Fall is approaching, which means winter is soon after. To make a dent in our spring planting and get the earliest blooms for the spring season, a bit of work starts now! We start many of these seeds indoors, plant them out in the fall, and let them do the work through the winter to store their energy for a stunning spring appearance. Here are a few fall flowers we are starting now for our spring 2025 season in Zone 6a, Michigan.

1. Snapdragon

• Description: Some varieties need cover to survive the cold, but they’re worth the extra effort for their stunning spikes of flowers.

2. Bachelor Buttons

• Description: These hardy annuals are incredibly resilient and add a charming touch with their bright blue flowers.

3. Larkspur

• Description: Larkspur thrives in cooler temperatures, making it an ideal choice for early spring blooms.

4. Love-in-a-Mist

• Description: This whimsical flower is perfect for adding texture and interest to your garden and cut arrangements.

5. White Lace Flower

• Description: Known for its delicate, lace-like appearance, this flower adds a touch of elegance to any bouquet.

6. Feverfew

• Description: Feverfew’s small, daisy-like flowers are not only beautiful but also great for natural remedies.

7. Canterbury Bells

• Description: These bell-shaped flowers are a favorite for their unique shape and long-lasting blooms.

8. Delphinium

• Description: Delphiniums are known for their tall, striking spikes of flowers and are a staple in any perennial garden.

9. Sweet William

• Description: These fragrant flowers are perfect for borders and bouquets, adding a sweet touch to your garden.

10. Foxglove

• Description: With their towering spires and colorful blooms, foxgloves are a must-have for cottage gardens.

11. Black-eyed Susans

• Description: These cheerful yellow flowers are easy to grow and attract pollinators, making them a garden favorite.

12. Yarrow

• Description: Yarrow is known for its feathery foliage and clusters of small, long-lasting blooms, making it a great addition to any cut flower garden.

Depending on your region, row covers may be necessary to protect some of these plants from extreme cold and frost. These covers can help extend the growing season and ensure your plants survive the winter months.

We have learned so much from our cool flower friend Lisa Mason Ziegler and highly recommend her books to help you dive into what can be planted in your zone. For more in-depth information on frost-tolerant flowers and how to grow them, we highly recommend the book Cool Flowers by Lisa Mason Ziegler. This resource is a treasure trove of tips and advice for making the most of your winter garden.

One of our favorite places to buy seeds is Botanical Interests. They offer a wide variety of high-quality seeds that are perfect for your garden needs.

Happy planting, and may your garden be filled with blooms even in the coldest months! If you have any questions or need more tips, feel free to reach out or stop by the Wooded White Cottage.

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