Even though the farm is still bursting with summer color, behind the scenes, I’ve got seed trays filling up and plans taking root—literally. This is one of those behind-the-scenes seasons where the magic quietly begins for what’s to come at our Cape May local flower farm.

Right now, I’m sowing seeds for two things:
🌼 Flowers for fall harvest, and
🌼 Cold-hardy annuals that will be planted this fall and overwinter for early spring blooms

Let’s start with the fall goodies. These are the flowers that grow fast and thrive in cooler temps, meaning we’ll get one last wave of color before winter rolls in. I’ve just started sowing:

  • Snapdragons – These love the shorter days and cooler temps and will produce tall, strong stems with bright, velvety blooms perfect for fall bouquets.

  • Stock – One of my absolute favorites for its spicy clove scent and romantic, ruffly blooms. Stock doesn’t love the heat, so late summer is the perfect time to get them going.

  • Celosia – These thrive in warm weather but will take us all the way through the first light frost with their bold, velvety plumes. A beautiful late-season texture flower.

  • Ornamental cabbage – Technically not a flower, but you’d never know it! These add structure and that dreamy dusty-purple and sage green color that makes fall bouquets feel extra lush.

  • Sunflowers – Our last sowings of the season! We choose varieties that bloom quickly, so we can still squeeze in a few rounds before the days get too short.

These varieties are perfect for sowing now because they can handle the transitional temperatures of late summer into fall. They grow quickly, don’t mind shorter days, and some (like snapdragons and stock) even bloom better when it’s a bit cooler. This helps extend the season beautifully – and makes our fall flower stand here at your trusted Cape May florist absolutely swoon-worthy.

👉 Also coming up soon: ranunculus corms and tulip bulbs!
We’re getting ready to prep beds and begin planting these beloved spring bloomers. Fall is the time to get them tucked in the ground so they can root in before winter sets in. Both ranunculus and tulips need a good chill to bloom their best, and with a little planning now, they’ll be among the absolute showstoppers of next season.

At our Cape May flower farm, we’re proud to grow varieties that aren’t typically found at big-box garden centers—and whether you’re looking for a spring bouquet or growing your own garden, we’re here to help make it beautiful. As your local Cape May flower florist, we’ll be sharing more soon about how we plant our corms and bulbs and when they’ll be available for preorder.

Now for the real long game: cold-hardy annuals.

These are the unsung heroes of the spring flower world—the ones that get sown now, planted out in fall, and quietly hang out under protective covers (or a blanket of snow!) all winter. Then come spring? They explode into bloom long before anything else even thinks about waking up.

Right now I’m sowing:

  • Snapdragons & Stock – Yep, again! When overwintered, they bloom even earlier and stronger. We get taller stems and more vibrant flowers than spring-sown versions.

  • Bupleurum – A gorgeous chartreuse filler with delicate, ferny foliage. It loves cold weather and gives bouquets that airy, wild look.

  • Ammi – Think Queen Anne’s Lace, but on steroids. This lacy white flower is a favorite for early spring bouquets and absolutely loves to chill out (literally).

  • Sweet William – These colorful clusters of blooms come in deep, moody pinks, purples, and whites. When overwintered, they’re sturdy, reliable, and flower early.

  • Bells of Ireland – Tall, architectural, and lime green with bell-shaped calyxes that last forever in a vase. They germinate best with a little cold, making them a perfect candidate for fall sowing.

Why start them now? Because cold-hardy annuals need time to establish strong roots before winter. That way, when spring rolls around, they’re ready to grow like crazy. It’s like giving them a head start—one that results in earlier blooms, taller stems, and more abundance. And let’s be honest, after months of cold and gray, early spring flowers feel like an absolute gift.

As a Cape May local flower farm, we’re always thinking one season ahead. Whether you’re picking up blooms from our flower stand, ordering custom bouquets, or attending one of our workshops, know that everything we grow is thoughtfully planned months in advance.

And if you’re ever wondering what your favorite Cape May florist is up to in the off-season? We’re in the greenhouse, hands in the soil, prepping for the next wave of color.

Thanks for following along as we keep planting ahead, even when it’s hot and sticky outside. Farming flowers is a year-round labor of love, and every seed sown now brings us one step closer to more beauty down the line.