New Jersey’s coastal and inland gardens both benefit from August planting of fast-blooming varieties. Finding the best flowers to plant in august in new jersey can turn late summer into a second spring. Whether you live near the Shore or in the Pine Barrens, August offers a perfect window for adding color before autumn arrives.
Many gardeners think August is too late to plant. That’s not true. The soil is warm, which helps roots grow quickly. Plus, the days are still long enough for flowers to thrive. You just need to pick the right types.
This guide covers flowers that handle New Jersey’s heat and humidity. It also includes tips for coastal gardens where salt spray can be a problem. Let’s get started.
Best Flowers To Plant In August In New Jersey
August planting in New Jersey works best with flowers that bloom fast or are already blooming when you buy them. Here are the top choices for your garden.
Marigolds
Marigolds are tough and reliable. They bloom within weeks of planting. They love the sun and don’t mind dry spells. Plant them in beds or containers. They also repel some garden pests.
- Choose French marigolds for compact plants
- African marigolds grow taller and have larger blooms
- Water regularly until established
- Deadhead spent flowers to keep them blooming
Zinnias
Zinnias are a top pick for August. They grow fast from seed or transplants. They come in many colors and sizes. Butterflies love them. They handle New Jersey’s humidity well.
- Sow seeds directly in the ground
- Space plants 6 to 12 inches apart
- Water at the base to avoid mildew
- Cut flowers often to encourage more blooms
Cosmos
Cosmos are easy and graceful. They have feathery leaves and daisy-like flowers. They bloom from August until frost. They tolerate poor soil and need little water once established.
Plant cosmos in full sun. They can reach 3 to 5 feet tall. Use them as a backdrop for shorter flowers. They also make great cut flowers.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are classic for late summer. Choose fast-maturing varieties like ‘Sunray’ or ‘Teddy Bear’. They grow quickly and add height to your garden. Birds will thank you for the seeds later.
- Plant seeds 1 inch deep
- Space them 12 to 18 inches apart
- Water deeply once a week
- Stake tall varieties if needed
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are edible and colorful. They bloom in bright oranges, yellows, and reds. They prefer poor soil and don’t need fertilizer. Plant them in containers or along borders.
They also attract pollinators. The leaves and flowers are peppery and great in salads. Just wash them well before eating.
Celosia
Celosia has unique, fluffy blooms. They look like flames or rooster combs. They love heat and humidity. They bloom from August until the first frost.
Plant celosia in well-drained soil. They work well in beds or pots. The flowers last a long time, both in the garden and in vases.
Salvia
Salvia is a hardy perennial that blooms all summer. August planting gives it time to establish before winter. It has spikes of blue, purple, or red flowers. Hummingbirds love it.
- Choose varieties like ‘Victoria Blue’ or ‘Hot Lips’
- Plant in full sun
- Water regularly the first few weeks
- Cut back after blooming for more flowers
Why August Planting Works In New Jersey
New Jersey has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid. August is usually the warmest month. But the soil is warm, which helps roots grow fast.
Fall is also mild in New Jersey. Frost usually arrives in late October or November. That gives August-planted flowers 8 to 12 weeks to bloom. That’s plenty of time for fast-growing annuals.
Coastal Gardens
If you live near the coast, you face salt spray and sandy soil. Choose flowers that tolerate these conditions. Marigolds, zinnias, and portulaca are good choices. They handle salt and wind better than many flowers.
Add compost to sandy soil to hold moisture. Water more often in sandy areas. Mulch helps keep roots cool and moist.
Inland Gardens
Inland gardens have richer soil but more humidity. This can cause fungal diseases. Space plants well for air flow. Water in the morning so leaves dry during the day.
Good choices for inland areas include cosmos, salvia, and celosia. They handle humidity well and bloom until frost.
How To Plant Flowers In August In New Jersey
August planting needs a few extra steps because of the heat. Follow these tips for success.
Prepare The Soil
Remove weeds and old plants. Loosen the soil to 6 inches deep. Mix in compost or aged manure. This improves drainage and adds nutrients.
- Test soil pH if possible. Most flowers like pH 6.0 to 7.0
- Add a slow-release fertilizer at planting time
- Water the soil well before planting
Plant In The Evening
Plant in the late afternoon or evening. This gives plants overnight to recover from transplant shock. The cooler temperatures reduce stress.
Water deeply after planting. Then water every day for the first week. After that, water every 2 to 3 days depending on rain.
Mulch To Keep Cool
Mulch helps keep soil cool and moist. Use 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch like shredded bark or straw. Keep mulch away from plant stems to prevent rot.
Mulch also reduces weeds. That means less work for you.
Provide Shade If Needed
If a heatwave hits, provide temporary shade. Use shade cloth or an old sheet. Remove it after a few days when plants are established.
Some flowers like zinnias and marigolds handle full sun well. But new transplants appreciate a little protection.
Best Perennials To Plant In August In New Jersey
August is also a good time to plant perennials. They have time to establish roots before winter. They will bloom next year.
Black-Eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans are native to New Jersey. They bloom in late summer and fall. They are drought-tolerant and easy to grow. They attract butterflies and bees.
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Space 12 to 18 inches apart
- Water regularly until established
- Divide every 3 to 4 years
Sedum
Sedum, also called stonecrop, is a succulent. It stores water in its leaves. It handles heat and drought well. It blooms in late summer with pink or red flowers.
Plant sedum in well-drained soil. It does not need much water. It works well in rock gardens or borders.
Russian Sage
Russian sage has silvery leaves and blue flowers. It blooms from July to frost. It is very drought-tolerant. Deer and rabbits usually leave it alone.
Plant in full sun. Space 2 to 3 feet apart. Cut back in early spring for best growth.
Lavender
Lavender loves heat and well-drained soil. August is a good time to plant it in New Jersey. It will bloom next summer. The scent is calming and repels mosquitoes.
- Choose English lavender for cold hardiness
- Plant in sandy or gravelly soil
- Water sparingly once established
- Prune after flowering to keep shape
Annuals Vs Perennials For August Planting
Annuals bloom the same year you plant them. Perennials take a year to establish but come back each year. Both have their place in an August garden.
Annuals For Quick Color
Annuals are the best choice for instant gratification. They bloom within weeks. They keep blooming until frost. Then they die. You replant next year.
Top annuals for August in New Jersey:
- Marigolds
- Zinnias
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Celosia
Perennials For Long-Term Beauty
Perennials take longer to establish. But they come back year after year. August planting gives them time to grow roots before winter. They will bloom next summer.
Top perennials for August in New Jersey:
- Black-eyed Susans
- Sedum
- Russian sage
- Lavender
- Coneflowers
Tips For August Garden Care In New Jersey
August is hot. Your garden needs extra care. Here are some tips.
Water Wisely
Water deeply and less often. This encourages deep roots. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to save water.
Check soil moisture by sticking your finger in the ground. If it’s dry 2 inches down, water.
Deadhead Spent Flowers
Remove faded flowers to encourage more blooms. This works for marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos. It keeps plants looking neat.
Some flowers like salvia benefit from cutting back. Cut the whole stem after the flowers fade. New blooms will appear.
Watch For Pests
August brings aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. Check plants weekly. Spray pests off with water or use insecticidal soap.
Japanese beetles can be picked off by hand. Drop them in soapy water. Neem oil also works.
Fertilize Lightly
Annuals need fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer. Perennials need less. A slow-release fertilizer at planting time is enough.
Do not over-fertilize. Too much nitrogen causes lots of leaves but few flowers.
Common Mistakes When Planting In August
Even experienced gardeners make mistakes. Here are some to avoid.
Planting Too Late In The Day
Planting in the midday sun stresses plants. Always plant in the evening or on a cloudy day. Water well after planting.
Not Watering Enough
New plants need consistent water. Do not let them dry out. But do not overwater either. Soggy soil causes root rot.
Choosing The Wrong Flowers
Some flowers do not handle August heat. Avoid pansies, snapdragons, and sweet peas. They prefer cool weather. Stick with heat-tolerant varieties.
Skipping Mulch
Mulch is not just for looks. It keeps soil cool and moist. It also prevents weeds. Use 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch.
Regional Considerations For New Jersey
New Jersey is small but diverse. The climate varies from north to south and coast to inland.
Northern New Jersey
Northern New Jersey has cooler summers and earlier frost. August planting works well. Choose fast-blooming annuals. Perennials need to be planted by mid-August to establish.
Good choices for the north: marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos. Also try hardy perennials like sedum and black-eyed Susans.
Central New Jersey
Central New Jersey has a mix of coastal and inland conditions. Soil varies from sandy to clay. Test your soil and amend as needed.
Good choices for central: celosia, salvia, and lavender. These handle a range of conditions.
Southern New Jersey
Southern New Jersey is warmer with longer growing seasons. August planting is very productive. You can plant until early September.
Good choices for the south: sunflowers, nasturtiums, and Russian sage. These love heat and humidity.
Coastal Areas
Coastal areas have salt spray and sandy soil. Choose salt-tolerant flowers. Marigolds, zinnias, and portulaca work well. Add organic matter to improve soil.
Water more often in sandy soil. Mulch helps retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant flowers in August in New Jersey?
Yes, August is a great time to plant flowers in New Jersey. The warm soil helps roots grow quickly. Choose fast-blooming annuals or hardy perennials.
What flowers bloom in August in New Jersey?
Many flowers bloom in August in New Jersey. Marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers are good choices. Perennials like black-eyed Susans and sedum also bloom in August.
Is it too late to plant flowers in August?
No, it is not too late. August planting gives flowers 8 to 12 weeks before frost. Fast-growing annuals will bloom until the first frost.
What are the best flowers to plant in late summer in New Jersey?
The best flowers for late summer in New Jersey include marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, celosia, and sunflowers. These handle heat and bloom quickly.
Can I plant perennials in August in New Jersey?
Yes, August is a good time to plant perennials. They have time to establish roots before winter. They will bloom next year. Good choices include black-eyed Susans, sedum, and lavender.
Final Thoughts On August Planting In New Jersey
August planting in New Jersey is a smart way to extend your garden’s beauty. The warm soil and long days help flowers grow fast. You can enjoy color from late summer through fall.
Choose heat-tolerant flowers like marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos. Plant in the evening and water well. Mulch to keep roots cool. With a little care, your garden will thrive.
Do not be afraid to plant in August. It is not too late. In fact, it might be the best time for a second round of blooms. Get out there and plant something beautiful.