10 Easiest Fall Flowers to Grow in Arizona

The easiest fall flowers to grow in Arizona (and other mild winter climates) are simple to plant, care for, and bloom through spring. When you are planning your fall garden, don’t forget to add some flowers, too!

If you’re wondering which fall flowers to plant in the Phoenix Valley and surrounding areas, this post shares my top ten picks for easy-growing cool-season annual flowers.

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10 Easiest Flowers to Grow in Arizona in the Fall

The oppressive heat of an Arizona summer is (almost!) gone. Heat-tolerating flowers have mostly survived, but they are definitely looking tired. It’s time to swap them out for new flowers that will grow and thrive during Arizona’s cooler months. The options seem overwhelming, and you may ask yourself: 

• What are the easiest flowers to grow in Arizona in the fall? 
• Which flowers can I plant from transplant in the fall that grow well through spring?
• Which flowers can I plant in the fall that will last through spring? 
• Which flowers are simple to care for? 
• Are there annual flowers that grow well in pots and containers? 
• Which flowers can I buy from a big box store that will grow well and not die in a couple of weeks? 

Here are my ten choices for easy-to-grow fall flowers

1. Snapdragons

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – February 15

Months in bloom: November – early June

Good to know: Attracts bees and butterflies. It is one of the easiest cool-season flowers to grow. Cutting the central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Excellent cut flower.

2. Blue Salvia

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – October
March-May 15

Months in bloom: April – early December

Good to know: Reseeds. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Several colors and varieties. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Pairs well with lobelia.

3. Geranium

When to plant geraniums in Arizona: September – April

Months in bloom: February – June

Good to know: Remove flowers for the first few weeks to allow the plant to get established. Keep dead-headed for better blooms. Does best with regular water and 4-6 hours of sun. Pairs well with alyssum.

4. Petunias

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – March

Months in bloom: October – early May

Good to know: Pinch off flowers when first planted to encourage root development. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Easy to grow. Needs regular watering. 

5. Gazania

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – November
February – April

Months in bloom: Late October – June

Good to know: Considered a perennial flower, but often grown as an annual in the low desert of Arizona.

Flowers to Plant Outside & Seeds to Start Indoors Each Month in the Low Desert of Arizona.
• PLANTING GUIDE: Each month lists annual flowers and bulbs to plant outside & seeds to start indoors.
• BLOOMING GUIDE: Photos show what may be in bloom that month.

10 Easy-to-grow Fall Flowers

6. Alyssum

Plant seeds or transplants outside:
October – March

Months in bloom: Late October – May

This article shares more information about how to grow alyssum.

Good to know: Easy to grow. Grows well in the sun or part shade. Reseeds easily. Attracts many beneficial insects and pollinators. Pairs well with geraniums.

7. Dianthus

Plant transplants outside:
September – January

Months in bloom: October – April

Good to know: Easy to grow. Edible. Comes in many colors.

8. Marigold

Good to know: Good companion plant in the garden. Reseeds easily. Easy to grow. Needs regular water. Cutting the central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Visual planting guides for vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers & vines.

9. Pansies and Violets

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – February 15

Months in bloom: Late November – early May

Read this article for more information about how to grow violas.

Good to know: Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Edible. Easy to grow. Needs part shade.

10. Lobelia

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – December

Months in bloom: March-early June

Read this article for more information about how to grow lobelia.

Good to know: Prefers part sun. Needs regular water. Wait until hot temperatures subside to plant transplants. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Pairs well with blue saliva.

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