In the Upstate, we have a Spring & Summer season, followed by a Fall & Winter season. Our Fall & Winter Season typically begins early September. Fall Annuals are garden plants specially suited for cooler weather, thriving when planted in the early autumn months. Unlike their Spring counterparts, these plants bloom and well into the Winter season, offering steady color when most summer blooms have faded.
Popular choices include pansies, violas, snapdragons, ornamental vegetables, and chrysanthemums—each providing both beauty and resilience against crisp mornings and shorter days. Fall Annuals are particularly valued for their ability to deliver instant bursts of seasonal color in beds, borders, and containers when the rest of the garden may be winding down. For gardeners purchasing Annuals, we advise planting Fall Annuals in September and Spring Annuals in April.
Our Selection of Fall Annuals
- Pansies
- Mums
- Violas
- Snapdragons
- Ornamental Vegetables
- Pumpkins & Gourds
- Ornamental Grasses
More About Fall Annuals
One of the biggest benefits of planting fall annuals is the instant color and freshness they bring to landscapes just as Spring flowers begin to fade. Fall annuals are quick to establish, thrive in cooler temperatures, and provide consistent blooms through the autumn and into the winter months here in the Upstate. They are also relatively easy to grow and care for, making them a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
However, like all annuals, they will complete their life cycle in one season, so replanting will be necessary the following year. In the Upstate, our gardening rhythm includes two distinct seasons: spring/summer annuals, planted after the last frost date, and fall/winter annuals, which are planted in September and October to replace tired spring annuals after heat stress or first frost.
Fall annuals are heavy feeders, and regular fertilization is the key to keeping them blooming vigorously through chilly nights and short days. At Martin Garden Center, we recommend three proven approaches: a 6-month slow-release feed like Fertilome Garden Cote 6 for hands-off gardeners, Fertilome Premium Bedding Plant Food every 30 days for steady feeding, or Jack’s Blossom Booster plant food with every—or every other—watering for maximum results. Many gardeners find that a combination approach delivers the best balance of convenience and performance.