Plant these flowers in zone 7 in the fall for early spring blooms!

Nothing beats having gorgeous blooms filling up my farmers market booth in the early spring and helping my customers overcome the slump of winter! One of my favorite strategies to ensure those early blooms, is planting a selection of cool flowers in the fall. Today, I want to share with you some of my top picks for fall-planted flowers that never fail to deliver stunning blooms in early spring. 

But before I share with you my favorite picks, knowing WHEN to transplant your flowers is just as crucial as knowing WHAT to plant. Your optimal planting window is 6-8 weeks prior to your first frost date. Your transplants should be about 6 weeks old when planted. I typically don't direct seed anything on my farm because I'm obsessed with starting seeds and I'm more like to accidentally grow a weed and rip out a flower seedling instead. 

Feverfew is my second favorite flower on our farm, with cupcake cosmos coming in first place. I grow three varieties; magic single, sunny ball, and snow ball. 

Scabiosa, also known as the pincushion flower, is another favorite of mine for early spring blooms. Its unique, pincushion-shaped blooms come in a range of colors, from soft pastels to rich jewel tones, making it a versatile addition to any spring bouquet.

Snapdragons are a classic choice for cut flowers, and for good reason. Their tall spires of colorful blooms add vertical interest to arrangements and their sweet fragrance fills the air with a delightful scent. Be sure to only sow cool season snaps (group 1-2). 


Chinese forget-me-nots are a charming addition to any spring garden. Their tiny, sky-blue flowers are reminiscent of true forget-me-nots, but with a unique twist that sets them apart. I am obsessed with these because they are actually a TRUE blue color and customers LOVE them!

Poppies are a whimsical addition for early spring blooms. Whether you choose traditional red poppies or opt for the softer hues of pink, white, or peach, these show-stopping flowers are sure to make a statement in your spring garden. My favorite variety is Italian Colibri! 

Bells of Ireland are a unique and striking flower that adds a touch of drama to any bouquet. Their tall spikes of green bells are a standout feature in both garden beds and floral arrangements. Sow these seeds in larger 2in soil blocks or transplant them before they get too big. Their roots really don't handle being disturbed too well.

By planting a selection of these beautiful flowers in the fall, you can look forward to a bountiful harvest of blooms to enjoy in the early days of spring. Whether you're filling your home with fresh-cut flowers or simply brightening up your outdoor space, these fall-planted favorites are sure to bring joy and beauty to your garden.

Happy planting, and here's to a blooming spring season ahead!

With love, Linds