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Plant guides · Month by month

September in the garden.

What to sow and plant in September, then what is in flower and what is in fruit among the plants in our guides. The picks are the app's own monthly planting guide, which matches them to your hardiness zone.

Northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere picks are further down the page.

What to plant in September

  • Ail Allium sativum · vegetable · plant bulbs · zones 3 to 9

    Garlic needs a cold spell in the ground before it will split into cloves, so plant it before the freeze. Set each clove pointed end up, about twice its own depth.

  • Kale Brassica oleracea · vegetable · sow direct · zones 1 to 9

    Frost genuinely improves it, turning the starch in the leaves to sugar. Pick from the bottom up and leave the growing tip alone and one plant crops all winter.

  • Forget-me-not Myosotis sylvatica · flower · sow direct · zones 1 to 9

    Scatter it now under shrubs and around bulbs for a blue haze next spring. It self seeds happily, so one sowing is usually the only one you ever need.

  • Wild Rocket Diplotaxis tenuifolia · vegetable · sow direct · zones 1 to 10

    Slower and more perennial than salad rocket, with a deeper flavor and finer leaf. Sown now it crops through the cold months and comes back for a second year.

  • Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus · bulb · plant bulbs · zones 3 to 9

    Plant the bulbs three times their own depth, and plant them early, because daffodils root before the cold sets in. Leave the leaves to die back naturally afterwards.

  • Japanese Camellia Camellia japonica · shrub · plant out · zones 6 to 10

    Plant it in acid soil out of early morning sun, because thawing too fast is what ruins the flowers. Keep it watered in late summer, when next year buds are being set.

  • Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica · vegetable · sow direct · zones 9 to 13

    You need at least two plants, because a lone tomatillo sets almost no fruit. Pick them when the husk splits and the fruit fills it completely.

  • Cacao Theobroma cacao · tree · plant out · zones 11 to 13

    It grows under taller trees, so plant it into real shade with shelter from wind. The pods grow straight out of the trunk, and the first crop takes about four years.

  • Sesame Sesamum indicum · herb · sow direct · zones 9 to 13

    Sesame wants heat, sun and soil that drains sharply, and it hates wet feet. Cut the whole plant when the lowest pods start to split, then dry it upside down.

  • Tulip Tulipa gesneriana · bulb · plant bulbs · zones 3 to 8

    Tulips go in later than other bulbs, because cold soil helps them avoid disease. Plant them deep, around 20 centimeters, and they are far more likely to return.

  • Chinese wisteria Wisteria sinensis · climber · plant out · zones 5 to 9

    Buy a grafted plant in flower, because a seedling can take twenty years to bloom. Give it a structure that can hold real weight, since an old vine is genuinely heavy.

  • Sage Salvia officinalis · herb · plant out · zones 4 to 10

    Plant it now in a warm dry spot so it settles before the wet arrives. Trim it lightly each spring, but never cut back into old bare wood, because it will not resprout.

  • Michaelmas Daisy Symphyotrichum novi-belgii · flower · plant out · zones 3 to 8

    One of the last things standing when everything else has finished, and butterflies find it every time. Divide the clump every third year or the middle dies out.

  • Sweet Cherry Prunus avium · tree · plant out · zones 3 to 8

    Plant now while the soil is still warm and choose a dwarfing rootstock unless you have space. Netting is not optional, because birds will find the fruit before you do.

  • Laurustinus Viburnum tinus · shrub · plant out · zones 7 to 10

    Evergreen, quietly tough and it flowers right through the cold months. It makes a good informal hedge and copes with shade and coastal wind.

  • Soursop Annona muricata · tree · plant out · zones 10 to 13

    A small tree that fits an ordinary garden and fruits within three or four years. It needs warmth and humidity and will not forgive even a light frost.

  • Black Pepper Piper nigrum · climber · plant out · zones 10 to 13

    A vine that wants a rough barked tree or post to cling to and shade for its roots. Plant it now and expect the first spikes of peppercorns in about three years.

  • Crimson Clover Trifolium incarnatum · flower · sow direct · zones 1 to 9

    Sow it over any empty bed to hold the soil and fix nitrogen through winter. Let it flower for the bees in spring, then cut it down before it sets seed.

  • Snowdrop Galanthus nivalis · bulb · plant bulbs · zones 3 to 8

    Dry snowdrop bulbs establish poorly, so plant them early and deep and keep them damp. Better still, move them as growing clumps once they have flowered.

  • Blue Oat Grass Helictotrichon sempervirens · grass · plant out · zones 4 to 9

    An evergreen blue hedgehog of a grass that keeps its shape all winter. Give it sharp drainage and full sun, and comb it through rather than cutting it back.

  • Sweet Rocket Hesperis matronalis · flower · sow direct · zones 1 to 9

    An old cottage garden biennial whose scent arrives in the evening. Sow it now in a half shady spot and it will seed itself around gently from then on.

  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia · tree · plant out · zones 1 to 7

    Small enough for any garden, hardy to the far north, and loaded with berries that birds strip in weeks. Plant it now so the roots move while the soil is still warm.

  • Nutmeg Myristica fragrans · tree · plant out · zones 11 to 13

    It wants good shade when young, constant humidity and soil that never dries out. Trees are male or female, so plant several and once they flower, keep mostly females plus at least one male to pollinate them.

In flower in September

  • African Marigold Tagetes erecta

    Early summer to first frost · yellow, orange, gold

  • African violet Saintpaulia ionantha

    Spring to autumn · purple, violet, blue

  • African Violet Streptocarpus ionanthus

    Year round with proper care · purple, violet, white, pink

  • American burnweed Erechtites hieraciifolius

    Mid summer to early autumn · white, cream

  • Anthurium Anthurium andraeanum

    Year round under ideal conditions · red, pink, white, salmon

  • Asiatic dayflower Commelina communis

    Mid summer to early autumn · blue, white

  • Autumn hawkbit Scorzoneroides autumnalis

    Mid summer to late autumn · yellow

  • Autumn sage Salvia greggii

    Late spring to first frost · red, pink, white, purple, coral

  • Baby sage Salvia microphylla

    Late spring through fall · red, pink, magenta

  • Bat-faced cuphea Cuphea llavea

    Late spring to first frost · red, purple

  • Beach naupaka Scaevola taccada

    Year round in tropical climates · white

  • Beggarticks Bidens alba

    Year round in warm climates · white, yellow

  • Big bluestem Andropogon gerardi

    Late summer to early autumn · purple, red, tan

  • Black bat flower Tacca chantrieri

    Mid summer to early autumn · purple, black

  • Black nightshade Solanum nigrum

    Mid summer to early autumn · white

  • Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta

    Early summer to mid autumn · yellow, brown

  • Blanket flower Gaillardia grandiflora

    Early summer to mid autumn · red, orange, yellow

  • Blue Mistflower Conoclinium coelestinum

    Late summer to mid autumn · blue, violet, lavender

  • Blue vervain Verbena hastata

    Mid to late summer · purple, blue

  • Boojum tree Fouquieria columnaris

    Late summer to early autumn · yellow, cream

  • Bougainvillea

    Spring to autumn · pink, purple, red, white, orange, yellow

  • Bristly lady's thumb Persicaria longiseta

    Mid summer to late autumn · pink, magenta

  • Bugbane Actaea simplex

    Late summer to mid autumn · white, pale pink

  • Busy Lizzie Impatiens

    Late spring to first frost · pink, red, white, purple, orange

  • Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii

    Mid summer to early autumn · purple, pink, white, blue

  • California sagebrush Artemisia californica

    Late summer to autumn · yellow

  • Canadian horseweed Erigeron canadensis

    Mid summer to mid autumn · white, yellow

  • Canna lily Canna × generalis

    Mid summer to late autumn · red, orange, yellow, pink, white

  • Canna Lily Canna indica

    Mid summer to late autumn · red, orange, yellow

  • Cannabis Cannabis sativa

    Late summer to early autumn · white, green, yellow

  • Cannonball tree Couroupita guianensis

    Year round in tropical climates · pink, red, yellow

  • Cape Gooseberry Physalis peruviana

    Mid summer to early autumn · yellow

  • Carob Ceratonia siliqua

    Late summer to early autumn · red, yellow

  • Cassava Manihot esculenta

    Late summer to autumn · white, yellow

  • Chayote Sechium edule

    Late summer to autumn · white, green

  • Chenille plant Acalypha hispida

    Spring to autumn · red

  • China aster Callistephus chinensis

    Mid summer to late autumn · white, pink, red, purple, blue, yellow

  • Chinese elm Ulmus parvifolia

    Late summer to early autumn · green, yellow

  • Chinese hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

    Spring to autumn · red, pink, orange, yellow, white

  • Chinese silver grass Miscanthus sinensis

    Late summer to mid autumn · silver, pink, white, copper

  • Chinese trumpet vine Campsis grandiflora

    Mid summer to early autumn · orange, red

  • Chocolate cosmos Cosmos atrosanguineus

    Mid summer to late autumn · deep maroon, chocolate brown

  • Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum × morifolium

    Late summer to late autumn · white, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, bronze

  • Coast Banksia Banksia integrifolia

    Throughout the year, peaking in autumn and winter. · pale yellow

  • Coleus Plectranthus scutellarioides

    Late summer to early autumn · blue, white

  • Common boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum

    Mid to late summer · white

  • Common Chickweed Stellaria media

    Early spring to late autumn · white

  • Common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica

    Mid to late summer · yellow

  • Common groundsel Senecio vulgaris

    Year round in mild climates · yellow

  • Common morning glory Ipomoea purpurea

    Early summer to first frost · purple, blue, pink, white

  • Common ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia

    Mid summer to late autumn · green, yellow

  • Common reed Phragmites australis

    Late summer to early autumn · purple, brown, tan

  • Common sneezeweed Helenium autumnale

    Late summer to mid autumn · yellow, gold

  • Cone plant Conophytum bilobum

    Late summer to autumn · yellow

  • Coral vine Antigonon leptopus

    Late spring to first frost · pink, white

  • Coyote brush Baccharis pilularis

    Late summer to late autumn · white, cream

  • Crimson Cattleya Cattleya labiata

    Late summer to autumn · lavender, pink, white

  • Cup and Saucer Vine Cobaea scandens

    Mid summer to late autumn · purple, greenish-white

  • Cutleaf coneflower Rudbeckia laciniata

    Mid summer to early autumn · yellow

  • Dahlia Dahlia pinnata

    Mid summer to first frost · red, pink, yellow, white, purple, orange

  • Dakota mock vervain Glandularia bipinnatifida

    Spring to fall · purple, lavender, pink

  • Devil's bit scabious Succisa pratensis

    Mid summer to mid autumn · blue, violet

  • Eastern baccharis Baccharis halimifolia

    Late summer to early autumn · white, cream

  • English Ivy Hedera helix

    Late summer to mid autumn · yellowish green

  • False daisy Eclipta prostrata

    Mid summer to late autumn · white

  • False heather Cuphea hyssopifolia

    Spring to fall · purple, pink, white

  • Firecracker flower Crossandra infundibuliformis

    Spring to fall · orange, apricot, coral

  • Firecracker plant Russelia equisetiformis

    Spring to fall · red, coral

  • Flowering Maple Abutilon × hybridum

    Spring to late autumn · red, orange, yellow, pink, white

  • Fountain Grass Cenchrus alopecuroides

    Late summer to mid autumn · silver, pink, purple

  • Four o'clock flower Mirabilis jalapa

    Mid summer to late autumn · pink, yellow, white, red, variegated

  • Fragrant plantain lily Hosta plantaginea

    Late summer to early autumn · white

  • Frostweed Verbesina virginica

    Late summer to mid autumn · white

  • Garden cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus

    Mid summer to first frost · pink, white, red, magenta

  • Garden Petunia Petunia hybrida

    Late spring to first frost · purple, pink, white, red, yellow, blue

  • Giant knotweed Reynoutria sachalinensis

    Late summer to early autumn · white, creamy white

  • Giant ragweed Ambrosia trifida

    Mid summer to early autumn · green, yellow

  • Giant reed Arundo donax

    Late summer to autumn · silver, purple

  • Ginger Zingiber officinale

    Late summer to early autumn · yellow, green, purple

  • ginger lily Zingiber spectabile

    Late summer to autumn · yellow, red

  • Ginger lily Hedychium

    Late summer to autumn · white, yellow, orange, red

  • Globe thistle Echinops ritro

    Mid to late summer · blue, steel blue

  • Glossy abelia Abelia chinensis

    Mid summer to early autumn · white, pink

  • Goldenrod Solidago

    Late summer to mid autumn · yellow

  • Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica

    Mid summer to early autumn · blue, white

  • green foxtail Setaria viridis

    Mid summer to early autumn · green, purple

  • Gypsywort Lycopus europaeus

    Mid to late summer · white

  • Hardy Fuchsia Fuchsia magellanica

    Mid summer to late autumn · red, purple

  • Heather Calluna vulgaris

    Late summer to mid autumn · pink, purple, white

  • Hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum

    Mid summer to early autumn · pink, pale purple

  • Ice Plant Hylotelephium spectabile

    Late summer to mid autumn · pink, rose, white

  • Indian blanket Gaillardia pulchella

    Late spring to first frost · red, yellow, orange

  • Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans

    Late summer to mid autumn · yellow, bronze

  • Ivy-leaved cyclamen Cyclamen hederifolium

    Late summer to mid autumn · pink, white

  • Japanese hop Humulus scandens

    Mid to late summer · green, yellow

  • Japanese knotweed Reynoutria japonica

    Late summer to early autumn · white, cream

  • Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum

    Late summer to early autumn · green, yellow

  • Jerusalem artichoke Helianthus tuberosus

    Late summer to mid autumn · yellow

  • Jimsonweed Datura stramonium

    Mid summer to early autumn · white, purple

  • Johnsongrass Sorghum halepense

    Mid to late summer · purple, green

  • Jumpseed Persicaria virginiana

    Late summer to early autumn · white, red

  • Jungle Geranium Ixora coccinea

    Year round in warm climates · red, orange, yellow

  • Knotweed Persicaria

    Mid summer to mid autumn · pink, white, red

  • Kratom Mitragyna speciosa

    Late summer to autumn · yellow

  • Kudzu Pueraria montana

    Late summer to early autumn · purple, violet

  • Lantana Lantana camara

    Late spring to first frost · yellow, orange, red, pink, white

  • Large crabgrass Digitaria sanguinalis

    Mid summer to early autumn · green, purple

  • Late flowering thoroughwort Eupatorium serotinum

    Late summer to mid autumn · white

  • Lesser burdock Arctium minus

    Mid to late summer · purple, pink

  • Lion's Ear Leonotis leonurus

    Late summer to autumn · orange

  • Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium

    Late summer to fall · silver, purple

  • Living stones Lithops lesliei

    Late summer to mid autumn · yellow

  • Love lies bleeding Amaranthus caudatus

    Mid summer to early autumn · red, pink, green

  • Marigold Tagetes

    Late spring to first frost · yellow, orange, red, mahogany, bicolor

  • Maypop Passiflora incarnata

    Mid summer to early autumn · white, purple, lavender

  • Mexican bush sage Salvia leucantha

    Late summer to late autumn · purple, white

  • Mexican fleabane Erigeron karvinskianus

    Late spring to late autumn · white, pink

  • Michaelmas Daisy Symphyotrichum novi-belgii

    Late summer to mid autumn · purple, blue, pink, white

  • Mint Mentha

    Mid to late summer · lavender, pink, white

  • Miscanthus

    Late summer to mid autumn · silver, pink, white

  • Morning Glory Ipomoea

    Early summer to first frost · blue, purple, pink, white, red

  • Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris

    Mid to late summer · yellowish, reddish brown

  • Narrowleaf zinnia Zinnia angustifolia

    Early summer to first frost · orange, yellow, white

  • Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus

    Early summer to first frost · orange, red, yellow

  • Neptune grass Posidonia oceanica

    Autumn · greenish

  • New England aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

    Late summer to mid autumn · purple, pink, white

  • New Zealand hebe Veronica speciosa

    Mid summer to late autumn · purple, violet, pink

  • Obedient plant Physostegia virginiana

    Mid to late summer · pink, lavender, white

  • Orange jewelweed Impatiens capensis

    Mid summer to early autumn · orange, yellow

  • Pampas Grass Cortaderia selloana

    Late summer to mid autumn · white, cream, pink

  • Panicle Hydrangea Hydrangea paniculata

    Mid summer to late autumn · white, cream, pink, lime

  • Papaya Carica papaya

    Year round in tropical climates · white, yellow

  • Papyrus Cyperus papyrus

    Late summer to early autumn · brown, green

  • Parrot flower Impatiens psittacina

    Late summer to autumn · purple, pink, white

  • Passion Flower Passiflora

    Mid summer to early autumn · white, purple, blue

  • Pearly everlasting Anaphalis margaritacea

    Mid to late summer · white, yellow

  • perennial sowthistle Sonchus arvensis

    Mid summer to early autumn · yellow

  • Perilla Perilla frutescens

    Late summer to early autumn · white, pink

  • Persian speedwell Veronica persica

    Early spring to late autumn · bright blue, white

  • Pigeon Pea Cajanus cajan

    Late summer to autumn · yellow, red

  • Pineapple lily Eucomis comosa

    Mid to late summer · green, purple

  • Polka Dot Plant Hypoestes phyllostachya

    Late summer to early autumn · lavender, pink, white

  • Purple bell vine Rhodochiton atrosanguineus

    Mid summer to late autumn · purple, black

  • Purple cyclamen Cyclamen purpurascens

    Mid summer to mid autumn · pink, magenta

  • Purple pampas grass Cortaderia jubata

    Late summer to autumn · pink, white

  • Purpletop vervain Verbena bonariensis

    Mid summer to late autumn · lavender, purple

  • Rainbow eucalyptus Eucalyptus deglupta

    Late summer to autumn · white, cream

  • Red spider lily Lycoris radiata

    Late summer to early autumn · red

  • redroot pigweed Amaranthus retroflexus

    Mid summer to early autumn · green

  • Redshank Persicaria maculosa

    Mid summer to mid autumn · pink, white

  • Rosary pea Abrus precatorius

    Late summer to early autumn · pink, white, lavender

  • Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus

    Mid summer to early autumn · purple, pink, white, blue

  • Roselle Hibiscus sabdariffa

    Late summer to autumn · yellow, white, pink

  • Rough cocklebur Xanthium strumarium

    Mid to late summer · green, yellow

  • Rubber rabbitbrush Ericameria nauseosa

    Late summer to mid autumn · yellow

  • Sandbur Cenchrus echinatus

    Summer to autumn · green, straw

  • Saw Banksia Banksia serrata

    Late summer to early winter · yellow, cream

  • Scarlet sage Salvia splendens

    Late spring to first frost · red, pink, purple, white

  • Sea hibiscus Talipariti tiliaceum

    Year round in tropical climates · yellow, red

  • Sea purslane Sesuvium portulacastrum

    Spring to fall · pink, purple

  • Sedum

    Late summer to mid autumn · pink, red, white, yellow

  • Silk floss tree Ceiba speciosa

    Late summer to early winter · pink, white, purple

  • Silver cockscomb Celosia argentea

    Mid summer to late autumn · red, pink, yellow, orange, purple

  • Smooth Blue Aster Symphyotrichum laeve

    Late summer to mid autumn · lavender, blue, violet

  • Spanish dagger Yucca gloriosa

    Late summer to early autumn · creamy white, greenish white

  • Spanish Shawl Heterocentron elegans

    Spring to fall · pink, magenta

  • Spearmint Mentha spicata

    Mid to late summer · lavender, pink, white

  • Spider flower Cleome

    Mid summer to early autumn · pink, purple, white

  • spiny amaranth Amaranthus spinosus

    Mid summer to early autumn · green, yellow

  • Spur flower Plectranthus

    Late summer to autumn · purple, blue, white

  • Straggler daisy Calyptocarpus vialis

    Spring to fall · yellow

  • String of pearls Curio rowleyanus

    Late summer to early autumn · white

  • Sweet Alyssum Lobularia maritima

    Late spring to frost · white, purple, pink

  • Sweet olive Osmanthus fragrans

    Late summer to autumn · white, yellow, orange

  • Sweet Potato Ipomoea batatas

    Mid to late summer · pink, white, lavender

  • Switchgrass Panicum virgatum

    Late summer to early autumn · pink, copper, purple

  • Teak Tectona grandis

    Late summer to early autumn · white

  • Telegraph plant Codariocalyx motorius

    Mid to late summer · purple, white

  • Texas Sage Leucophyllum frutescens

    Summer to autumn · pink, purple

  • Tiger Jaws Faucaria tigrina

    Late summer to autumn · yellow

  • Trailing Lantana Lantana montevidensis

    Spring to first frost · lavender, purple

  • Trumpet tree Cecropia peltata

    Year round · green, white

  • Turk's cap Malvaviscus arboreus

    Year round in warm climates · red

  • Turkey berry Solanum torvum

    Year round in tropical climates · white

  • Turmeric Curcuma longa

    Mid to late summer · white, pink, yellow

  • Turtlehead Chelone glabra

    Late summer to mid autumn · white, pale pink

  • Variegated Lilyturf Liriope muscari

    Late summer to early autumn · purple, lavender

  • Vetiver Chrysopogon zizanioides

    Late summer to autumn · purple, brown

  • Vinca Catharanthus roseus

    Late spring to first frost · pink, white, lavender, red

  • Water Mint Mentha aquatica

    Mid to late summer · lilac, pink

  • Water pepper Persicaria hydropiper

    Mid summer to early autumn · green, pink

  • Wax Begonia Begonia cucullata

    Spring to autumn · pink, white, red

  • Wax vine Hoya linearis

    Late summer to early autumn · white, cream

  • White Snakeroot Ageratina altissima

    Late summer to mid autumn · white

  • White vervain Verbena urticifolia

    Mid to late summer · white, pale blue

  • Winged Bean Psophocarpus tetragonolobus

    Late summer to autumn · blue, white, purple

  • Winged primrose-willow Ludwigia decurrens

    Mid to late summer · yellow

  • Wingstem Verbesina alternifolia

    Late summer to early autumn · white, yellow

  • Yellow Bells Tecoma stans

    Spring to fall · yellow

  • Abelia

    Late spring to mid autumn · white, pinkish-white

  • Acai palm Euterpe oleracea

    Year round in tropical climates · white, cream

  • Acerola Malpighia emarginata

    Spring to fall · pink, white

  • African oil palm Elaeis guineensis

    Year round in tropical climates · yellow, cream

  • Alligator weed Alternanthera philoxeroides

    Late spring to early autumn · white

  • American senna Senna hebecarpa

    Mid to late summer · yellow

  • Annual bluegrass Poa annua

    Early spring to late autumn · green, white

  • Ashwagandha Withania somnifera

    Mid to late summer · green, yellow

  • Asparagus fern Asparagus densiflorus

    Mid to late summer · white, pale pink

  • Autumn Crocus Colchicum autumnale

    Early to mid autumn · pink, purple, white

  • Balloon flower Platycodon grandiflorus

    Mid to late summer · blue, purple, white, pink

  • Balloon plant Gomphocarpus physocarpus

    Summer to autumn · white

  • Banana Musa × paradisiaca

    Year round in tropical climates · purple, yellow

  • Barnyard grass Echinochloa crus-galli

    Mid summer to early autumn · green, purple

  • Basil Ocimum basilicum

    Mid to late summer · white, pink

  • Begonia

    Spring to autumn · pink, red, white, yellow

  • Begonia Begonia × tuberhybrida

    Late spring to first frost · red, pink, yellow, orange, white

  • Bell Heather Erica cinerea

    Mid summer to early autumn · purple, pink, white

  • Bitter Melon Momordica charantia

    Summer to early autumn · yellow

  • Bitter sneezeweed Helenium amarum

    Late spring to early autumn · yellow

  • bittersweet nightshade Solanum dulcamara

    Late spring to early autumn · purple, yellow

  • black bindweed Fallopia convolvulus

    Mid summer to early autumn · white, green

  • Black eyed susan vine Thunbergia alata

    Late spring to autumn · orange, yellow, white

  • Black horehound Ballota nigra

    Mid to late summer · purplish pink, white

  • Black knapweed Centaurea nigra

    Early summer to early autumn · purple, pink

  • Black medic Medicago lupulina

    Late spring to early autumn · yellow

  • Black Mondo Grass Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'

    Mid to late summer · white, pale lilac

  • Blanket flower Gaillardia aristata

    Early summer to early autumn · red, orange, yellow

  • Blazing star Liatris spicata

    Mid to late summer · purple, white

  • Blue daze Evolvulus glomeratus

    Late spring to early autumn · blue

  • Blue grama Bouteloua gracilis

    Mid to late summer · tan, purple

  • Blue vanda Vanda coerulea

    Late summer to winter · blue, violet

  • Borage Borago officinalis

    Late spring to early autumn · blue, white

  • Bottle Gourd Lagenaria siceraria siceraria

    Mid to late summer · white

  • Bougainvillea Bougainvillea glabra

    Spring to autumn · pink, purple, white

  • Breadfruit Artocarpus altilis

    Year round in tropical climates · yellow, green

  • Bristly oxtongue Helminthotheca echioides

    Late spring to early autumn · yellow

  • Broad-leaved willowherb Epilobium montanum

    Mid to late summer · pink, white

  • Broadleaf cattail Typha latifolia

    Mid to late summer · brown

  • Browallia Browallia americana

    Summer to early autumn · blue, violet, white

  • Bulbous rush Juncus bulbosus

    Mid to late summer · brown, green

  • Bull thistle Cirsium vulgare

    Mid summer to early autumn · purple, pink

  • Busy Lizzie Impatiens walleriana

    Late spring to first frost · pink, red, white, purple, orange

  • Butternut Squash Cucurbita moschata

    Mid summer to early autumn · yellow

  • Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis

    Mid to late summer · white

  • Cacao Theobroma cacao

    Year round in optimal conditions · white, pink

  • Canada thistle Cirsium arvense

    Late spring to early autumn · purple, pink, white

  • Cape honeysuckle Tecoma capensis

    Late summer to winter · orange, red, yellow

  • Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis

    Mid to late summer · red

  • Carolina horsenettle Solanum carolinense

    Late spring to early autumn · white, pale violet

  • Carrot Daucus carota

    Late spring to early autumn · white

  • Castor bean Ricinus communis

    Mid summer to early autumn · red, green

  • Catnip Nepeta cataria

    Late spring to early autumn · white, pale purple

  • catsear Hypochaeris radicata

    Late spring to autumn · yellow

  • Celery Apium graveolens

    Mid to late summer · white, greenish-white

  • Ceylon spinach Talinum fruticosum

    Late spring to early autumn · pink

  • Chicory Cichorium intybus

    Mid summer to early autumn · blue, white

  • Chili pepper Capsicum

    Early to late summer · white

  • Cider gum Eucalyptus gunnii

    Mid to late summer · white, cream

  • Coconut Palm Cocos nucifera

    Year round in tropical climates · yellow, cream

  • Common agapanthus Agapanthus praecox

    Mid to late summer · blue, white

  • Common bird's-foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus

    Late spring to early autumn · yellow, orange

  • Common honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum

    Early summer to early autumn · creamy yellow, pink, red

  • Common jasmine Jasminum officinale

    Late spring to early autumn · white

  • Common mallow Malva sylvestris

    Late spring to early autumn · purple, pink

  • Common orache Atriplex patula

    Mid summer to early autumn · green, yellowish

  • Common ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris

    Mid summer to early autumn · yellow

  • Common soapwort Saponaria officinalis

    Mid summer to early autumn · pink, white

  • Common sowthistle Sonchus oleraceus

    Spring to autumn · yellow

  • Common toadflax Linaria vulgaris

    Late spring to early autumn · yellow, orange

  • Common water plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica

    Mid to late summer · white, pale pink

  • Cotton thistle Onopordum acanthium

    Mid to late summer · purple, pink

  • Courgette Cucurbita pepo

    Mid summer to early autumn · yellow

  • Cranefly orchid Tipularia discolor

    Mid to late summer · greenish brown, purple

  • Crape myrtle Lagerstroemia indica

    Mid summer to early autumn · pink, red, white, purple

  • Creeping bentgrass Agrostis stolonifera

    Mid to late summer · green, purple

  • creeping cinquefoil Potentilla reptans

    Late spring to early autumn · yellow

  • Creeping Oxalis Oxalis corniculata

    Spring to autumn · yellow

  • Creeping Spurge Euphorbia serpens

    Spring to fall · white, pink

  • cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix

    Mid summer to early autumn · pink, white

  • Crown of Thorns Euphorbia milii

    Year round in warm climates · red, pink, yellow, white

  • Cucumber Cucumis sativus

    Early to late summer · yellow

  • Cupuacu Theobroma grandiflorum

    Mainly in the dry season (about July to December in the native range) · dark red, maroon

  • Dandelion Taraxacum officinale

    Early spring to late autumn · yellow

  • Devil's apple Solanum linnaeanum

    Spring to autumn · purple, violet

  • Dill Anethum graveolens

    Mid to late summer · yellow

  • Downy rattlesnake plantain Goodyera pubescens

    Mid to late summer · white

  • Dwarf banana Musa acuminata 'Dwarf Cavendish'

    Year round in tropical climates · purple, yellow

  • Eelgrass Zostera marina

    Mid to late summer · green

  • Egyptian blue water lily Nymphaea nouchali

    Late spring to early autumn · blue, violet, white

  • Eurasian watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum

    Mid to late summer · red, yellow

  • Fairy Fan-flower Scaevola aemula

    Late spring to early autumn · blue, purple, white

  • Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium

    Mid summer to early autumn · white, yellow

  • Field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis

    Late spring to early autumn · white, pink

  • Field madder Sherardia arvensis

    Late spring to early autumn · pink, lilac

  • Field pansy Viola arvensis

    Early spring to late autumn · white, yellow, pale violet

  • Field scabious Knautia arvensis

    Late spring to early autumn · lavender, pink, purple

  • Fireweed Chamerion angustifolium

    Mid summer to early autumn · pink, magenta

  • Fish poison tree Barringtonia asiatica

    Year round with peaks in spring and summer · white, pink

  • Flamingo Flower Anthurium

    Year round under ideal conditions · red, pink, white, green

  • Florence Fennel Foeniculum vulgare

    Mid to late summer · yellow

  • Flowering Spurge Euphorbia corollata

    Late spring to early autumn · white

  • Flowering Tobacco Nicotiana alata

    Summer to early autumn · white, lime, pink, red

  • Fool's watercress Helosciadium nodiflorum

    Mid to late summer · white

  • Frangipani Plumeria

    Late spring to early autumn · white, yellow, pink, red

  • fringed willowherb Epilobium ciliatum

    Mid summer to early autumn · pink, white

  • Fuchsia

    Late spring to mid autumn · pink, purple, white, red

  • Fukien Tea Carmona retusa

    Intermittent throughout the year · white

  • Galangal Alpinia galanga

    Mid to late summer · white, green

  • Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata

    Mid to late summer · pink, purple, white, red

  • Gazania Gazania rigens

    Late spring to early autumn · yellow, orange, bronze, red, white

  • Geranium Pelargonium

    Spring to autumn · red, pink, white, purple

  • Geranium Pelargonium x hortorum

    Spring to autumn · red, pink, white, salmon, purple

  • Geranium Pelargonium zonale

    Spring to autumn · red, pink, white, salmon

  • Ghost orchid Dendrophylax lindenii

    Mid to late summer · white

  • Giant Waterlily Victoria amazonica

    Mid to late summer · white, pink

  • Glory lily Gloriosa superba

    Mid to late summer · red, yellow

  • Golden trumpet Allamanda cathartica

    Spring to fall · yellow

  • Goosegrass Eleusine indica

    Mid spring to late autumn · green

  • Grass family Poaceae

    Mid to late summer · tan, silver, purple

  • Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum

    Mid to late summer · pink, magenta

  • Greater Plantain Plantago major

    Late spring to early autumn · green, brown

  • Guascas Galinsoga parviflora

    Late spring to autumn · white, yellow

  • Habanero pepper Capsicum chinense

    Mid to late summer · white, greenish-white

  • hairy brome Bromus ramosus

    Mid to late summer · green, brown

  • Hare's foot clover Trifolium arvense

    Late spring to early autumn · pink, white

  • harebell Campanula rotundifolia

    Early summer to early autumn · blue, violet

  • Hawaiian baby woodrose Argyreia nervosa

    Mid to late summer · purple, lavender, white

  • Heath rush Juncus squarrosus

    Mid to late summer · brown

  • hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium

    Late spring to early autumn · white, pale pink

  • henbit Lamium amplexicaule

    Early spring to late autumn · pink, purple

  • Herb Robert Geranium robertianum

    Late spring to early autumn · pink, magenta

  • Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera

    Mid summer to early autumn · pink, purple, white

  • Holy Basil Ocimum tenuiflorum

    Mid to late summer · pink, purple, white

  • Hops Humulus lupulus

    Mid to late summer · green, yellow

  • Horned melon Cucumis metuliferus

    Mid to late summer · yellow

  • Indian tobacco Lobelia inflata

    Mid summer to early fall · pale blue, white

  • Italian leather flower Clematis viticella

    Mid summer to early autumn · purple, violet, blue, pink

  • Ivy-leaved geranium Pelargonium peltatum

    Spring to autumn · pink, red, white, lavender

  • Ivy-leaved toadflax Cymbalaria muralis

    Late spring to early autumn · lilac, purple, white

  • Jasmine Jasminum sambac

    Spring to autumn · white

  • Jatropha

    Spring to fall · red, pink

  • Jewels of Opar Talinum paniculatum

    Late spring to early autumn · pink, magenta

  • Jícama Pachyrhizus erosus

    Mid to late summer · white, blue, purple

  • Job's tears Coix lacryma-jobi

    Mid to late summer · white, green

  • jointleaf rush Juncus articulatus

    Mid to late summer · brown, green

  • Kangaroo paw Anigozanthos flavidus

    Late spring to mid autumn · yellow, green, red, orange

  • Lace Aloe Aloe aristata

    Mid to late summer · orange, red

  • Lambs quarters Chenopodium album

    Mid summer to early autumn · green

  • Large bindweed Calystegia silvatica

    Mid summer to early autumn · white

  • Leek Allium ampeloprasum

    Mid to late summer · pink, white, purple

  • Lemon Citrus limon

    Intermittent throughout the year · white, purple

  • Lemon verbena Aloysia citrodora

    Mid to late summer · white, pale lilac

  • Lesser Galangal Alpinia officinarum

    Mid to late summer · white, red

  • Lesser spearwort Ranunculus flammula

    Late spring to early autumn · yellow

  • Licorice plant Helichrysum petiolare

    Mid to late summer · cream, white

  • Lisianthus Eustoma russellianum

    Mid to late summer · purple, pink, white, bicolor

  • Luffa Luffa aegyptiaca

    Mid to late summer · yellow

  • Malabar spinach Basella alba

    Mid to late summer · white, pink

  • Mandevilla Mandevilla sanderi

    Late spring to early autumn · pink, red, white

  • Marram grass Ammophila arenaria

    Mid to late summer · pale-brown, straw

  • marsh cudweed Gnaphalium uliginosum

    Mid to late summer · yellow, white

  • Marsh woundwort Stachys palustris

    Mid to late summer · pink, purple

  • Mexican hat Ratibida columnifera

    Early summer to early autumn · yellow, red, brown

  • Mexican petunia Ruellia simplex

    Late spring to early fall · violet, blue, white, pink

  • Miracle berry Synsepalum dulcificum

    Sporadic throughout the year · white

  • Mondo grass Ophiopogon japonicus

    Mid to late summer · white, pale lilac

  • Monkey face orchid Dracula simia

    Year round · brown, orange, yellow

  • Montbretia Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora

    Mid to late summer · orange, red

  • Moss rose Portulaca grandiflora

    Early summer to first frost · red, pink, yellow, orange, white

  • Natal Plum Carissa macrocarpa

    Spring to autumn · white

  • Night blooming jasmine Cestrum nocturnum

    Late spring to early autumn · white, greenish-yellow

  • Nipa palm Nypa fruticans

    Year round in tropical climates · yellow, brown

  • Northern sea oats Chasmanthium latifolium

    Mid to late summer · green, bronze

  • Okra Abelmoschus esculentus

    Mid summer to early autumn · yellow, red

  • Oleander Nerium oleander

    Late spring to early autumn · pink, white, red, yellow, salmon

  • Orach Atriplex hortensis

    Mid to late summer · green, yellow

  • Orange Jessamine Murraya paniculata

    Intermittent throughout the year · white

  • Oregano Origanum vulgare

    Mid to late summer · pink, purple, white

  • Pagoda flower Clerodendrum paniculatum

    Summer to early autumn · red, orange

  • Parsnip Pastinaca sativa

    Mid to late summer · yellow

  • Partridge pea Chamaecrista fasciculata

    Mid summer to early autumn · yellow

  • Pencil flower Acalypha sp.

    Spring to autumn · red, pink, white

  • Peppermint Mentha piperita

    Mid to late summer · lavender, pink

  • Pickerelweed Pontederia cordata

    Late spring to early autumn · blue, violet

  • Portia tree Thespesia populnea

    Year round in tropical climates · yellow, maroon

  • Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis

    Early spring to first frost · orange, yellow

  • Potato vine Solanum laxum

    Late spring to early autumn · white, pale blue

  • Powderpuff Mimosa strigillosa

    Late spring to early autumn · pink

  • prickly lettuce Lactuca serriola

    Mid to late summer · yellow

  • prostrate knotweed Polygonum aviculare

    Late spring to early autumn · white, pink, green

  • Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea

    Mid summer to early fall · purple, pink

  • Purple deadnettle Lamium purpureum

    Early spring to late autumn · purple, pink

  • purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria

    Early to late summer · purple, pink

  • Purple moor grass Molinia caerulea

    Mid to late summer · purple, brown

  • Purple toadflax Linaria purpurea

    Early summer to early autumn · purple, violet

  • Queen of the Andes Puya raimondii

    Late summer to autumn · white, green

  • Red Amaranth Amaranthus tricolor

    Mid summer to early autumn · green, yellow

  • Red clover Trifolium pratense

    Late spring to early autumn · pink, purple

  • Red mangrove Rhizophora mangle

    Throughout the year · pale yellow, white

  • Reed sweet-grass Glyceria maxima

    Mid to late summer · green, purple

  • Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata

    Late spring to early autumn · brown, white

  • Rice Oryza sativa

    Mid to late summer · green, white

  • Rose Rosa

    Late spring to early autumn · pink, red, white, yellow, orange, purple

  • Rose mallow Hibiscus moscheutos

    Mid summer to early autumn · white, pink, red

  • Russian sage Salvia yangii

    Mid to late summer · lavender, blue

  • Sacred Datura Datura wrightii

    Late spring to early autumn · white, lavender

  • Salvia

    Late spring to early autumn · blue, purple, red, pink, white

  • Sandalwood Santalum album

    Throughout the year · yellow, red, purple

  • Sea Holly Eryngium planum

    Mid to late summer · blue, silver-blue

  • Sea Lavender Limonium perezii

    Late spring to early autumn · purple, white

  • Self-heal Prunella vulgaris

    Late spring to early autumn · purple, violet, white

  • Sensitive plant Mimosa pudica

    Summer to early autumn · pink, lavender

  • Sesame Sesamum indicum

    Mid to late summer · white, pink, purple

  • Sharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus

    Mid to late summer · brown, green

  • Shepherd's purse Capsella bursa-pastoris

    Early spring to late autumn · white

  • Shiny bush Peperomia pellucida

    Year round in tropical conditions · white, green

  • Short-fruited willowherb Epilobium obscurum

    Mid to late summer · pink

  • Shrimp plant Justicia brandegeeana

    Spring to autumn · white, red, yellow

  • Silverleaf nightshade Solanum elaeagnifolium

    Late spring to early autumn · violet, blue, white

  • Singapore graveyard flower Plumeria obtusa

    Spring to fall · white, yellow

  • slender amaranth Amaranthus viridis

    Summer to autumn · green

  • smallflower hairy willowherb Epilobium parviflorum

    Mid summer to early autumn · pink, purple

  • Smooth hawksbeard Crepis capillaris

    Late spring to early autumn · yellow

  • Smooth Hydrangea Hydrangea arborescens

    Early to late summer · white, green

  • Snapdragon Antirrhinum majus

    Late spring to early autumn · red, pink, yellow, white, orange, purple

  • Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica

    Early to late summer · white

  • Sodom Apple Calotropis procera

    Year round in warm climates · white, purple

  • Sorghum Sorghum bicolor

    Mid to late summer · green, yellow, red

  • Soursop Annona muricata

    Throughout the year · yellow, green

  • Spear saltbush Atriplex prostrata

    Mid summer to early autumn · green

  • spiny sowthistle Sonchus asper

    Spring to autumn · yellow

  • Spotted bee balm Monarda punctata

    Mid to late summer · yellow, purple, pink

  • Spotted spurge Chamaesyce maculata

    Late spring to early autumn · white, pink

  • Square-stalked St. John's-wort Hypericum tetrapterum

    Mid to late summer · yellow

  • Starfruit Averrhoa carambola

    Intermittent throughout the year · pink, lavender

  • Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica

    Late spring to early autumn · green, white

  • Summer Savory Satureja hortensis

    Mid to late summer · white, lavender, pink

  • Sunflower Helianthus annuus

    Mid summer to early autumn · yellow, brown

  • Swedish ivy Plectranthus australis

    Late summer to autumn · blue, white

  • Swedish Ivy Plectranthus verticillatus

    Late summer to autumn · white, pale purple

  • Sweet Marjoram Origanum majorana

    Mid to late summer · white, pink

  • Sweet pepperbush Clethra alnifolia

    Mid to late summer · white, pink

  • Tamanu Calophyllum inophyllum

    Intermittent throughout the year · white

  • Taro Colocasia esculenta

    Mid to late summer · yellow, cream

  • Tarragon Artemisia dracunculus

    Mid to late summer · yellow, green

  • Teasel Dipsacus fullonum

    Mid to late summer · lavender, pink, white

  • Tiger Lily Lilium lancifolium

    Mid to late summer · orange, black

  • Toad rush Juncus bufonius

    Late spring to early autumn · green, brown

  • Tobacco Nicotiana tabacum

    Mid summer to early autumn · pink, white

  • Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica

    Mid summer to early autumn · yellow

  • Tomato Solanum lycopersicum

    Early summer to first frost · yellow

  • Tormentil Potentilla erecta

    Late spring to early autumn · yellow

  • Traveller's-joy Clematis vitalba

    Mid to late summer · white, greenish white

  • Tropical Hibiscus Hibiscus

    Late spring to early autumn · red, pink, yellow, orange, white

  • Trumpet vine Campsis radicans

    Mid summer to early autumn · orange, red

  • Tuberous Begonia Begonia boliviensis

    Late spring to early autumn · red, orange

  • Turkey tangle fogfruit Phyla nodiflora

    Late spring to early autumn · white, pink, lavender

  • Viper's bugloss Echium vulgare

    Late spring to early autumn · blue, purple, pink

  • Wand loosestrife Lythrum lineare

    Mid to late summer · pink, purple

  • Wandflower Gaura lindheimeri

    Late spring to early autumn · white, pink

  • Water figwort Scrophularia auriculata

    Mid to late summer · brownish red, green

  • Water lettuce Pistia stratiotes

    Mid to late summer · white, pale green

  • water smartweed Persicaria amphibia

    Mid to late summer · pink

  • Water Spinach Ipomoea aquatica

    Summer to early autumn · white, lavender

  • Wax Begonia Begonia semperflorens

    Spring to autumn · white, pink, red

  • Welsh poppy Papaver cambricum

    Late spring to late summer · yellow, orange

  • Western mugwort Artemisia ludoviciana

    Mid to late summer · yellow, cream

  • White sweet clover Melilotus albus

    Late spring to early autumn · white

  • Whitemouth dayflower Commelina erecta

    Late spring to early autumn · blue

  • Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris

    Mid to late summer · white, pale pink

  • Wild Carrot Daucus carota subsp. carota

    Late spring to early autumn · white

  • Wild potato Solanum etuberosum

    Mid to late summer · white, pale blue

  • Wild rice Zizania palustris

    Mid to late summer · yellow, purple

  • Winged sumac Rhus copallina

    Mid to late summer · yellowish green

  • Winter Melon Benincasa hispida

    Mid to late summer · yellow

  • Yam Dioscorea alata

    Mid to late summer · white, yellow

  • Yardlong Bean Vigna unguiculata

    Mid to late summer · white, yellow, purple

  • Zinnia Zinnia elegans

    Early summer to first frost · red, pink, orange, yellow, white, purple

  • ZZ Plant Zamioculcas zamiifolia

    Mid to late summer · green, cream

In fruit in September

Your garden, your zone, this month.

Pocket Botanist knows your hardiness zone and hemisphere, so its monthly picks are the ones that will take where you are. It also names any plant from a photo and reminds you when each one needs water. Identification is free.

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September south of the equator

The same month, six months on in the seasons: what to plant in September in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the southern half of South America.

  • Beetroot Beta vulgaris · vegetable · sow direct · zones 5 to 10

    Each knobbly beet seed is really a cluster, so thin the seedlings early or you get a tangle. Sow a short row every three weeks and you will never be without them.

  • African Marigold Tagetes erecta · flower · start indoors · zones 1 to 9

    Fast, cheerful and almost impossible to kill. Sow now under cover and the plants will be in bud by the time the last frost has passed.

  • Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus · climber · sow direct · zones 4 to 11

    Push the big seeds straight into poor soil and leave them alone. Rich ground gives you a jungle of leaves and very few of the peppery flowers you actually want.

  • Carrot Daucus carota · vegetable · sow direct · zones 6 to 11

    Carrots hate being moved, so always sow them where they will grow. Keep the bed stone free and evenly damp and the roots will run straight down.

  • Garden cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus · flower · start indoors · zones 1 to 9

    Cosmos flowers harder in thin soil than in good compost. Start it under cover now, then pinch the tip once so it branches instead of running straight up.

  • Raspberry Rubus idaeus · fruit · plant out · zones 2 to 8

    Plant bare root canes while they are still dormant, then cut them back hard to about 25 centimeters. Giving up the first year buys you a far stronger row.

  • Lettuce Lactuca sativa · vegetable · start indoors · zones 1 to 9

    Lettuce germinates best when it is cool, so a bright windowsill beats a hot propagator. Sow a pinch every couple of weeks rather than a whole packet at once.

  • Ginger Zingiber officinale · herb · plant bulbs · zones 9 to 13

    Choose a plump piece with visible buds and plant it just below the surface in dappled shade. It wants warmth, humidity and around nine months of patience.

  • Sweet Potato Ipomoea batatas · vegetable · plant out · zones 8 to 13

    Plant rooted slips into ridged, warm soil rather than planting the tubers themselves. The ridges hold the heat and make lifting the crop far easier later on.

  • Yardlong Bean Vigna unguiculata · climber · sow direct · zones 10 to 13

    It shrugs off heat that flattens ordinary beans. Give it a tall frame and pick the pods young, at around 40 centimeters, while they still snap.

  • Flowering Crabapple Malus domestica · tree · plant out · zones 3 to 9

    Plant while the tree is still dormant and keep the graft union a good hand above the soil. Most apples need a second variety nearby before they will set a decent crop.

  • Corn Cockle Agrostemma githago · flower · sow direct · zones 1 to 8

    An old cornfield annual with clear pink flowers on tall wiry stems. Sow it straight into poor open ground and thin it hard, because crowded plants lean over.

  • Garden asparagus Asparagus officinalis · vegetable · plant out · zones 3 to 9

    Spread the crowns like a spider over a low ridge in a trench, then backfill gradually. Wait two full seasons before cutting a single spear and the bed will last twenty years.

  • English lavender Lavandula angustifolia · shrub · plant out · zones 5 to 10

    Lavender dies of wet feet far more often than of cold. Plant it high, add grit to heavy soil, and never mulch it with anything that holds water.

  • Wild Strawberry Fragaria vesca · fruit · plant out · zones 3 to 9

    Tiny fruit, intense flavor, and it keeps going all season rather than in one short rush. It also copes with part shade, which most strawberries will not.

  • Pineapple Ananas comosus · fruit · plant out · zones 10 to 13

    Twist the crown off a ripe fruit, strip the lowest leaves and let it dry for a day before planting. It takes about two years, and the wait is genuinely worth it.

  • Chinese hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis · shrub · plant out · zones 9 to 13

    Plant into rich, free draining soil in full sun and feed it through the growing season. Each flower lasts a day, but a settled plant opens new ones for months.

  • Cilantro Coriandrum sativum · herb · sow direct · zones 6 to 13

    Coriander bolts the moment it is moved or stressed, so sow it straight into the ground. Sow little and often and keep it cool for the longest run of leaf.

  • Poppy anemone Anemone coronaria · bulb · plant bulbs · zones 6 to 11

    Soak the hard little corms for a few hours before planting and it hardly matters which way up they go. Plant a batch now for flowers in about twelve weeks.

  • Silver Birch Betula pendula · tree · plant out · zones 1 to 7

    One of the toughest trees there is, happy in thin soil and hard winters. Plant it while dormant and give it space, because the white bark looks best with light around it.

  • Sweet Alyssum Lobularia maritima · flower · start indoors · zones 1 to 9

    A low sheet of honey scented flower that pulls in hoverflies all season. Surface sow it now and shear it back once in high summer for a second flush.

Other months

The planting picks are written by the Pocket Botanist editors. The flowering and fruiting months come from AI-generated care guides checked against GBIF taxonomy, and are general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.