The Best Early Spring Flowers to Plant and Grow

Early spring is the perfect time to get back into the garden. As soon as the ground is workable, you can start planting flowers that thrive in cooler temperatures and reward you with cheerful blooms. Whether you have a sunny yard or a shady corner, there are plenty of easy options to grow. Here are some of the best early spring flowers, along with where to plant them and how to water them for success.

Pansies

Where to grow: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Lightly but regularly

Pansies are cold-hardy and one of the first flowers you’ll see in garden centers each spring. They thrive in cool temperatures and bloom happily even after a light frost. Keep soil consistently moist but avoid soaking. Plant them in the ground or in a basket on your porch. Tip: The more you pick them, the more they bloom!

 

Snapdragons

Where to grow: Full sun
Watering: Moderate, soaking when soil is dry

Snapdragons love cool weather and bring height and color to spring beds. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing roots to soak up moisture. These beauties are great for cut flower arrangements so be sure to bring some inside.

 

Sweet Alyssum

Where to grow: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Light, frequent watering

This low-growing flower is perfect for borders and containers. Sweet alyssum prefers slightly moist soil, so light, frequent watering works best. I’ve found that these early spring flowers can take a few weeks to take off – so be patient and you’ll be rewardly!

 

Dianthus

Where to grow: Full sun
Watering: Lightly

Dianthus produces charming, clove-scented blooms in pinks and whites. It prefers drier conditions, so water lightly and avoid soggy soil. I like to use the shorter varieties as a border for my flower beds. Regular dead-heading keeps the plant looking healthy.

 

Primrose

Where to grow: Partial to full shade
Watering: Regular soaking

Primroses love cool, shady gardens and brighten darker areas with bold colors. Keep soil evenly moist and water thoroughly. You’ve probably seen these early spring flowers in pots to use indoors. Once the blooms fade, the leaves make for a pretty plant.

 

Violas

Where to grow: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Light but consistent

Violas are tough little plants that bloom early and last well into spring. Water lightly and often to keep roots happy. Like pansies, they’ll bloom more profusely if you pick them – bring them inside for sweet, dainty bouquets.

 

Lenten Rose (Hellebore)

Where to grow: Partial to full shade
Watering: Moderate soaking

Hellebores bloom while snow may still be on the ground. Water deeply, but let soil dry slightly between watering. I think these are one of the more interesting early spring flowers, and they’re available in a range of colors.

 

Calendula

Where to grow: Full sun
Watering: Moderate soaking

Also called pot marigold, calendula thrives in cool spring temperatures. Water thoroughly when soil begins to dry. Their sunny colors add a spark of vibrancy to any flower garden.

 

Forget-Me-Nots

Where to grow: Partial shade
Watering: Light and frequent

These dainty blue flowers love moist soil and cooler weather. Keep soil lightly moist with regular watering. There’s an aquatic version that makes a great addition to the margins of a garden pond.

 

Bleeding Heart

Where to grow: Partial to full shade
Watering: Soaking

This romantic, old-fashioned flower thrives in shaded gardens. Water deeply to keep soil consistently moist. I have several bleeding hearts in my shade garden and love them.

 

Early spring gardening doesn’t have to be complicated. With cold-tolerant, early spring flowers, the right sun exposure, and proper watering, you can enjoy blooms weeks before summer arrives. Mix sunny and shady plants throughout your garden to create layers of color and texture, and enjoy welcoming the new season with fresh flowers!