Running a little late with your planting? No problem, we've got you covered! There’s still plenty of time to get beautiful, productive plants in the ground before Memorial Day. If you're hoping for vibrant flowers, fresh herbs, or delicious homegrown veggies, this list includes plants that thrive when planted now. Even if you're starting, you can enjoy a thriving garden all summer long. So grab your gloves, dust off those tools, and get planting!
1. Zinnias
Zinnias grow quickly from seed and love warm soil. Plant them directly in the garden and enjoy blooms in a few weeks. They come in bright colors and attract pollinators. Zinnias thrive in full sun and require minimal care. Deadheading helps extend their bloom time through summer. They're also excellent for cutting gardens and bouquets.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes should be planted as young seedlings or transplants this time of year for best results. You can still transplant tomato starts! Choose early-maturing varieties for a faster harvest and place them in full sun. Stake or cage them to support heavy fruit. Water consistently and feed with a balanced fertilizer. With proper care, you'll be picking juicy tomatoes well into summer.
3. Basil
This warm-weather herb thrives in late spring. It grows fast and pairs perfectly with summer dishes like caprese salad. Basil loves the sun and needs regular watering. Pinch off flower buds to keep the plant producing leaves. Harvest often to encourage bushier growth.
4. Marigolds
Marigolds are tough and heat-loving. They help deter pests and add cheerful color to any garden. These flowers bloom quickly and stay vibrant all season. Plant them near vegetables to keep bugs at bay. They're also easy for kids and beginners to grow.
5. Cucumbers
Direct sow cucumber seeds now and you’ll have crisp cukes in midsummer. They love the sun and consistent watering. Trellis vining types to save space and improve airflow. Mulch helps retain moisture and reduce weeds. Pick regularly to encourage continued production.
6. Cosmos
Cosmos are hardy and bloom quickly when planted in warm soil. They are great for borders and cutting gardens. These tall, airy flowers come in shades of pink, white, and purple. Cosmos self-seed easily and attract butterflies. They grow well even in poor soil.
7. Peppers
Choose young pepper seedlings for planting now, as starting from seed would be too late. Still plenty of time to plant pepper starts. They thrive in heat and do well in containers or garden beds. Choose sweet or hot varieties based on your taste. Provide full sun and moderate water. Mulching helps maintain even soil temperature.
8. Green Beans
Sow beans directly now for a fast-growing, productive crop. Pole or bush varieties both work great. Beans are nitrogen-fixers and improve soil health. They need full sun and light watering. Harvest regularly to keep plants producing.
9. Nasturtiums
These edible flowers grow fast and look amazing in containers. Their leaves and blooms are peppery and tasty in salads. Nasturtiums also repel aphids and beetles. They grow best in poor soil and full sun. Let them trail or climb for added interest.
10. Summer Squash
Zucchini and yellow squash are quick to mature and perfect for warm soil. Give them room to sprawl! They’re heavy producers and great for grilling. Plant two or three together for the best pollination. Harvest young for the most tender texture.
11. Petunias
Add instant color with petunia starts. They bloom nonstop through summer with just a little care. Petunias come in many colors and sizes. They do best in full sun and need regular deadheading. Use them in baskets, beds, or containers. They're also great for attracting hummingbirds and bees.
12. Eggplant
Eggplants must be planted as transplants in late spring to ensure a good harvest. Eggplants love the heat. Start with young plants for best results and plenty of late summer harvests. Choose compact varieties for small spaces. Water consistently and mulch to keep roots cool. They grow well alongside peppers and tomatoes. Stake them if needed to support heavy fruit.
13. Sunflowers
Sunflowers grow fast in warm weather. Plant seeds now for cheerful blooms by mid-to-late summer. Choose dwarf or tall varieties to suit your space. They follow the sun and make great bird feeders. Kids love planting and watching them grow. They’re also excellent for cut flower arrangements.
14. Calendula
Calendula seeds sprout easily and bring bright orange or yellow blooms. Also useful as a healing herb. They attract beneficial insects like ladybugs. Calendula tolerates cool nights and poor soil. Deadheading encourages more flowers. They do best in full sun but can handle some shade.
15. Corn
It’s not too late to start a small corn patch! Choose early varieties and plant in blocks for best pollination. Corn needs full sun and regular watering. Mulch helps retain soil moisture. Fertilize with nitrogen-rich feed for tall, healthy plants. Harvest when ears feel full and silks turn brown.
16. Lavender
At this time of year, lavender should be planted from nursery transplants. Plant lavender now and enjoy fragrant blooms later in the season. Lavender needs sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant. It also repels pests and attracts pollinators. Prune lightly after blooming to shape the plant. Ideal for borders, walkways, or containers.
17. Okra
Okra loves heat and grows fast in late spring. Perfect for Southern gardens and stir-fries. Direct sow seeds or use starts for quicker results. Pick pods when they’re young and tender. Okra plants also produce pretty hibiscus-like flowers. They grow best in full sun with consistent watering.
18. Celosia
These flame-shaped flowers love hot weather. They add texture and vibrant color to borders or pots. Celosia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It also works well as a cut or dried flower. Choose from plume, cockscomb, or spiky varieties. Their bold look makes a striking garden accent.
19. Swiss Chard
This leafy green tolerates heat better than lettuce. Plant now for a colorful and tasty addition to meals. Swiss chard comes in rainbow stems for added flair. Harvest outer leaves regularly to keep them growing. It’s nutritious and great in sautés or salads. Chard can also handle light shade.
20. Snapdragons
Snapdragons should be planted as starts rather than from seed this late spring. If you can find transplants, snapdragons will still bloom beautifully. Deadhead to extend flowering. These tall blooms come in a rainbow of colors. Snapdragons love cooler nights and sunny days. They add height and drama to flower beds. They're also pollinator-friendly and make great cut flowers.
21. Pumpkins
Want pumpkins by fall? Get seeds in the ground now so they’re ready by October. Choose small or large varieties depending on your space. Pumpkins need room to vine and lots of sun. Add compost before planting for rich soil. Keep the soil evenly moist during fruit development.
22. Dill
Dill grows fast in warm soil and pairs well with cucumbers and fish. It also attracts beneficial insects. This airy herb loves full sun and regular watering. Harvest leaves young for the best flavor. Dill reseeds easily for next season. It’s great for pickling and garnishing dishes.
23. Bee Balm
Use established bee balm transplants for successful planting in late spring. This pollinator favorite can still be used now. It spreads easily and brings in bees and butterflies. Bee balm prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun. The flowers have a minty fragrance and are edible. Divide plants every few years to control spread. It’s an excellent choice for wildflower gardens.
24. Alyssum
Alyssum seeds germinate quickly and bloom all summer. They’re great for borders and containers. Alyssum has a sweet scent and attracts pollinators. It’s low-growing and ideal for edging pathways. Keep the soil moist for best results. They also make a lovely living mulch.
25. Melons
Cantaloupe and watermelon love hot soil. Plant seeds now for sweet summer fruits. Space them out to allow for sprawling vines. Provide even watering as fruits develop. Use row covers early to protect seedlings from pests. Harvest when the fruit smells fragrant and sounds hollow.
26. Borage
This herb has pretty blue flowers and grows well in warm weather. It's great for pollinators and edible, too. Borage attracts bees and adds beauty to vegetable gardens. The leaves and flowers are cucumber-flavored. It’s also known to enrich the soil, plant near tomatoes or squash for companion benefits.
27. Tithonia
Tithonia, also called Mexican Sunflower, loves heat and blooms until frost. Sow seeds now for bold orange blooms. This tall annual attracts butterflies like monarchs. It’s drought-tolerant and easy to grow. Use it as a backdrop in garden beds. Cut flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
28. Cilantro
Cilantro can still be planted in late spring, especially if you're in shade or cooler zones (Shade or Cooler Zones). If your weather isn’t too hot yet, cilantro can still be planted. It grows fast and adds zing to dishes. Best planted in part shade to slow bolting. Harvest leaves early for peak flavor. Let some go to seed for coriander spice. Cilantro also repels aphids and spider mites.
29. Impatiens
For shady spots, impatiens add color fast. Get them in the ground or containers now and enjoy blooms through fall. They prefer moist, rich soil and consistent watering. Choose from a range of pastel and bold hues. Great for hanging baskets and under trees. Deadhead for continuous blooming.
You’ve Still Got Time!
Just because the calendar is ticking doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance. These plants love warm soil and quick growth, so enjoy a beautiful garden this season. Whether you're growing flowers, herbs, or veggies, there's still time to roll up your sleeves and cultivate something amazing. Choose your favorites and start planting, especially those stunning flowers that will transform your yard by Memorial Day.