Late October and it finally feels like fall here in SoCal.  We are preparing for the cool season ahead- stacking wood for our wood burning stove (can’t wait to watch those flames!) and pulling down boxes of warmer kids’ clothes- and being so surprised at how much everyone has grown.  I’ve been occupied with clearing the gardens, solarizing crop residues, digging out burmuda grass, and laying organic horse manure and compost so I can replant, with the goal of having a substantial harvest by February that continues well into the spring.

San Diego, with her year-long growing season and subtle seasons, can be a tough nut to crack when it comes to growing specialty cut flowers.  Here is a list of cool season flowers that thrive when planted in the fall here in Zone 10.  I’m talking about slowly growing strong, healthy plants with substantial root systems through our cool season that produce lots of cuts come spring.  Everything on this list I’ve actually grown and can take a kiss of frost, like the one we got on February 5th this year.

Hardy Annuals to plant in the Fall

• Snapdragons- Space 9 inches apart, pinch.  I like to use flower netting.  Watch for rust!
• Feverfew- Space 9 inches apart, pinch.  I like to use flower netting and allow them to go to seed, then thin or move around as needed.
• Nigella- Direct seed then thin to 4-6 inches.
• Ammi, Daucus Dara – Space 6 inches apart, pinch.  Corral with twine and stakes.  I give them a permanent spot in the garden and allow them to go to seed, then thin or move around as needed.
• Scabiosas- Space 6-9 inches apart, pinch.  I like to use two layers of flower netting.
• Agrostemma (Corn Cockle) – Direct seed then thin to 6 inches.  I corral these with stakes and twine; succession sow for a continuous harvest.  (Can be poisonous if ingested)
• Flowering Sweet Peas- Winter Sunshine or Spring Sunshine series do well in our climate.  These will branch without pinching; provide a trellis for climbing.  (Can be poisonous if ingested)
• Strawflowers- Space 6-9 inches apart, pinch.  I like to use flower netting.  These will produce through the summer from one fall planting if you keep them harvested!

I’m experimenting with growing so many more flower species this fall so it will be fun to expand this list over time.  Best of luck with your fall planting and wishing you an abundant early spring harvest!