For many plant lovers, fall is a season of contrasts. On the one hand, they provide a respite from the sweltering heat and watering schedules, but on the other hand, they somehow mark the end of the growth cycle of many plants we have in our homes. What is beyond doubt is that, at the same time, autumn offers an ideal opportunity to grow a wide variety of plants, both in the garden and inside the house, which in summer would be a little more complicated.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most iconic and easiest plants to grow in fall, both ornamental and edible, so you can make the most of this season and continue to enjoy it even when the good weather ends.
The most autumnal plants
As the days get shorter and temperatures begin to drop, many plant species find this time the ideal environment to thrive. Among the most popular plants you can grow this season are those that tolerate (or like) somewhat different conditions:
- Cooler temperatures: Summer is not suitable for many of the plants we love.
- Less irrigation requirement: When it’s cooler, your water demand will be less, which will make you happier.
- Low lighting: Many plants grow well with fewer light hours.
- A break from parasites: especially outdoors, the cycle of phytopathogens ends, the plant will therefore have fewer visitors from these friendly little critters.
- Flowering (and fruiting) thanks to short days.
Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
Chrysanthemums are known as the flower of fall, with a stunning range of colors including yellow, orange and purple. They appear at the best time, because when almost everything seems to be ending, these plants take center stage in the garden. They are valued not only for the countless flowers they obtain, but also for their cold resistance, which allows them to bloom even in cool weather. Perfect for areas where other plants would be difficult to grow.
- Lightning: Direct sun or partial shade. To bloom in all their splendor, they need at least 5 to 6 hours of sun per day.
- Minimum temperature: They tolerate up to 0°C, but prefer temperatures between 10°C and 20°C.
- Final size: Varies between 30 and 90 cm in height depending on the variety.
- Common problems: Root rot due to excess water, mold and mites.
Aster (Aster spp.)
Asters are perennial plants that brighten up the garden with daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, purple and white. They bloom in late summer and fall, putting on a colorful spectacle when many other plants have finished their cycle. In addition, they resist the cold and attract pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, to your balcony. The plus for a garden with additional biodiversity.
- Lightning: Direct sun or partial shade. They require good light to flower profusely.
- Minimum temperature: They resist up to -6°C, they resist the cold quite well.
- Final size: From 30 cm to 1 meter high depending on the species.
- Common problems: Gray rot (botrytis), downy mildew and root rot due to excess moisture.
Clivia (Clivia miniata)
Clivia is a bulbous plant, robust and easy to maintain. It is famous for its vibrant orange and yellow flowers that appear in spring, although they can also bloom in fall. Although it does not always flower, its dense, evergreen foliage provides visual appeal throughout the year. It is the perfect plant to place in a (very bright) corner of the living room, in the hall or in the shade of an outdoor porch.
- Lightning: It tolerates the sun well, but better in the shade (well lit) so that it presents this characteristic dark green.
- Minimum temperature: They prefer temperatures between 10°C and 20°C and can tolerate brief drops of up to 5°C.
- Final size: From 30 to 60 cm in height.
- Common problems: Lack of flowering due to lack of light or temperature
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Spinach is a short-cycle plant that can be easily grown at home in the fall, either in a small planter or even better directly in the ground. It grows well in cool climates and produces nutritious leaves in just a few weeks. The advantage of this type of plant is that you can eat them “à la carte”, by cutting the leaves little by little without having to uproot the plant.
- Lightning: Direct sun or partial shade.
- Minimum temperature: It tolerates temperatures down to 0°C, but grows best between 7°C and 20°C.
- Final size: Grows up to 30 cm high.
- Common problems: Root rot, mold and pests like aphids and snails.
Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla)
Although its popularity may be less sexy than that of spinach, chard is a hardy vegetable that grows well in almost any location and under any conditions. In addition to being easy to grow, its short cycle allows for rapid harvests. It is best not to wait too long to cut the leaves, because if they are too hard, their flavor will be more bitter.
- Lightning: It needs direct sunlight or partial shade.
- Minimum temperature: Hardy up to 4°C, but grows best between 10°C and 25°C.
- Final size: It can reach 60 cm in height.
- Common problems: Slugs, snails and mold.
Mizuna (Brassica rapa var. nipposinica)
Mizuna is a Japanese green leaf with a slightly spicy taste, ideal for salads, stir-fried dishes and curious palates. It grows quickly and adapts well to cool climates and fall conditions. Additionally, mizuna has the ability to regrow quickly after each harvest, allowing you to enjoy it all season long. Simply cutting the leaves a few inches above the ground will encourage new growth, providing a constant supply of fresh leaves.
- Lightning: Prefers direct sunlight or partial shade.
- Minimum temperature: It grows best in cool temperatures, between 5°C and 15°C.
- Final size: Reaches up to 30 cm in height.
- Common problems: Aphids and caterpillars.
