Gardening in October offers several benefits, from cooler weather to less pests. Texas has a longer growing season than many other states and this time of year provides the ideal conditions for fall planting. The soil is still warm enough to encourage strong roots, the cooler climate means less evaporation and the need for excessive watering, and you can enjoy the vast selection of gorgeous fall flowers that will thrive into the colder months.
Ready to grow? Discover what to plant in October and have fun outdoors in your Texas garden!
Fall Color
Extend the beauty of your Texas garden by planting fall flowers. Cool season annuals thrive in our sun-loving landscapes and perennials will add bursts of lasting color that return year after year.
MATRIX® PANSIES
Matrix® Pansies are astounding, fast-growing fall flowers that thrive in our cooler months. They are hardy annuals, prized for their large blooms and easy care. They perform well in flowerbeds and are great for planting in containers.
Matrix® Pansies are available in two different faces – blotch and clear. The blotch variety has a distinctively dark center while the outer edges showcase a lighter variety of hues. The clear faced pansy is one charming color.
For planting and care tips for your Matrix® Pansies, visit our blog here: 3 Ways to Plant Pansies
GARDEN MUMS
Garden Mums, or Chrysanthemums, are quintessential fall flowering perennials. They bloom throughout the fall season and with proper care, will reward your Texas garden with gorgeous color year after year.
Garden Mums thrive in full sun with regular watering. Water at the roots when the top 2 inches of soil is dry. Display their bold shades of orange, red, yellow, purple and pink in your fall garden or your favorite pottery.
For your growing success, discover expert planting tips here: How-To Plant Garden Mums
ORNAMENTAL CABBAGE & KALE
Ornamental Cabbage and Kale is a must-have for your fall garden. They are known for their beautiful rosettes of purple, pink, and white that can make them look like large flowers in your landscape.
These fall garden plants thrive in full sun with some afternoon shade. As the weather gets colder outside, your Ornamental Cabbage and Kale will become even more vibrant and colorful.
Ready to decorate your entryway for fall? Try this creative container garden idea now: Autumn Harvest Container Gardens: Fall Planter Ideas with Pumpkins
SNAPDRAGONS
Bring vibrant color to your fall garden with Snapdragons. A favorite to bumblebees, these essential fall flowers are a popular choice for any cool season garden. Snapdragons are named after their unique shape with blooms that resemble a dragon’s snout. They are prolific bloomers, providing vibrant color to your Texas garden throughout the cooler months.
Keep all your plants vibrant and blooming throughout the season with regular applications of Calloway’s Premium Flower Food.
For more fall planting tips, check out these fabulous options for your cool season garden here: Fall-tastic Color for Your Cool Season Garden
Fall Herbs
Fall is an ideal time for planting tasty herbs. The milder climate can be less stressful on your plants, helping them establish stronger roots.
LAVENDER
Enjoy the many uses of fresh Lavender this fall. Commonly found in home fragrances and herbal teas, the scent of Lavender is known to help ease stress and anxiety. In the kitchen, the floral flavor can enhance your meat, side dishes, cheeses, or desserts!
ROSEMARY
Rosemary is a fragrant herb commonly used in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. It is drought-tolerant, once established, and easy to maintain. They prefer full sunlight and frequent watering. Rosemary can be eaten fresh or dried and is jam-packed with nutrients. It is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamins which aids in stronger immune system support.
MINT
Mint is a great choice for your fall container gardens. It is nutritious and it smells lovely. Mint is high in fiber and vitamin A, and it will add the freshest flavor to your desserts, sauces, and your favorite refreshments. Mint thrives in shady to partial sun areas, making them a perfect plant for your kitchen herb garden.
Ready to grow what you eat? Grow an indoor herb garden! Visit our blog to learn more: How to Grow an Herb Garden in Your Kitchen
Fall Shrubs
October is the prime time to plant fall shrubs in Texas. The mild temperatures and high chances of rain help them establish strong roots before next summer.
FRINGE FLOWER
Fringe Flower is a graceful fall shrub known for its unique spider-like flowers and interesting foliage. Throughout the year, the leaves change color from purple to deep green. It is a great privacy shrub and performs well as a decorative topiary in your Texas garden. Fringe Flower is low maintenance, hardy, and can adapt well to various light, soil, and moisture conditions.
CAMELLIA
Camellia is an impressive fall shrub that will give your cool-season garden with vibrant, lasting blooms. It will make an elegant statement as a natural hedge, foundation shrub, or espalier specimen – meaning it can be trained to grow flat against a wall. It is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub you can enjoy in your Texas garden, year after year.
TEXAS SAGE
Texas Sage is a beautiful and drought-tolerant fall shrub that will add captivating color and allure to your landscape. This plant features silvery-gray foliage and enchanting lavender-purple blooms. It is a favorite to our beneficial pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Texas Sage thrives in our Texas sun and is easy to care for.
Have limited gardening space? Try growing your fall shrubs in your favorite planters! Visit our blog here to learn more: Container Gardening for Shrubs: A Beginner’s Guide
Grow with Ease
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we are here for all your fall gardening needs! Visit us today and explore our stunning collection of seasonal blooms, stately shrubs, premium garden tools, stylish pottery, and so much more! Shop any of our 29 neighborhood stores, where we have served our loyal customers for over 35 years.
Have questions? No worries! Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals; they are here to help!
