If you’re like me, you get to the end of summer and still want more color, more life, more blooms. The good news? August isn’t too late to sow something beautiful. In fact, some of the quickest and most rewarding flowers can go in the ground now and still put on a solid show by October.
I’ve pulled together a list of eleven annuals that germinate fast, grow quickly, and don’t mind the cooling days of early fall. Whether you’re filling in a bare spot in your beds, building out a bouquet garden, or just experimenting, these flowers are up to the challenge.
Quickly Find Annuals To Seed Now for Autumn:
1. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula has become one of my favorite fall surprises. It thrives in the cooler nights and shorter days that send other blooms packing. And if you keep deadheading, it’ll give you new flowers again and again right into late October.
What I love most about calendula is how hardy it feels. The orange and yellow tones glow in the soft fall light, and the petals are edible too, adding a bit of sunshine to salads. It’s also quick — just 45 to 60 days to bloom — which makes it perfect for squeezing into the last warm stretch of the season.
2. Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
There’s something nostalgic about cornflowers. Maybe it’s the soft, fringed petals or the fact that they were one of the first flowers I learned to grow as a kid. August is actually a great time to seed them again, especially if you missed them in spring.
They handle cool nights like pros and bloom in just about 60 to 70 days. That timing lines up perfectly with early to mid-October. Plus, the blue hues are a nice contrast to the golds and oranges we usually see this time of year.
3. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Cosmos are just so forgiving. I’ve planted them late more times than I care to admit, and they still seem to catch up and bloom like nothing happened. That makes them a go-to for me every August.
Sow them now, and you’ll likely see blooms in about 50 to 60 days. They love warm soil, so they’ll get going fast, and they keep flowering until frost. The tall, feathery foliage adds softness to beds and looks amazing swaying in the fall breeze.
4. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Nasturtiums are a little quirky, and that’s what makes them fun. Their round leaves and trailing stems are almost vine-like, and the flowers come in unexpected oranges, reds, and yellows.
August is a sweet spot for sowing nasturtiums — they prefer cooler temperatures once established, and you’ll get blooms just in time for early fall. I tuck them into pots, under taller flowers, or even let them spill out over the edge of garden beds. As a bonus, both the leaves and flowers are edible with a peppery kick.
5. Nigella (Nigella damascena)
Nigella goes by the name “Love-in-a-Mist,” and once you’ve seen its frilly petals surrounded by fine, fern-like foliage, you’ll get why. I always think of them as airy and a little mysterious, like something from an old cottage garden.
Sow nigella now and expect blooms in about 60 days. They can handle a light frost, which makes them reliable in cooler falls. And when the blooms are done, the seed pods stick around and dry beautifully, adding texture to late-season arrangements.
6. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Don’t underestimate the charm of sweet alyssum. These tiny flowers form dense cushions of bloom and seem to bloom non-stop once they get going. I love planting them along walkways or the edges of raised beds for that little pop of white or lavender.
They sprout and flower fast — often in just 45 to 55 days — and cooler temps only make them happier. The scent is subtle but lovely, especially in the evening, and they pair well with just about everything.
7. Violas / Johnny Jump-Ups (Viola tricolor)
Violas are like cheerful little faces in the fall garden. I always feel like they’re peeking out to say, “You’re not done yet!” These cool-season annuals can handle chillier nights and still give color through October and even November in mild zones.
They take about 60 to 70 days to bloom, but once they do, they’re steady performers. I like to plant them in clusters near my front steps or mix them into fall planters with ornamental cabbage and kale. They make every space feel a little more alive.
8. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
You wouldn’t think of marigolds as a late-season flower, but they’re actually great for it if you pick the right varieties. French marigolds or dwarf types mature quickly — about 50 to 60 days — and they’ll keep blooming until the first hard frost.
They bring in those classic fall tones of gold, orange, and burgundy, and they’re unfussy about soil or heat. I find they fill in gaps well and help round out areas where summer flowers are starting to fade.
9. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
This is definitely a late gamble, but I think it’s worth it. If you’re in a warmer zone, zinnias seeded now can still give you a flush of color by early October. Look for faster-maturing varieties like ‘Zahara’ or ‘Thumbelina’ to improve your odds.
Zinnias love warmth and sun, so give them a good spot and they’ll reward you with vibrant blooms and strong stems. Even if you only get a few weeks of flowers, they’re worth it for the color punch alone.
10. Godetia (Clarkia amoena)
Godetia is a bit of a hidden gem in my garden. The blooms are silky and almost iridescent, with colors that range from coral to blush pink. It’s sometimes called “farewell to spring,” but I’ve had great luck sowing it in late summer for fall color.
With about 60 to 70 days to bloom, you’ll want to get these in as soon as possible. The upright stems are great in bouquets, and the petals have this soft glow that catches the early autumn light just right.
11. Gypsophila (Gypsophila elegans)
This is not the florist’s stiff baby’s breath — the annual form is lighter, more whimsical, and blooms quickly. I use it as filler for bouquets or just to add softness to the garden in fall.
It blooms in as little as 45 to 50 days, making it one of the quickest on this list. The white or pink flowers come in such abundance that it almost looks like mist floating over the bed. A great way to transition the garden into cooler weather.
Final Thoughts
Planting flowers in August might feel like a late-season whim, but there’s something deeply satisfying about extending the bloom just a little longer. These annuals are quick to flower and suited for fall’s gentler light and cooler nights. Plus, the bees and butterflies will thank you for the late-season nectar.
If you’ve got a little space, a little time, and the itch to keep gardening, give one or more of these a try. A splash of color in October is a wonderful reminder that the season isn’t over until it’s truly done.