If you garden in a warm climate area like Southern California, here's a helpful list of what to plant for March and April.
by John Bagnasco
In colder climates, this can be followed in May and June:
- For instant color plant: Bloomingdale Ranunculus, Iceland Poppy, Primrose, Pansy and Nemesia. Also Delphinium and Foxglove can be planted for later blossoms. As the weather warms, plant summer color: Petunias, Lobelia, Alyssum, Impatiens, and Wax Begonia.
- Plant perennials: Armeria, Campanula, Columbine, Coral Bells, Coreopsis, Daylilies, Gerbera Daisies, Geum, Lavender, Penstemon, Shasta Daisy, Yarrow, and Veronica.
- Plant summer vegetables like Artichokes, Carrots, Radishes, Lettuce, and Tomatoes toward the end of the month. Don’t waste your time with Peppers, Squash and Melons, it’s still too early.
- In warm climates only, plant Citrus and Avocados. For smaller yards try one of the dwarf Avocados like Littlecado, Gwen,Whitsell, or Holiday. For true dwarf citrus, only those grown on ‘Flying Dragon’ rootstock will stay small. Other “dwarf” citrus is actually semi-dwarf, only one-third smaller than standard.
- Plant flowering shrubs like India Hawthorne, Lilacs, and Viburnum. This is the middle of Azalea season; many varieties will be in full bloom.
- Roses will be coming into peak bloom in April. Visit local garden centers for the best selections now.