Is May Too Late to Plant Flowers?

If you lost track of time in early spring or your garden is looking a little bare, you might be wondering: is it too late to plant flowers in May? The good news is that it's not. May is still a great time to plant plenty of flowers, especially if you're working with warm soil and longer hours of daylight. Whether you're filling in empty spots, refreshing your flower pots, or starting from scratch, there's still time to add color and life to your garden this season.

Before you dig in, check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to confirm your last frost date and make sure conditions in your area are ready. And since late spring weather can shift quickly, especially in transitional zones, keep an eye on your local May forecast before putting tender annuals in the ground.

Best Flowers to Plant in May

As you flip your calendar to May, it might feel a little late — especially in hotter climates where summer heat is already building. But May can actually be the perfect time to plant many annuals and warm-weather perennials. The soil has warmed up, the risk of frost has passed in most regions, and days are long and sunny. Here are the best flowers to plant right now.

Marigolds (Zones 2–11, grown as annuals) are quick to bloom and heat-tolerant. They're great for borders, containers, and pest control in vegetable gardens.