What Flowers Can I Plant in March? And Why Do They Make My Neighbor's Cat Jealous?

March is a magical time for gardeners. As winter begins to loosen its icy grip, the soil starts to warm, and the promise of spring blooms becomes tangible. But what flowers can you plant in March? The answer depends on your climate, soil type, and gardening goals. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner with a trowel and a dream, this guide will help you choose the perfect flowers to brighten your garden—and maybe even confuse your neighbor’s cat.

1. Early Bloomers: The Optimists of the Garden

March is the ideal time to plant flowers that thrive in cooler temperatures and can handle the occasional frost. These early bloomers are the overachievers of the plant world, bursting into color when most other plants are still snoozing.

Pansies: These cheerful flowers come in a rainbow of colors and can withstand chilly nights. Plant them in well-draining soil, and they’ll reward you with blooms well into spring.
Primroses: With their delicate petals and vibrant hues, primroses are a classic choice for early spring. They prefer partial shade and moist soil.
Snapdragons: These tall, spiky flowers add vertical interest to your garden. They’re frost-tolerant and come in shades of pink, yellow, and white.

2. Bulbs: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

If you missed planting bulbs in the fall, don’t worry—March is still a great time to get some in the ground. Bulbs are like buried treasure; plant them now, and they’ll surprise you with blooms later.

Daffodils: These sunny yellow flowers are a symbol of spring. Plant them in clusters for maximum impact.
Tulips: Available in almost every color imaginable, tulips are a must-have for any spring garden. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun.
Hyacinths: Known for their intoxicating fragrance, hyacinths are perfect for borders or containers. They thrive in cool weather and bloom in shades of purple, pink, and white.

3. Perennials: The Long-Term Relationship

If you’re looking for flowers that will come back year after year, March is a great time to plant perennials. These plants are the backbone of any garden, providing structure and reliability.

Lavender: This fragrant herb is as beautiful as it is useful. Plant it in full sun and well-draining soil, and it will reward you with purple blooms and a calming scent.
Coneflowers: Also known as echinacea, these hardy flowers are drought-tolerant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Bleeding Hearts: With their heart-shaped pink or white flowers, these shade-loving plants add a touch of romance to any garden.

4. Annuals: The One-Season Wonders

Annuals are perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden, even if they only last for one season. March is a great time to start planting these fast-growing flowers.

Marigolds: These bright orange and yellow flowers are easy to grow and repel pests like mosquitoes and aphids.
Petunias: Available in a wide range of colors, petunias are perfect for hanging baskets or containers. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil.
Sweet Alyssum: This low-growing flower is perfect for borders or ground cover. Its tiny white or purple blooms have a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators.

5. Wildflowers: The Free Spirits

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option, consider planting wildflowers. These hardy plants thrive in a variety of conditions and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

California Poppies: These bright orange flowers are drought-tolerant and thrive in poor soil. They’re perfect for adding a pop of color to a wildflower meadow.
Black-Eyed Susans: These cheerful yellow flowers are a favorite of pollinators and can grow in almost any soil type.
Cosmos: With their delicate, daisy-like blooms, cosmos are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your garden.

6. Edible Flowers: The Tasty Option

Why not plant flowers that are as beautiful as they are delicious? Edible flowers are a fun and functional addition to any garden.

Nasturtiums: These vibrant flowers come in shades of orange, yellow, and red. Both the flowers and leaves are edible, with a peppery flavor that’s perfect for salads.
Calendula: Also known as pot marigold, calendula flowers are edible and have a slightly spicy taste. They’re often used to add color to soups and salads.
Borage: This blue, star-shaped flower has a mild cucumber flavor and is often used as a garnish for drinks and desserts.

7. Flowers for Pollinators: The Eco-Friendly Choice

Planting flowers that attract pollinators is a great way to support local ecosystems. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds will thank you.

Bee Balm: As the name suggests, this flower is a favorite of bees. It comes in shades of red, pink, and purple and thrives in full sun.
Butterfly Bush: This shrub produces long, cone-shaped flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It’s perfect for adding height to your garden.
Zinnias: These colorful flowers are a favorite of butterflies and come in a wide range of colors and sizes.

8. Flowers for Shade: The Understated Beauties

Not all gardens get full sun, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have beautiful blooms. These shade-loving flowers are perfect for brightening up darker corners of your yard.

Hostas: Known for their lush foliage, hostas also produce delicate white or purple flowers in the summer.
Astilbe: These feathery flowers come in shades of pink, red, and white and thrive in shady, moist conditions.
Foxgloves: With their tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers, foxgloves add a touch of drama to any shade garden.

9. Flowers for Containers: The Space-Saving Solution

If you’re short on space, don’t worry—many flowers thrive in containers. March is a great time to start planting these portable beauties.

Geraniums: These classic container flowers come in a variety of colors and are easy to care for.
Begonias: With their vibrant blooms and attractive foliage, begonias are perfect for adding color to patios and balconies.
Impatiens: These shade-loving flowers are perfect for brightening up covered porches or shady corners.

10. Flowers for Cut Bouquets: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

If you love having fresh flowers in your home, consider planting flowers that are perfect for cutting.

Roses: No garden is complete without at least one rose bush. Choose a variety that’s known for its long-lasting blooms.
Dahlias: These showy flowers come in a wide range of colors and shapes, making them perfect for bouquets.
Lilies: With their large, fragrant blooms, lilies are a classic choice for cut flowers.

FAQs

Q: Can I plant flowers in March if I live in a colder climate?
A: Yes! Many cold-hardy flowers, like pansies and snapdragons, can handle frost and cooler temperatures.

Q: How do I prepare my soil for planting in March?
A: Start by removing any weeds and loosening the soil. Add compost or organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility.

Q: Can I plant seeds in March, or should I use seedlings?
A: It depends on the flower. Some, like pansies and snapdragons, do better as seedlings, while others, like wildflowers, can be sown directly into the ground.

Q: What flowers attract hummingbirds?
A: Flowers like bee balm, butterfly bush, and zinnias are great for attracting hummingbirds.

Q: Can I plant flowers in containers in March?
A: Absolutely! Many flowers, like geraniums and begonias, thrive in containers and can be planted in March.

March is a time of renewal and growth, and there’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than by planting flowers. Whether you’re looking for early bloomers, long-lasting perennials, or edible delights, there’s a flower for every garden and every gardener. So grab your gloves, dust off your trowel, and get planting—your garden (and your neighbor’s cat) will thank you!