8 Fast-Growing Flowers to Plant in Early Fall for a Colorful Garden in No Time

Blackfoot Daisy

The Blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum) is a cheery white flower with black seed pods.

"[It's] a great perennial that withstands high temperatures and a lack of precipitation, while still giving a beautiful floral display,” says Tina Wilson, senior director of horticulture at Desert Botanical Garden. “[It] can accent a boulder cropping and can be used as a ground cover or part of a grouping." 

• Zones: 5 to 11 
• Size: 1 to 2 feet tall
• Days to Maturity: 90 to 120 days
• Care Requirements: Full sun, partial shade in the afternoons in hotter climates; dry, well-draining soil

Compact Indigo Sage

Compact indigo sage (Salvia ''Indigo Spires') is a perennial showstopper with bright purple spikes. It's beautiful when planted in groupings or as a border plant along hedges.

Wilson describes the perennial as an ornamental plant that can withstand full sun. “It’s also a great addition to a pollinator garden," she says. 

• Zones: 7 to 10 
• Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
• Days to Maturity: 75 to 90 days
• Care Requirements: Full sun or partial shade in hotter climates; well-drained soil; water deeply until established

Cornflower

Named because it historically grew in cornfields, cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) provides a pop of color to your garden.

“[It's] drought-tolerant and easy to grow and can even tolerate freezing temperatures—making them a perfect choice for the fall where winter weather is mild,” says Paula Ramirez, gardener at Nursery Gardino at Palmstreet. “It's essential to deadhead [them] as well to keep them flourishing.”

• Zones: 2 to 11
• Size: 12 to 36 inches tall
• Days to Maturity: 80 to 90 days to reach full bloom
• Care Requirements: Full sun with some afternoon shade; rich, well-draining soil; water about 1 inch per week

Wandflower

Wandflower (Gaura lindheimeri) enhances a garden bed with a whimsical look that adds color and height.

"This is a hardy plant for warmer temperatures with a delicate form,” says Wilson. “It can also be used as a great filler plant for large spaces while still providing color and an aesthetic of airiness."

• Zones: 5 to 9 
• Mature size: 3 feet tall
• Days to Maturity: Around 100 days
• Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil, and can tolerate poor and sandy soils; water deeply until established

Petunia

Petunias will enhance your flowerbeds with bright, beautiful colors throughout the fall season. “[They] sprout easily, grow fast from seed, and can tolerate high heat, so they don’t always need a lot of water,” says Ramirez.

• Zones: 9 to 11
• Size: 6 inches to 1 foot tall
• Days to Maturity: 10 to 12 weeks
• Care Requirements: Full sun and moist, well-drained soil that is kept moist; at least 1 to 2 inches of water every 7 to 10 days once established.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod (Solidago) is perfect for the fall because it acts as a crucial nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. "They're also drought tolerant and disease resistant, making them easy to grow—and they even do well without fertilizer," says Ramirez.

• Zones: 2 to 8
• Size: 3 to 4 feet tall
• Days to Maturity: 2 years
• Care Requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil; water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are ideal for planting in fall because it allows their root systems to be stronger before the next growing season.

Ramirez encourages planting in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce heat stress. “Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds,” she says.

• Zones: 3 to 4
• Size: 4 to 12 feet tall
• Days to Maturity: 2 to 4 years
• Care Requirements: Partial sun; well-draining, rich soil; water deeply

Pansies

Pansies are easy to grow and ideal for fall. “For continuous blooms, make multiple plantings spaced a week or two apart,” says Ramirez. “This will ensure a steady supply of colorful flowers throughout the season.”

• Zones: 6 to 10
• Size: 6 to 12 inches
• Days to Maturity: 80 days
• Care Requirements: Partial shade, rich soil; water regularly, but not to the point of oversaturating the soil