When To Plant Flowers In Kansas

Knowing when to plant flowers in Kansas is the first step to a garden that thrives all season long. Our state’s unique climate, with its hot summers, cold winters, and unpredictable springs, makes timing everything. Get it right, and you’ll be rewarded with vibrant color from early spring through the first hard frost.

This guide breaks down the best planting times for annuals, perennials, bulbs, and native flowers. We’ll use your USDA Hardiness Zone—which ranges from Zone 5b in the north to Zone 7a in the south—as our main guide. Let’s get your garden planning started.

This core schedule is your foundation. Remember, these dates are averages. Always watch your local weather forecast, as a late frost can surprise you in spring, and an early one can arrive in fall.

Last Spring Frost: This is your key date. It varies from late April in southern Kansas to mid-May in northern parts. Never plant tender flowers before this date has safely passed.
First Fall Frost: This signals the end for most annuals. It typically occurs from early October in the north to late October in the south. This date tells you when to plant fall blooms and get bulbs in the ground.

Spring Planting Schedule (After Last Frost)

Spring is a busy planting season. We divide plants into two categories: hardy varieties that can handle a chill, and tender ones that need warm soil and air.

Early to Mid-Spring (March – Early April)

As soon as the ground is workable, you can plant these cold-tolerant options. This is often well before the last frost date.

Pansies & Violas: These champions can be planted as early as March. They add instant color and can handle light snow.
Hardy Perennials: Plant bare-root or potted perennials like daylilies, coneflowers, and sedum. Their roots will establish in the cool weather.
Cool-Season Annuals: Snapdragons, calendula, and dusty miller are good choices for early color before summer heat arrives.

Late Spring to Early Summer (Mid-May – June)

Once nighttime temperatures reliably stay above 50°F, it’s safe for warm-season flowers. This is usually after Mother’s Day in much of Kansas.

Tender Annuals: This is the main planting time for petunias, marigolds, zinnias, impatiens, and geraniums.
Warm-Season Perennials: Plant salvia, black-eyed Susans, and ornamental grasses now.
Summer Bulbs: Place dahlias, cannas, and gladiolus directly in the ground after the frost danger is gone.

Fall Planting Schedule (Before First Frost)

Fall is an excellent, often overlooked, planting season. The warm soil and cool air are perfect for root growth.

Early Fall (September – Early October)

Aim to get plants in the ground about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost. This gives roots enough time to anchor.

Spring-Blooming Bulbs: Tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths must be planted in fall. They need the cold winter period to bloom in spring.
Perennials & Shrubs: Planting in fall allows them to establish roots without the stress of summer heat. It’s a great time for peonies and many native plants.
Cool-Season Annuals: Replace spent summer annuals with pansies or ornamental kale for color until winter.

Kansas Hardiness Zone Breakdown

Your specific zone refines the planting calendar. Find your zone using the USDA online map.

Zone 5b (-15°F to -10°F)

Northwest and north-central Kansas. Has the shortest growing season.

Last Frost: Around May 10-15
First Frost: Around October 1-10
Tip: Focus on cold-hardy natives and perennials. Start tender annuals indoors or buy transplants.

Zone 6a (-10°F to -5°F) & 6b (-5°F to 0°F)

Covers a large swath, including Wichita, Topeka, and much of northeastern Kansas.

Last Frost: Around April 15-25 (6a) to April 10-20 (6b)
First Frost: Around October 15-25 (6a) to October 20-30 (6b)
Tip: This is the standard Kansas garden schedule. You have a wide selection of plants that will do well here.

Zone 7a (0°F to 5°F)

South-central and southeastern Kansas, including areas around Chanute and Baxter Springs.

Last Frost: Around April 1-10
First Frost: Around October 25 – November 5
Tip: You can plant a bit earlier in spring and later in fall. Some marginally hardy plants may survive winter with extra mulch.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide for Success

Timing is only half the battle. Doing it right gives your flowers the best start.

Test & Amend Your Soil: Kansas soil is often heavy clay. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. A simple soil test can tell you if you need to adjust the pH.
Choose the Right Location: Match the plant’s sun needs (full sun, part shade, full shade) to your garden spot. Most flowering plants need at least 6 hours of direct sun.
Plant at the Correct Depth: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. The top of the root ball should be level with the soil surface. For bulbs, follow the package depth instructions, usually 2-3 times the bulb’s height.
Water Thoroughly: Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Keep the soil consistently moist for the first few weeks as the plant establishes.
Apply Mulch: Spread 2-3 inches of mulch (like shredded bark or straw) around plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature.

Top Flower Recommendations for Kansas

These reliable performers are adapted to our climate’s extremes.

Best Annuals

Zinnias: Heat-loving, drought-tolerant, and excellent for cut flowers. Plant from seed or transplant after frost.
Marigolds: Easy to grow from seed, they pest-resistant and bloom nonstop until frost.
Pentas: A magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds, they thrives in our summer heat.

Best Perennials

Coneflower (Echinacea): A tough native that handles drought, poor soil, and full sun. Birds love the seed heads in winter.
Salvia (Perennial Sage): Long-blooming, deer-resistant, and loved by pollinators. Many varieties are available.
Daylily (Hemerocallis): Extremely adaptable and reliable. They multiply over time, providing more color each year.

Best Native Flowers

Native plants are perfectly suited to Kansas weather and support local wildlife.

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia): Loves hot, dry sites and provides cheerful red and yellow blooms all summer.
Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa): Essential host plant for Monarch butterflies. Has brilliant orange flowers.
Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris): Features tall, purple spike flowers that are a favorite of bees and butterflies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best month to plant flowers in Kansas?

For most summer annuals, May is the safest bet. For perennials and spring bulbs, September is an excellent month. April and October are also key planting times for specific varieties.

Can you plant flowers before the last frost?

Yes, but only hardy or cool-season varieties like pansies, snapdragons, and certain perennials. Always check the plant’s tag for its frost tolerance. Never plant tender flowers like impatiens or zinnias early.

When should I plant fall flowers in Kansas?

Plant fall-blooming perennials like asters and mums in early spring or early fall. For spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, plant them in October. You can also plant cool-season annuals like pansies in September for fall color.

How do I protect newly planted flowers from a late frost?

If a surprise frost is forecasted after you’ve planted, cover tender plants with frost cloth, old bedsheets, or cardboard boxes. Avoid using plastic directly on the foliage. Watering the soil before a frost can also help, as moist soil retains heat better.

Gardening in Kansas is a rewarding partnership with nature. By following these planting times and choosing resilient plants, you’ll create a beautiful garden that can handle whatever our prairie weather brings. Keep a garden journal to note what works best in your specific yard, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little each season.