The 7 best flowers to sow in March for amazing spring colors
March is a turning point in the gardening calendar. After months of muted winter tones, the promise of bold, colorful flowers is often just what outdoor spaces — and gardeners — need.
Bright flowers not only enhance the curb appeal; they can improve mood, support pollinators from overwintering, and bring new vigor to beds, borders, and containers. But to get the most colorful flowers, you’ll want to start now.
Most spring flowers grow best in full sun, well-drained, well-drained soil, and steady humidity during the growing season. Get those basics right, and you’ll be rewarded with a healthy display that takes you into summer. By planting now, you ensure months of enjoyment from the garden – not just June and July.
Here are 7 flowers you should plant now, to create a vibrant spring garden with color, texture, and pollinator reception. Time to put on your best gardening gloves and sow.
7 flowers to be sown in March
1. Cosmos
Cosmos is a stunning unspoiled flower that delivers airy foliage and daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. In warm areas, you can spread the seeds directly in the beds prepared in March and take them out a little, and they prefer not to be buried too much in the ground. In cooler regions, start them indoors and move them to their outdoor home after the risk of frost has passed.
Cosmos do very well on average in slightly poor soil and full sun, producing lots of flowers if not overfed, so don’t fertilize.
Growing areas: 2–11
2. Calendula
If you crave color as soon as possible, calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a reliable choice. Its sunny orange and yellow flowers grow well in cooler conditions, making March an ideal month for direct sowing in many parts of the country. Simply press the seeds about a quarter of an inch into well-drained soil and keep the area evenly moist until seedlings emerge.
Calendula tolerates light frosts and will continue to bloom a little longer if you remove the spent flowers, so you’re sure to get months of enjoyment as long as you keep the plant well maintained. It’s equally at home in garden beds or in spring lighting containers, so check how your soil performs and go from there.
Growing areas: 2–11
3. Sweet Peas
For flavor and beauty, sweet peas are hard to beat. These climbers like cool roots and cool air, so sowing in early spring gives them a strong start before the heat of summer arrives. In zones 3-7, sow the seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked; in colder climates, start indoors and replant carefully.
If you are sowing late, soaking the seeds overnight can speed up germination. Plant the seeds in fertile, well-drained soil and trellis immediately after planting. Sweet peas will quickly shoot up for support, so it’s important to have that structure ready.
Growing areas: 3–10
4. Pans
The pansy is very similar to the first spring, it is often planted in natural parks and forested areas. Their green leaves and bold ‘face’ hold up well in cold weather, tolerating even light frosts, making them perfect for spring planting.
In mild regions, March is suitable for direct planting in borders or containers; in colder climates, start seeds indoors or place plants grown in the nursery once the soil has worked. They prefer well-drained, well-drained soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade, making them a versatile option for brightening tricky areas and adding color to dull areas.
Growing areas: 4–10
5. Nasturtiums
Few flowers are as easy-going as nasturtiums, which is why they are often recommended to beginning gardeners. However, experienced green thumbs can also benefit from adding this plant to their garden. Bright red, orange, and gold nasturtium flowers spill beautifully from raised beds and hanging baskets, making them an ideal choice for small spaces with only limited room.
In warmer climates, sow the seeds directly into the ground in March, planting them about an inch deep. In cooler areas, wait until the soil warms up a bit or start in compostable pots to protect the tender roots. Interestingly, nasturtiums prefer soft soil, so skip the fertilizer, or you will get more leaves but fewer flowers.
Growing areas: 3–11
6. Snapdragons
Want to add height and drama? Snapdragon produces long spikes filled with colorful flowers that stand out in mixed borders. They are a great way to add visual interest without requiring a lot of maintenance. In zones 7-10, seeds can be planted outdoors in March; elsewhere, start indoors about six weeks before your last frost. Press the seeds gently into the soil as they need light to germinate.
With fertile, well-drained soil and consistent watering, snapdragons will reward you with weeks of solid color, making them great as cut flowers too.
Growing areas: 7–10 (grown as years in most places)
7. Sunflower
Bold and loving, sunflowers bring instant joy to any garden. There’s a reason why many school children get their first gardening experience by trying to grow tall sunflowers. This plant is a fun addition to almost any yard.
While it is often sown later in the spring, you can start seeds indoors in March in cooler areas to get a head start, or direct sow in a cooler area once the soil has been worked. Plant the seeds about an inch deep in a sunny, sheltered area with good drainage.
If you’re not sure if you have room for a traditional, tall sunflower, then look at the other varieties available – smaller varieties are better suited to containers, for example. If you choose tall varieties, they work well in the back of borders – just be prepared to put in tall plants if the winds are strong.
Growing areas: 2–11
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