Springtime isn’t the only time for annuals. Fall brings a great opportunity for some fun and colorful annuals that will tolerate the colder temperatures. Everything from ornamental vegetables and colorful mums to fun grasses!
Frost Tolerant Annuals
Frost Tolerant Annuals are annuals that can withstand light frosts and cooler temperatures. They’re planted before the frost date to give their roots time to get established. There could be slight damage to the blooms or foliage if a hard frost occurs or if there’s a temperature drop much below freezing temperatures. In this case, you would want to cover the annuals to prevent this from happening.
Other beautiful fall annuals to consider would be:
Alyssum – Calendula – Cosmos – Diasia – Phlox
Freeze Tolerant Annuals
Freeze Tolerant Annuals are annuals that are able to withstand freezing temperatures and hard frosts (for short periods of time). These annuals are usually planted before the frost date and tend to show little to no damage when experiencing such temperatures and weather. They normally don’t require covering unless there is a prolonged period of hard frosts or freezing temperatures, consecutively.
Other beautiful fall annuals to consider would be:
Osteospermum – African Daisy – Sweet Peas
Semi-Hardy Annuals
Semi-Hardy Annuals are annuals that would be considered perennial in a warmer zone. Depending on what zone you’re in, these semi-hardy annuals can be overwintered during mild winters or in a warm, sunny, and protected spot. The higher number zone you’re in, the better your chance is of this happening. These annuals tend to be very frost and freeze tolerant. However, this doesn’t mean they’re resistant to it, so make sure they’re in a warm and protected area.
Other beautiful fall annuals to consider would be:
Dianthus – Pennisetum Rubrum – Purple Fountain Grass – Primrose – Vinca Vine