September is a total vibe for planting, especially as the summer heat fades and cooler temperatures roll in. Whether you’re looking to freshen up your garden beds, prepare for a fall garden, or want a head start on spring, now’s the perfect time to get those plants in the ground. Fall’s mild climate and warm soil make it ideal for vegetables and flowering plants, giving them plenty of time to settle before winter hits. So, grab your trowel and dig into the best plants to plant in September!
Best Plants to Plant in September
1. Spring Onions
Spring onions are your best bet if you want fast-growing crops that will add flavor to your yard! They’re easy to grow and can flourish in various soil conditions, making them the ultimate September plant for beginners. Just plant them in well-drained soil and make sure they get full sun exposure. Within weeks, you’ll have fresh green shoots popping up.
These little guys are great for raised beds or containers if you’re low on space. Plant them in September, and you’ll harvest your spring onions by early spring. Plus, they’re perfect for salads, soups, or just snacking straight from the garden!
Spring onions are hardy annuals that can handle cooler temperatures, so don’t worry about the autumn chill—they’ll grow right through the season.
2. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are the show-stoppers you need for that autumn garden glow. Known for their large clusters of colorful blooms, hydrangeas are best planted in September when the ground is still warm, but the sun isn’t scorching. Hydrangeas love partial shade, so find a spot in your garden where they can get a mix of sun and shade throughout the day.
In terms of soil surface, these beauties prefer moist but well-drained soil. Fall is the perfect time for planting because they have enough time to establish their roots before winter. By next summer, you’ll have a thriving hydrangea that adds instant curb appeal with its stunning blooms.
Bonus: The color of hydrangea flowers can change based on your soil’s pH—acidic soil turns them blue, while alkaline gives you pink!
3. Scabious ‘Black Cat’
Ready to add some dramatic flair to your garden? Scabious ‘Black Cat’ is the goth queen of the garden world with deep, dark purple-black blooms that look like something out of a fairytale. September is the perfect time to plant these striking beauties as the soil is still warm enough for them to settle in before the frost comes.
This hardy perennial thrives in well-drained soil and loves full sun. Once established, Scabious will bless your lawn beds with blooms from early summer into autumn. These flowers also attract pollinators, so expect plenty of butterflies and bees fluttering around. They are a perfect addition for those looking to inject some unique color and texture into their fall plantings.
4. Daffodils
If you want a spring flowering bulb that’s practically foolproof, daffodils are the way to go. The best time to grow these is in September before the ground dries. They’re perfect for adding bright pops of yellow in the early spring, just when you need a pick-me-up after a long winter.
Daffodils flourish in well-drained soil and love full sun, though they can handle a bit of partial shade. Grow them at a depth of about three times the size of the bulb for the best results. By next spring, you’ll have gorgeous, sunny blooms popping up in your lawn beds, along paths, or in containers.
These perennials will come back year after year, making them a long-term investment in your garden’s beauty.
5. Pansies
Pansies are an autumn garden must-have because they bloom through fall, into early winter, and even sometimes beyond! These colorful little flowers are incredibly resilient, and September is the best time to seed them. They love the cooler climate and can handle light frosts like a champ.
These flowers are low-maintenance, and while they prefer well-drained soil, they don’t need a lot of fuss. They grow in full sun and partial shade, making them versatile for any lawn setup. With a wide variety of colors—from bright yellow to deep purple—these little gems will brighten up your garden in no time.
6. Cotinus – Smoke Bush
Looking for something with major fall garden drama? Cotinus, or smoke bush, is your go-to option for adding striking foliage to your landscape. The deep orange and purple leaves are stunning in autumn, and the wispy, smoke-like flowers give this plant its signature look.
This shrub thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil, making it perfect for your lawn. It’s a low-maintenance option that will reward you with striking colors year after year.
Planting it in September gives it enough time to establish itself before winter. Come next year, you’ll have a lawn that truly stands out!
7. Euphorbia Oblongata
If you’re into low-maintenance plants that still pack a punch, Euphorbia oblongata is a great choice for September planting. It loves a sunny spot and well-drained soil, and once established, it’s super drought-tolerant—perfect for those of us who forget to water occasionally.
What sets Euphorbia apart is its bright green leaves and unique flower bracts that last from spring to early autumn. It’s an attractive plant that adds height and interest to your garden beds. It also pairs well with other fall flowers like calendula, making it a versatile choice for your garden.
8. Spinach
For veggie lovers, spinach is the ultimate fast-growing crop in September. This leafy green thrives in cooler weathers, making it the perfect candidate for a fall vegetable patch. Just sow the seeds in your raised beds or large containers, and you’ll harvest fresh spinach leaves within weeks.
Spinach loves well-drained soil and partial shade, so ensure it gets enough water and light. One of the great things about spinach is that it’s a cut-and-come-again crop, meaning you can harvest it multiple times throughout the season. Spinach is a no-brainer if you’re looking to get a head start on your fall vegetable patch!
9. Calendula – English or Pot Marigolds
Calendula is one of those must-have hardy annuals for any lawn. It’s a versatile plant that works well in garden beds or large containers. Known for its deep orange petals and long-lasting blooms, it is also a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies. It’s an edible flower, so you can use it to garnish salads and other dishes.
These plants love cool weather and will thrive in September’s mild weather. Grow them in well-drained soil with plenty of sun, and you’ll have a garden bursting with color in no time. Not only does it add beauty, but its petals are also known for their medicinal properties, making it both beautiful and functional!
10. Ammi majus
If you want to add some wildflower vibes to your garden, Ammi Majus is your go-to. Often compared to cow parsley, it produces delicate white blooms that look like lace. It’s perfect for adding a soft, airy feel to your garden beds, and it pairs beautifully with bolder flowers like scabious.
Ammi Majus loves well-drained soil and full sun, but it can tolerate a bit of shade. Plant it in September, and you’ll be rewarded with its stunning, cloud-like flowers by early summer. Plus, it’s great for attracting pollinators, making it a win-win for your garden and the local ecosystem!
Conclusion
September is the best time to get your hands dirty and start planting! From fast-growing crops like spinach to show-stopping blooms like hydrangeas and pansies, a whole world of plants is waiting to thrive in your garden. Whether you’re planting spring flowering bulbs, fall vegetables, or hardy perennials, these plants will set you up for a gorgeous garden next season. So grab your seeds and your shovel, and let’s get planting!
