How to Plant Spring Flowers By Planting Zone

Planting spring flowers according to what planting zone you are in will yield the best results, as each zone has different dates for the last frost of the season and variations in climate. Each zone in North America varies about ten degrees in difference on average, and there are 11 different planting zones. Choosing spring flowers that are hardy for your zone, and planting by planting zone frost dates will give your spring flowers the best chance to thrive. Here's how!

Instructions

1. Check the National Arboretum USDA Planting Zone map (link in resources below) for which planting zone you are in. If you live in an area that is right on the border of two zones, you can call your local Extension Office to see what they advise for planting spring flowers by planting zone.

2. Check the labels on spring flowers when buying to ensure they are hardy for your planting zone. While it may be possible to plant some spring flowers in planting zones more tropical than yours, it will take extra effort and care and will not yield the best results.

3. When planting spring flowers from seed, start your plants indoors about a month to six weeks before the last frost date advised for your planting zone. This will give your spring flowers a head start and bring blooms quicker. If buying plants already started, skip this step.

4. Acclimate your spring flowers to the area they will be planted a few days before transplanting. This will give your spring flowers a chance to adjust to their new home before the shock of transplanting.

5. Transplant your spring flowers on the last frost date advised for your planting zone. Take note on the packaging of your spring flowers how much sunlight your spring flowers will need, watering needs, and what type of fertilizer they may need before planting. You may plant a week or two before the last advised frost date if you pay attention to weather forecasts and protect spring flowers with newspapers on nights it may frost or freeze.

Resources

• eHow Spring Guide
• National Arboretum USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map