April is a busy time in ornamental and vegetable gardens in the UK, as lots of seeds can be sown this month. Now, the days are longer and warmer reliably. April is the month to make tentative sowings of some seeds outside, while others can be started under glass and planted out after all risk of frost has passed. In the vegetable garden, crops such as carrots and peas can be sown direct outside. In contrast, tender crops like sweetcorn and courgettes should be sown under cover and kept in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill before planting out towards the end of May or early June. April is also the month for planting potatoes if they are maincrops, as well as onion sets, shallots and garlic, and Jerusalem artichokes. Many vegetables can be grown in pots, including carrots, salads and radish. Even if you have a dedicated veg patch, it’s still worth growing some extras in pots, too, near the house for easy picking.
While bare-root planting season is over, potted fruit trees and bushes such as currants, gooseberry, citrus and fig trees can be planted at any time. In the ornamental garden, annual climbers like canary creeper (Tropaeolum peregrinum) and Spanish flag (Ipomoea lobata) can be sown now for summer container displays, while others like cosmos and field poppies can be sown to fill gaps in borders. Summer-flowering bulbs and corms such as eucomis, gladiolus and freesias can be planted in containers and placed outside once the risk of frost is over.
Many seeds can be sown outside at this time of year, but the weather still likely to be often quite cold and blustery in April, you might find that it’s worth investing in additional kit, which we’ve suggested below.
April is the perfect time to plant flower seeds for a gorgeous spring garden With the cold winter months behind us, soil temperatures are warming and conditions are ideal for sowing annuals, perennials, and bulbs Planning what to plant now will ensure waves of colorful blooms in the coming months.
When choosing flower seeds to plant in April, consider your USDA Hardiness Zone. Gardeners in warmer climates can direct sow seeds right into garden beds and borders. Those in cooler zones will need to start seeds indoors or use protective coverings outside.
No matter your location, April offers abundant options for stunning flowers. Here are some of the best seeds to plant now:
Annual Flowers
Annual flowers bloom prolifically all season long and often self-seed for following years. They add continuous color to beds, borders, and containers. Some top annuals for April sowing include:
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Marigolds – Cheerful marigolds in yellow orange and red blooms repel certain pests. French types grow 1-2 feet tall while African marigolds can reach up to 4 feet.
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Zinnias – Large, vibrant zinnia flowers attract pollinators all season. Colors include red, pink, orange, white, yellow, and purple.
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Cosmos – Feathery foliage and daisy blooms that sway in the breeze Blooms come in lovely shades of pink, white, and crimson
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Sunflowers – Giant sunflower varieties can grow over 10 feet tall! Dwarf types perfect for containers grow 1-3 feet.
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Nasturtiums – Edible flowers in sunset hues of orange, red, and yellow. They also repel aphids.
Perennials & Bulbs
Perennials provide years of reliable blooms. Some hardy varieties can be direct sown in April. Bulbs planted now yield colorful spring flowers. Top choices include:
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Coneflowers – Showy daisy-like blooms in purple, yellow, white, pink, and red on 2-4 foot plants.
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Lilies – Large, elegant blooms with a sweet fragrance. Plant bulbs 4-6 inches deep in well-draining soil.
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Phlox – Clusters of pink, purple, white or red flowers bloom summer through fall. Attracts butterflies.
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Yarrow – Flat-topped clusters of tiny white, yellow, or pink flowers. Thrives in poor, dry soil.
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Dahlias – Summer showstoppers! Plant tubers now for dinner plate-sized blooms.
Flowering Shrubs & Vines
Add structure and vertical interest to the garden with flowering woody plants. Options for April planting include:
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Wisteria – Fragrant cascades of purple or white flowers drape from vines. Plant in full sun.
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Clematis – Showy vines with large single or double blooms in spring and summer. Provide support.
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Rosemary – Culinary herb also produces pretty light blue edible flowers. Thrives in full sun.
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Lilac – Old-fashioned beauty with extremely fragrant blooms in shades of purple, pink or white.
Tips for Planting
When planting flower seeds in April, be sure to follow labeling instructions for soil temperature, planting depth, and spacing. Here are some useful tips:
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Prepare soil by mixing in compost or fertilizer to enrich it. Remove any weeds.
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Sow at the recommended depth – usually 1/4 inch for small seeds. Gently firm soil over seeds.
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Water gently to avoid washing away small seeds. Keep soil moist but not soggy for best germination.
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Use row covers, cold frames, or cloches to protect delicate seedlings from frost.
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Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost when they have 2-4 true leaves.
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Space plants appropriately so they have room to reach mature size.
With proper planning and care, the flower seeds you plant in April will yield gorgeous blooms to enjoy all season long. Just be sure to select varieties suited to your growing zone and conditions for best results.
Turnip[image id=”26829″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”A turnip ready to harvest. Jason Ingram” alt=”A turnip ready to harvest. Jason Ingram” classes=””] A turnip ready to harvest. Jason Ingram
When to harvest: March to December.
How to grow: turnips are quick-growing, ready to harvest in just six weeks. They can also be grown in pots. Harvest them when they are around the size of a golf ball for the best flavour, or eat the leaves as greens. Keep well watered.
- How to grow turnips
- Buy turnip seeds from Dobies, Suttons and Thompson & Morgan
Beetroot[image id=”26819″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” title=”A bunch of freshly harvested orange and purple beetroot. Sarah Cuttle” alt=”A bunch of freshly harvested orange and purple beetroot. Sarah Cuttle” classes=””] A bunch of freshly harvested orange and purple beetroot. Sarah Cuttle
When to harvest: June to October.
How to grow: beetroot is an easy crop to grow, making it ideal for beginners. It will grow in any fertile, well-drained soil and also does well in pots (in pots, choose varieties that are less prone to bolting as these will tolerate the drier conditions of a container better than others). Follow the spacing instructions on the packet and thin the seedlings to about 10cm when they are around 3cm high. Harvest when the beetroots have reached the size of a golf ball, or if you enjoy them roasted at the size of a cricket ball.
Flowers to Start From Seed in April | Start These Now for Summer Blooms!
FAQ
Can I plant flower seeds in April?
Annual and Perennial Flowers (Zones 8-10)
April is a great time to start to sow your flowers indoors so they can be ready for summer blooms!
Is April too late to plant flowers?
No, April is not too late to plant flowers. Many summer-blooming flowers, such as sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos, can be planted in April. It’s also a good time for planting perennial flowers in many regions.
Can I just throw flower seeds on the ground?
We don’t recommend just throwing the seed out in the field or into the grass; anyone who’s tried scattering seed without removing other plants has been sorely …
What are the best flower seeds to plant in the spring?
- #1 Bachelor’s Buttons (Centaurea) …
- #2 Celosia (Celosia) …
- #3 Cosmos (Cosmos) …
- #4 Larkspur (Consolida) …
- #5 Marigold (Tagetes) …
- #6 Nasturtium (Tropaeolum) …
- #7 Pot Marigold (Calendula) …
- #8 Spider Flower (Cleome)