The crispness of autumnal days is ideal for tidying flower beds, sowing spring bulbs, and reaping the final harvests from the summer garden. Yet, be cautious with your selections. Even if you’ve snagged a steal on blooms and shrubs at the garden center, the month of October is not the season for planting certain varieties. Some may not have the chance to develop robust root systems before the winter chill sets in and the ground hardens, or they may be prone to frost and won’t survive the initial frost. Opt for spring planting for these plants to ensure they have ample time to become firmly rooted. Before welcoming new flowers and shrubs to your flower beds, consider the following plants that should be avoided during an October planting spree.
Despite evergreens gracing your yard with color throughout the winter, the fall is not the best season to plant broadleaf evergreens such as boxwood, holly, and gardenia. The winter winds parch their leaves, and with the frozen ground, they struggle to absorb the necessary moisture. October is simply too late for these to become well-established before the onset of winter. Hold off until spring, post-first frost, and when soil temperatures rise, to plant these. This will allow them a greater opportunity to acclimate before the next chill.
Canna lilies thrive in warmth and fertile soil; therefore, planting them as temperatures start to decline is not advisable. Vulnerable to frost, it’s best to plant these summer-blooming bulbs in spring. This schedule provides them with the time to grow robust roots and establish themselves over a lengthy growing period. While they can be grown as annuals in many areas, they are perennial in the southern regions, especially within USDA Planting Zones 7-10. For those in cooler climates, dig up canna bulbs and store them indoors to protect them from frost.
Dahlias, which grow from underground tubers, require warm soil to flourish. Planting them as temperatures start to fall is not recommended. Wait until the soil temperature reaches 55ºF or higher to encourage growth. Spring is the ideal time to plant dahlia plants to ensure they develop strong root systems.
Resist the urge to plant sun-loving plants like lavender until the spring when temperatures rise. Cold-tolerant varieties may withstand cold, but planting them before the cold arrives is not ideal. These plants will fare better if given approximately eight weeks to establish before the first frost, making October too late for successful lavender gardening.
Before planting hibiscus in the fall, identify the type. A hardy hibiscus can be planted in October if there’s enough time for it to establish before the first freeze. Tropical hibiscus, however, should not be planted in October. Be aware of what you’re purchasing, as this type does not flourish in cold conditions. They require protection once temperatures drop, so plan to bring these sunny plants indoors to overwinter.
Planting fragrant perennials in October can lead to bulb death in freezing conditions. It’s best to wait until after the last frost in the spring to plant these. This will allow the plants to develop healthy roots and have an entire season to grow. Prior to the arrival of cold weather and the first hard frost, dig them up and store them in a cool, dark indoor location to shield them from frosts and freezes.
While it’s appropriate to plant herbs such as cilantro, dill, parsley, and oregano in October, basil should not be added to the herb garden during this season. This warm-weather herb is too delicate for fall planting, and frost can be fatal. Spring is the best time to plant basil, whether sowing seeds or transplanting it to the garden. If you wish to extend the basil growing season, pot it and move it indoors for the winter, ensuring it receives ample sunlight or artificial light. In extreme cold, move it away from windows to protect it from the chill.
Hardy begonias in Zones 6-9 can withstand cold winter temperatures outdoors, but they are the only type to do so. October is the time to unearth tuberous begonias for drying and winter storage, but it’s not the time to plant them due to their frost sensitivity. Spring is the recommended time, about eight to ten weeks before the last frost. Fibrous begonias, like wax begonias, grow from fibrous roots and do not enter a dormant period in winter, so they are kept as indoor houseplants. Plant them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed in the spring.
