The best time to plant flowers in Maryland generally depends on the last frost date in your specific area, which varies by location but typically falls around mid to late April or early May. Key points for planting flowers in Maryland:
- A widely followed guideline is to wait until after Mother's Day (around the second weekend of May) to plant most flowers and vegetables. This is because frost risk is usually over by then, and soil temperatures are warmer, which is safer for plants.
- The average last frost dates in Maryland cities range from about April 9 (Gaithersburg, Rockville) to April 30 (Baltimore), with some variation.
- Sensitive plants should be planted only when both high and low temperatures stay consistently at or above 50°F to avoid frost damage.
- For summer annuals like petunias, impatiens, marigolds, and zinnias, planting in late April to mid-May is ideal in most Maryland areas.
- Spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and crocuses are best planted in the fall (October to early December) to bloom in spring.
In summary, for most flower planting in Maryland, waiting until after the last frost date—typically after Mother's Day in early to mid-May—is safest to ensure plants thrive and avoid frost damage. Adjust based on your specific local last frost date for best results.
