Succession Planting

Succession planting is the way to continuously enjoy blooming flowers from one season to the next. Bulb plants, perennials, annuals, mums and other spring and fall bloomers can keep your garden colorful from spring thru fall.

Start with Perennials

A garden filled with perennials that bloom at different times is the perfect way to start. Select perennials that bloom at different times of the year for continuous color. There are many varieties and colors to chose some so be sure to plan and plant your favorites. Plant taller perennials toward the back of the garden and progress to shorter varieties in the front. That way you can enjoy the blooms that each plant produces.

Early Spring Bloomers

Crocus and daffodils are normally the earliest spring bloomers while hyacinths and tulips provide early season color a bit later. Adding a few of each among your perennials adds a colorful burst after the long winter. It is best to let the foliage of bulb plants die off before removing. Cool weather tolerant plants such as pansies, primrose, ranunculus, stock and snapdragons will also add early color. As each plant has finished thriving, pull them out and get ready for annuals.

Annual Season

As we progress into warmer weather, annuals can be interspersed among the perennials. They may be small when purchased, but by mid-summer they’ll be lush and full. In Southern New Jersey, it is usually safe to start planting annuals after Mother’s Day. Read the care tags and plant according to sun/shade requirements for best results. As with perennials, plant taller plants behind shorter varieties. Learn more about reading care tags here.

Fall Beauty

As annuals start to fade, replace them with fall blooming plants such as mums, asters and pansies. Ornamental cabbage and kale are also nice additions and will add color and interest into the winter. Many gardeners prefer to remove asters and mums after they’re finish blooming, but are perennials and can be left in the garden to bloom again next fall. Pansies can also be left and will bloom again in spring.