Many of the best spring cut flowers need to be planted in the fall. Taking a few hours in October and November to get bulbs and seeds in the ground pays off with the earliest blooms of the year.
Tulips, daffodils, and anemones (zones 7+). Plant 6–8 weeks before the ground freezes, 6 inches deep. See individual guides for spacing.
Ranunculus (zones 7+): pre-sprout and plant in October/November for March/April blooms. Anemones in mild zones: soak and plant in fall.
Larkspur, nigella: scatter on prepared soil in fall. They need winter cold to germinate well. Sweet peas (zones 7+): sow in October/November for early spring bloom.
Fall is the ideal time to plant peony bare roots. Also divide and transplant established perennials like yarrow and delphinium.
Amend beds with compost after clearing spent summer flowers. Plant cover crops in empty beds to improve soil over winter. Store lifted dahlia tubers and ranunculus corms. Review the season and plan next year using the calendar.