We all know that saying, April showers bring May flowers and it is easy at this time of year to get spring fever and want to paint your door step with new annuals. The nurseries are bringing out the color palette of pansies, petunias and zinnias. But is it too soon? When is the right time to plant tender plants in our climate in Philadelphia, Zone 7?
Well, the experts have varied answers ranging from Tax Day, April 15 to Mother’s Day, mid May. They study the past years frost cycles and follow the farmer’s almanac. Keep in mind that we have had some very unpredictable weather of late so before you spend $50 on those pretty pink wave petunias consider waiting til Mother’s Day. You can even suggest that buying and planting those annuals for you would be a great gift from the kids! If you can’t resist the rainbow of temptation and just have to have some spring petals at your door, be prepared to cover them or bring them in when temps hover in the 30’s over night. You can cover them with a blanket or plastic, blanket or sheet is better.
For those outside the Mid-Atlantic area, please refer to this guide from the USDA Dept of Agriculture for your zone hardiness. Happy Planting
