September offers gardeners a prime opportunity to plant a variety of blooms, fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a small urban garden, there are plenty of options to suit your space and preferences.
In this guide, we will explore the best plants to sow and transplant in September, providing tips for successful cultivation and enjoying a bountiful harvest.
Flowers to Plant September
Planting flowers in September ensures a colorful garden well into the cooler months. Here are seven flowers that are ideal for planting in September.
1. Pansies
Pansies are a popular choice for fall planting because of their hardiness and bright, cheerful flowers. These cool-weather annuals are known for their distinctive, face-like markings and come in a wide range of colors, including purples, blues, yellows, and whites.
They are ideal for planting in September, thanks to their ability to thrive in cooler temperatures. They can handle light frosts, which means they will continue to bloom late into the fall and, in milder climates, even through winter. When planting, space them about 6 to 8 inches apart to allow for growth.
2. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are a quintessential fall flower that brings vibrant color to gardens as the summer blooms fade. These hardy perennials are well-loved for their large, cushion-like flowers in various colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and white.
Mums are versatile and can be grown in garden beds, containers, or as part of a mixed border. They typically bloom in late summer to early fall, providing a beautiful display that lasts for weeks, making them a favorite for autumn gardening.
3. Asters
Asters are known for their daisy-like flowers, which come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, often with yellow centers. They bloom from late summer into fall, making them perfect for extending the blooming season in your garden.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are also quite hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures, which makes them ideal for September planting. These flowers can grow anywhere from 1 to 4 feet tall, depending on the variety, and they spread out to create a beautiful mass of color.
Sedum is a versatile and hardy succulent that thrives in cooler, drier conditions, making it a perfect choice for fall planting. This plant is known for its fleshy, water-retaining leaves, which come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, ranging from green to blue-gray, and even deep burgundy.
They produce clusters of star-shaped flowers, typically in shades of pink, red, yellow, or white. These flowers bloom in late summer to early fall, providing a beautiful contrast to the plant's thick leaves. Planting sedum in September allows it to establish roots before the first frost.
5. Calendula
Calendula is a hardy annual flower that thrives in cooler weather and is perfect for planting in September. Their flowers are daisy-like, with a simple, classic beauty that adds a touch of warmth to any garden as summer transitions to fall.
They are easy to grow and do well in most soil types, as long as it is well-drained. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. When planting, space the seeds or seedlings about 12 inches apart to give the plants room to spread.
6. Snapdragons
Snapdragons can add a striking vertical element to your garden. These flowers are known for their tall, spiky blooms that come in colors, from soft pastels to vibrant reds, yellows, and purples. Snapdragons are named for their unique flowers that resemble a dragon’s mouth, which snaps shut when pinched.
These plants perform best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making them versatile for various garden spots. Regular watering and deadheading encourage the plants to produce more blooms.
7. Ornamental Kale and Cabbage
Ornamental Kale and Cabbage are striking plants often used in fall gardens for their bold and beautiful foliage. Unlike their edible counterparts, these varieties are bred for their colorful leaves rather than for eating. As the weather gets colder, their colors become more vibrant, making them a perfect choice for adding interest to your garden.
When planting ornamental kale and cabbage, choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. These plants are relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering and fertilizer.
Apples are a great choice for planting in September, as it allows them to establish their root systems before winter sets in, giving them a head start for the next growing season. When selecting apple varieties, choose ones suited to your local climate.
Apples need full sun, so pick a location that receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter; adding compost or well-rotted manure before planting can improve soil quality.
2. Pears
Like apples, pears benefit from a September planting. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, and they will have time to develop strong roots before the colder months. To plant, dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of the tree.
Place the pear tree in the hole, ensuring that the graft union is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly. After planting, keep an eye on the tree for signs of pests or diseases.
3. Plums
Planting plums in September gives the tree a head start for the growing season. Plums need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive in well-drained soil. Before planting, prepare the soil by digging a hole to accommodate its root ball.
Mix some compost into the soil to improve its fertility and structure. Place the tree in the hole at the same depth as in its nursery pot. Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
4. Raspberries
Raspberries benefit from the mild fall temperatures. This early planting gives the roots a head start, leading to more vigorous growth and better yields in the following spring and summer. When planting raspberries, space your raspberry canes about 18-24 inches apart to allow for their spreading growth.
Plant them at the same depth they were in their nursery pots, and water them thoroughly after planting. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plants helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and insulates the roots during winter.
Blackberries are a versatile and productive fruit to plant in September. They are generally low-maintenance. All they require is six hours of sunlight with well-enriched soil and regular watering, especially during dry periods.
They may need support, such as trellises or wires, to keep the canes upright and make harvesting easier. You might need to prune the plant occasionally as it helps manage growth and improve fruit production, so remember to remove dead or weak canes in early spring.
6. Fig Trees
Another one of the many fruit plants that grow in September is the fig tree. Figs are valued for their sweet, nutritious fruit and attractive foliage. Planting them in September provides them with the time needed to establish themselves, ensuring a productive and fruitful growing season when spring arrives.
Figs prefer a sunny location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This ensures they produce abundant fruit. They thrive in well-drained soil, so if your soil is heavy or clayey, consider amending it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
6. Grapevines
Grapevines are another stand-out fruit option among other fruits. They are hardy plants, but establishing them in the fall allows them to settle in and develop a robust root system that can better withstand winter conditions. They can be grown on trellises or arbors, making them a space-efficient choice for gardens.
They can provide both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, such as shading and privacy. They also offer a variety of uses beyond fresh fruit, including making homemade wine, jams, and jellies. This versatility makes them a valuable addition.
8. Strawberries
Planting strawberries in September is ideal because it allows them to avoid the peak heat of summer, which can stress young strawberry plants. Less stress means the plants can develop a strong root system, = leading to healthier plants and potentially higher yields.
Additionally, there are fewer pests and diseases compared to the peak growing season. This can reduce the risk of issues that might affect newly planted strawberries. There is also less competition from weeds and other plants, making it easier for young strawberries to grow.
Kale thrives in cooler temperatures and can be harvested throughout fall and winter. It can withstand light frosts, and its flavor often becomes sweeter after exposure to frost, making September planting perfect for a fall and early winter harvest.
Planting in September allows it to grow and produce leaves well into winter, especially in milder climates. This means you can enjoy fresh, homegrown greens even during colder months. Kale is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, so having a continuous supply provides a nutritional boost.
2. Spinach
Spinach grows quickly and loves cooler weather. Planting in September allows it to establish before winter, providing fresh greens for fall salads and dishes. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil rich in organic matter to grow spinach successfully.
Before planting, prepare the soil by incorporating compost to improve its fertility. Space the seeds or seedlings about 2 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation and reduce disease risks. Water the plants regularly and use mulch to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
3. Radishes
Radishes are an excellent choice for planting in September due to their rapid growth and ability to thrive in cooler weather. These root vegetables usually mature in as little as 3 to 4 weeks, reaching full maturity before the first heavy frost.
This makes them ideal for fall planting when you want a quick harvest. The cooler temperatures of early fall also help to develop a crisp, flavorful root. Additionally, radishes are great for companion planting, as they can help loosen soil for slower-growing crops.
4. Beets
Another one of the many vegetables that grow in September is beets. Beets prefer cooler temperatures, which can help them develop their sweet flavor and tender texture. They have a relatively long growing period of around 50 to 70 days, so the cooler fall weather gives them ample time to mature.
As they mature, the greens of the beet plants are also edible and nutritious, offering an extra harvest from the same crop. Additionally, beets are hardy and can withstand light frosts, which can make the roots even sweeter.
Carrots prefer and thrive in cool weather, making September planting ideal. When planted in September, carrots have the advantage of slower, steady growth, which allows their roots to develop more fully and become sweeter.
The cooler fall temperatures help reduce the risk of diseases and pests that are more active in the summer, creating a more favorable environment for the carrots. Additionally, the soil in September is still warm enough to support germination and initial growth. But the cooler air temperatures encourage the carrots to grow more slowly.
6. Turnips
Turnips can adapt to the cooler temperatures of September. They thrive in fall, which helps them develop tender, flavorful roots. The cool weather slows down the plant growth, leading to a more gradual development of the roots, resulting in a smoother texture and milder flavor.
Turnips can also withstand light frosts, which can further improve their taste by converting starches into sugars. In addition to their edible roots, turnip greens are nutritious and can be harvested throughout the growing season, providing a dual-purpose crop.
7. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are a beloved vegetable in cooler weather. These leafy greens are known for their spicy, peppery flavor, which can add a zesty kick to salads, soups, and sautés. Planting in September allows you to enjoy a fresh harvest well into the fall and early winter.
The cooler temperatures often enhance their flavor, making them more robust. Additionally, mustard greens grow quickly, reaching harvestable size in just 30 to 60 days. They are also relatively low-maintenance, requiring only regular watering and occasional weedings.
Herbs to Plant in September
1. Chives
Chives are an excellent herb to plant in September due to their hardiness and ability to thrive in cooler temperatures. This perennial herb can survive frost and will continue growing slowly through the winter in milder climates.
Planting chives in September allows them to establish a strong root system before the ground freezes, ensuring a robust start in the spring. They are also relatively low-maintenance, needing only a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Regular watering and occasional feeding with compost can help them grow well.
Parsley is a pantry staple in many kitchens. It can be used fresh in salads, soups, and garnishes or preserved by freezing or drying. In addition to its culinary uses, parsley is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any diet.
If you want a fresh supply of parsley, you can grow them in September. This allows it to establish a strong root system before the onset of winter. It can continue to grow slowly throughout the colder months, providing fresh leaves when other herbs are dormant.
3. Cilantro (Coriander)
It is always better to plant cilantro in September when it is cooler than the hot summer months. Cilantro thrives in the mild temperatures of early fall and allows the herb to establish its roots before the weather gets too cold.
The flavor will also be milder and less prone to bolting. Bolting is a common issue where the plant flowers and produces seeds prematurely, which can lead to a bitter taste. Additionally, cilantro’s growth cycle allows you to harvest the leaves while they’re tender and flavorful.
4. Dill
Dill is a fantastic choice for September planting due to its affinity for cool weather and its rapid growth cycle. It is a herb that flourishes in cool weather. As the weather starts to cool, its flavor profile becomes more pronounced, making it ideal for pickling and flavoring dishes with a fresh, zesty kick.
The feathery, fern-like leaves are used fresh in dishes, while the seeds are harvested for pickling or seasoning. The plant often produces tall, airy stalks that can create a beautiful green backdrop in your garden.
5. Thyme
Most people plant thyme because of its culinary uses. Thyme's essential oils give it its distinctive aroma and intensify as the weather gets colder, adding a richer, more robust flavor to your dishes. It also plays a unique role in the garden ecosystem.
This herb’s dense, mat-forming growth habit makes it an excellent ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Its low-growing nature also means it is perfect for planting in between other plants, acting as a natural companion that can help improve the overall health of your garden.
Oregano offers a host of benefits beyond its culinary uses. This herb thrives in the crisp autumn air, and its robust flavor profile intensifies as the weather cools, making it a perfect addition to fall dishes. Its appeal extends beyond its flavor.
It acts as a natural pest repellent, helping to deter insects like aphids and spider mites, which can be a problem for other plants. Additionally, oregano has a deep, extensive root system that can help improve soil structure and prevent erosion.
7. Mint
Mint is a resilient herb that thrives when planted in September. Unlike many herbs that struggle through the chill of late fall, mint continues to grow steadily and can even benefit from the cooler conditions, which can enhance its aromatic oils.
The plant has many uses. Its strong, refreshing scent acts as a natural pest repellent, deterring ants, fleas, and mosquitoes from your garden and home. It also has medicinal properties. Infusing its leaves with tea can help with digestion and alleviate respiratory issues.
