties to try: Grosso, SuperBlue

SHOP NOW

32 Genius Gardening Gifts Ideas for Plant Parents

31 Indoor Plants for the Small-Space Gardener

Liven Up Your Plants With These Garden Ornaments

The 20 Best Grow Lights for Your Plants

How to Get Rid of Dandelions, Once and for All

80 Landscaping Ideas for a Magical Outdoor Space

The Plant Kween and West Elm Launch New Collection

The Cool and Unique Plants to Know About

Cute Watering Cans for Stylish Plant Parents

20 Smart and Stylish Plant Pots

What flowers to plant in May so that they bloom all summer

In May it is very convenient to plant flowers that will delight you in the middle of summer and even in autumn. You give a beautiful garden until frost!

Victoria Zorina

Not only annuals, but also perennials, planted in May and early June, will decorate your garden until autumn.

Contents of the article

Secrets of annual flowers

In May, flowers can and should be planted with seeds. Asters sprout very well, but they are not recommended to be planted where potatoes or tomatoes used to grow: they can get sick.

The planted in May:

Don't worry about them getting cold if the weather isn't settled yet. Seeds need to spend 1-2 weeks to germinate, during which time they will just get used to the ground. It is recommended to water the flower "plots" twice a week so as not to flood and dry the plants. Most annual flowers love the sun, so choose open areas for planting. The first buds will delight everyone in July!

We plant perennial flowers in May

In addition to flowers for one season, more “durable” varieties take root perfectly in May. For example, biennials:

By the way, they will have time to please you with single flowers this year too!

Also in the last month of spring, it is recommended to plant some perennials:

It is interesting that some perennial flowers obtained by breeding retain their properties only for the first year. For example, if you bought lupins of yellow, pink or another uncharacteristic color, then in the first season they will play with different colors, and in the second they will return to their native blue.

What flowers to sow in May directly into the ground?

Gardeners also recommend not to forget about annual varieties of gypsophila, daisies, leucanthemum, purslane. Agrochemist-plant grower Victoria Karelina spoke in a video about varieties of marigolds and cornflowers that can be sown in May in open ground, as well as ornamental cabbage: it can also be sown in open ground, ignoring the assurances of some gardeners that ornamental cabbage should planted in the ground only seedlings. In October-November you will be able to enjoy the huge "roses" of its bright heads of cabbage.

An overview of these and other flowering plants that are suitable for sowing in May and early June in open ground - in the video. Victoria also tells you when you can do without seed stratification:

youtube

Click and watch

30 bright flowers that can be sown outdoors in May

Didn't have time to grow seedlings of flowers? No problem! Sow these pretty ornamental plants directly into the ground.

If you don't like to mess with seedlings, but your soul needs a holiday in the flower garden, May is your time! As soon as the threat of return frosts in your area has finally passed, plant the flowers from this list in the flower bed.

Agrostemma

Agrostemma, also known as cockle, was once considered a noxious weed, but now this graceful annual has managed to win its place in flower beds and flower beds.

Agrostemma is widely used in Mauritanian turf mixtures.

Do not sow cockle near cereals, as it clogs their crops. Given that the seeds of this plant are poisonous, the harvested crop will also be unfit for human consumption. That is why it is worth washing your hands after touching the agrostemma, and collecting seeds, preventing self-sowing.

Seeds germinate at 12°C. Shoots appear in about a week or two. After a few more weeks, the agrostemma should be thinned out.

Agrostemma - "lady" is quite stately. Its height reaches 80-100 cm, and the diameter of the inflorescences is about 5 cm.

Flowering occurs in July-August.

Amaranth

Amaranth (or amaranth) is a showy herbaceous annual that will decorate the garden with orange-red flashes.

Garden amaranths usually grow up to 40-70 cm in height.

When sowing, maintain a distance between seeds of 30 cm or thin out and plant seedlings after the first true leaves appear on them.

Ammobium

Ammobium winged is a popular "chamomile" dried flower among gardeners.

Many grow it from seedlings, however, if desired, it can be sown directly into open ground in May. The air and soil will warm up enough by this point for the seeds to sprout.

Ammobium blooms from July until the very first frost.

Beedens

Bidens is not yet a very common annual in our gardens, but it is definitely worth paying attention to.

Cheerful yellow inflorescences will dilute a mixborder or border with bright colors. Bidens can also be grown in balcony boxes.

Blossoms in the second half of summer and early autumn.

Annual Delphinium

Delphinium needs no introduction. In the people, it is known as a spur or larkspur.

This is an ornamental plant with delicate pink, lilac, white coloring of inflorescences collected in a brush.

Sowing is carried out according to the scheme 30×40 cm. The delphinium will bloom in July and will decorate the garden until the end of September.

Viscaria

Viscaria is a short, profusely flowering annual that is densely covered with small ranunculus-shaped inflorescences of pink, lilac or blue hue from mid-summer to early autumn.

The height of lush bushes is about 20-25 cm, so viscaria can be safely planted in balcony containers.

Helichrysum

Why grow helichrysum through seedlings, if it will sprout well when sown in open ground?

Helichrysum blooms in the second half of summer. If you plan to use it as a dried flower in floral arrangements, the flowers should be cut before the buds open.

Gypsophila

Gypsophila is a charming prude. Its high, up to 80 cm, bushes form translucent white "clouds". This decorative perennial is very fond of florists - it looks great in bouquets.

The best part is that gypsophila is a perennial. Having sown a plant once, you do not have to sow it every year.

Planting scheme - 60×80 cm. Gypsophila blooms all summer.

Godetia

Godetia is an elegant annual for flower beds and bouquets. If it is sown in open ground in May, it will begin to bloom in the second half of July and "live" until the first frost in the fall.

Godetia height - about 30 cm. Planting pattern - 15 × 20 cm.

Dimorfoteka

Dimorfoteka is a low, camomile-like plant. Simple, but tasteful - it's just about these modest flowers.

Sow dimorphoteca in May directly into the open ground, but if there is a threat of frost, the ground can be covered with foil before emergence. When true leaves appear on young plants, they must be seated at a distance of 20 cm from each other.

Dimorphoteca blooms in the second half of summer.

Iberis

Iberis is an excellent perennial for an alpine slide, border or balcony box. It forms low lush "balls" up to 40 cm in diameter, densely dotted with small inflorescences.

Iberis is a chameleon flower. A young plant has inflorescences of a lilac hue, and over time they turn white.

After the appearance of true leaves, the seedlings are thinned out and planted according to the scheme 40 × 40 cm.

Calendula

Calendula is so well known to everyone, even people who are far from floriculture, to need advertising. These pretty flowers are easy to propagate by self-sowing and do not cause any hassle in care.

Pay attention to unusual varieties of a familiar plant. For example, densely double marigolds Prince of India , soft salmon Pink surprise , large-flowered Candyman orange .

Convolvulus

Convolvulus is another name for bindweed tricolor. Interestingly, unlike other fellow bindweeds, it does not curl.

Convolvulus is a plant about 20 cm tall with decumbent stems. Inflorescences, like all bindweeds, resemble bright "gramophones". The color corresponds to the name of the flower - the inflorescences are yellow in the center, then there is a white ring, and along the edges the petals become purple, blue or pink.

Convolvulus blooms in mid-July and, with timely removal of wilted inflorescences, keeps its "shape" all summer.

Planting pattern - 50×60 cm.

Coreopsis

Corepsis has at least one obvious advantage: this perennial blooms in the first year after sowing!

It forms small bushes 40 cm high, completely strewn with fluffy terry inflorescences.

In the phase of the first pair of true leaves, seedlings are planted according to the scheme 30×30 cm.

Cosmidium

Cosmidium is an attractive annual for rock gardens, flowerbeds and miskborders. It blooms throughout the second half of summer, unpretentious, does not require complex care. Just look at the unusual color of its inflorescences: they are maroon with an orange border.

Cosmidium is sown, deepening 0.5 cm into the soil. It is desirable to maintain a distance of at least 15 cm between plants.

Annual flax

Large-flowered flax is an annual "brother" of blue flax. In nature, it can grow up to 110 cm, but in culture it rarely exceeds 30-40 cm in height.

Breeders have bred garden varieties of this decorative flax with inflorescences of snow-white with a red eye, scarlet, pink, blue, blue color.

Feel free to sow annual flax in mixborders and Moorish lawns.

Limnantes

Limnantes Douglas - unfortunately, a rarity in our gardens. It's a pity! This annual is truly multifunctional: it can be sown in borders, mixborders, flower beds, hanging planters and balcony containers.

Its inflorescences are white, lemon-yellow or golden with a snow-white border.

Limnantes needs a sunny site with well-drained but fertile soil. Otherwise, lush flowering can not wait.

Annual poppy

Simple, stylish, recognizable - the poppy can be called a real symbol of summer.

If you are not afraid that this annual, justifying its name, will "conquer" the entire area in a couple of seasons, sow it in the flower garden right now, without delay. Well, even if you are afraid - it's fixable! It is enough just to collect the boxes with seeds in time.

Daisy

Small and daring - this popular expression is quite applicable to a baby daisy! The beauty of this terry miracle lies in the fact that the plant not only decorates the flower garden with beads of bright inflorescences, but is also absolutely non-capricious.

Just sow the seeds in the ground and expect little daisies to appear in the middle of summer.

Matthiola

Mattiola bicornu - the real queen of the night! During the day, modest and inconspicuous, after sunset, she literally subjugates the entire flower garden, dominating among all the smells with her fragrance. It is not surprising that the people call mattiola night violet.

Plant it in mixborders or along paths and don't forget to water on dry days. The reward for such simple care will be a unique aroma that a grateful Mattiola will give you every night.

Nasturtium

Good old nasturtium! One of the most popular vines for a flower garden. It is unpretentious, beautiful, grows quickly, and its flowers can be added to fresh summer salads!

The length of the creeper exceeds 2 m, so the nasturtium will easily twine a pergola or arbor and cover them with a dense green carpet interspersed with bright inflorescences.

Nemesia

Nemesia is a low-growing annual plant about 25 cm high, which is grown in pots on balconies and borders, as well as in the first tier of mixborders.

Nemesia pleasantly surprises by the fact that it blooms quickly after sowing, and by its unpretentiousness in growing conditions and care.

Please note - this flower does not tolerate calcareous soils!

Nemophila

Nemophila is a fantastic beauty. We bet that when you see a field densely dotted with this plant, you will be speechless and reach for your camera to capture this miracle of nature. Nemophila is common in the United States, where it is called the prairie forget-me-not.

Sowing is carried out throughout spring and summer. Depending on when you sow nemophila, it will bloom in summer or autumn. May seedlings usually start flowering in July.

Nigella

Nigella, nigella, Roman coriander, sedan, black cumin are all names for the same ornamental plant.

Nigella is considered a weed in many regions. On the other hand, thanks to the fantasy shape of the inflorescences and openwork foliage, it is loved by florists, not to mention the fact that it is a wonderful honey plant.

Sunflower

Bright, cheerful, simple - sunflower always cheers you up!

The sunflower does not have to be a purely utility plant. Breeders managed to bring out a huge number of the most unusual ornamental varieties of this species.

A selection of the most spectacular of them can be seen in our material:

Reseda

Reseda is a good option for mixborders. This plant can be considered a true classic of nature garden. Reseda is unpretentious, grows well and blooms all summer.

If you want to collect its seeds yourself, cut off the pods as soon as they start to turn yellow and leave them to ripen in a dark place.

Smolevka

Smolevka is a fast growing annual. It forms dense mats, generously decorated with white or pink inflorescences.

It can be grown as an ampelous crop in planters and pots, sown in borders and borders.

Annual chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum is an elegant, luxuriant flower, resistant to all sorts of misfortunes. The choice of varieties of perennial chrysanthemums is huge. There is something to choose from: there are both densely doubled and flowers that look like daisies; and undersized, and real giants, and snow-white, and the brightest colors.

In the case of its annual "sisters", the choice is a little more modest: in culture, as a rule, three types of this annual are grown: chrysanthemum carinatum with double inflorescences on bushes, chrysanthemum coronarium 60-100 cm high, chrysanthemum segetum 40-50 cm high.

In order for chrysanthemums to please with their flowering until mid-autumn, allocate a sunny area in the garden for them and feed them several times during the season.

Echium

Echium, depending on the species, is both a tall plant that will create a reliable “rear” for smaller flowers in a mixborder, and a low herbaceous bush that will get lost in a large flower garden. It is best to plant echium in borders and borders with plants of similar height.

An alternative name for echium is a bruise.

Eschsholzia

Eschscholzia is also called California poppy. This is an interesting annual with simple or double funnel-shaped inflorescences of cheerful orange-red or pink hues.

Learn more