April is a great time to start thinking about your garden and what plants you want to add to it. Bedding plants add color and interest to your garden, and there are many great options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for plants that will thrive in full sun or partial shade, there are plenty of bedding plants to suit your unique needs.
Bedding plants are all easy to grow and will add a beautiful splash of color to your garden. Petunias come in a wide variety of colors and are great for hanging baskets, while marigolds are known for their bright orange and yellow blooms. Snapdragons are another great option, as they come in a range of colors and are great for adding height to your garden beds.
When choosing your bedding plants, it’s important to consider the growing conditions in your garden. Some plants prefer full sun, while others do better in partial shade. You should also think about the amount of watering and maintenance each plant will require. By taking the time to choose the right plants for your garden, you can ensure that they will thrive and provide you with beautiful blooms all season long.
Table of Contents
- Why Plant Bedding Plants in April
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Bedding Plants
- Top 10 Best Bedding Plants to Plant in April
- How to Plant Bedding Plants in April
- More Gardening Tips
Why Plant Bedding Plants in April
April is the perfect time to start planting bedding plants. By planting them in April, you can enjoy their colorful blooms all summer long. Here are a few reasons why you should consider planting bedding plants in April:
- Longer Growing Season: Planting bedding plants in April gives them a longer growing season. This means they have more time to establish themselves and grow stronger roots, which will lead to healthier plants and more vibrant blooms.
- Good Weather Conditions: April is a great time to plant bedding plants because the weather is mild and the soil is starting to warm up. This makes it easier for the plants to take root and start growing.
- Cost Effective: Planting bedding plants from seed in April is much more cost-effective than buying established plants later in the season. You can save money and still enjoy a beautiful garden.
Bedding plants are incredibly versatile plants. You can plant them in container gardens, raised garden beds, hanging baskets, window garden boxes, and more. We will cover a list of the best bedding plants to start planting in April below.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bedding Plants
When choosing bedding plants to plant in April, there are several factors to consider to ensure that the plants thrive in your garden. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
Climate and Weather Conditions
The climate and weather conditions in your area can greatly affect the success of your bedding plants. Some plants are better suited for specific climates, so it’s important to choose plants that can tolerate the temperature and humidity levels in your area.
It’s also important to note that you will need to protect bedding plants from frost in April. This means you will need a greenhouse, sunroom, or window to start growing your bedding plants. Most climates are safe to start moving them outdoors around mid-May.
Soil Type and Quality
The type and quality of your soil can also greatly impact the success of your bedding plants. Generally, bedding plants will prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.3 and 6.7. In fact, a pH of around 6.5 is good for most gardens.
You can use high quality seed starter mixes, or include compost and other amendments to enrich the growing environment early on. Refer to the information and/or use a soil test kit to find out your pH levels.
Sunlight Exposure
The amount of sunlight exposure your garden receives can also affect the growth and health of your bedding plants. Some plants require full sun, while others prefer partial or full shade. Make sure to choose plants that are compatible with the amount of sunlight exposure your garden receives.
Start your bedding plants in a south-facing greenhouse, sunroom, or window. If you are growing in a north-facing setting, you may need to use grow lights.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of your bedding plants can vary depending on the plant species and the weather conditions in your area. Some plants require frequent watering, while others can tolerate periods of drought. It’s important to choose plants that are compatible with your watering schedule and the natural rainfall patterns in your area.
By considering these factors when choosing your bedding plants, you can ensure that your plants thrive and add beauty to your garden throughout the growing season.
Top 10 Best Bedding Plants to Plant in April
1. Petunias
If you’re looking to brighten up your home with some colorful flowers, then petunias are a great choice for a bedding plant. Petunias are easy to grow, low maintenance, and offer a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from.
Starting them indoors in April is a great way to get a head start on the growing season and ensure that you have beautiful flowers to enjoy throughout the summer.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are another popular choice for bedding plants. These are great for adding warm colors, as many of them grow with vibrant yellow, orange, or gold.
Marigolds prefer full sun and well-drained soil. These are another bedding plant that can be started from a seed in your greenhouse in April.
3. Pansies
Pansies are another great choice for early spring bedding plants. They bloom in a wide variety of colors. From vibrant purples and yellows to soft pinks and blues. Making them a great way to add some color to your garden early in the season.
Pansies are also relatively low maintenance, making them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners or those who may not have a lot of time to devote to their gardens.
Pansies prefer cool temperatures and can start to fade in the heat of summer, so planting them in the spring ensures that they have enough time to grow and bloom. Remember to move them to relatively shaded areas as the temperatures get too hot. With the right care, pansies can continue to bloom well into the summer, making them a beautiful and rewarding addition to any garden.
4. Geraniums
Bedding plants can be a great way to add color and interest to your garden, and Geraniums are a classic choice for many gardeners. These plants have been popular for centuries for good reason – they are beautiful, versatile, and easy to grow.
Geraniums are a great bedding plant because they come in a wide range of colors and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect variety to suit your garden. Whether you prefer vibrant reds and pinks, soft pastels, or crisp whites, there is sure to be a Geranium that fits the bill. They are also available in both trailing and upright varieties, making them a great choice for borders, containers, and hanging baskets.
Another reason why Geraniums are a popular bedding plant is because they are relatively low maintenance. They can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including full sun or partial shade, and they are not too fussy about soil type or quality. While they do require regular watering, they are not particularly thirsty plants, so they are a good choice for gardeners who don’t have a lot of time to devote to watering and maintenance.
In addition to their beauty and ease of care, Geraniums are also known for their ability to repel mosquitoes and other insects, making them a great choice for outdoor living spaces. They are also deer-resistant, which is a big plus for gardeners who live in areas with lots of wildlife.
5. Lobelia
If you’re looking for a bedding plant that will add a splash of bright, vivid color to your garden, Lobelia is an excellent choice. These plants come in a range of colors, including blues, purples, and pinks, and they are known for their delicate, trailing foliage and tiny, delicate flowers.
Lobelia is a popular bedding plant is because it is easy to grow and care for. They can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, from full sun to partial shade. They are also relatively low maintenance, and aren’t fussy about soil or watering, making them a great choice for busy gardeners.
Another reason why Lobelia is a great choice for bedding plants is because they have a long blooming period, producing flowers from early summer all the way through the fall. This means that you can enjoy their bright, cheerful colors for several months, making them an excellent investment for any garden.
Finally, Lobelia is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways. Its trailing foliage makes it a great choice for hanging baskets or containers, while its low-growing habit makes it a popular choice for borders and edging. It also looks great when combined with other bedding plants, such as Petunias or Geraniums, for a bold, colorful display.
6. Alyssum
Alyssum is a popular bedding plant that is beloved by gardeners for its sweet fragrance and delicate, trailing habit. These plants produce masses of tiny flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple, and they are known for their ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
These plants can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and they are not too fussy about soil type or quality. They also require relatively little water, making them a great choice for gardeners who live in areas with limited rainfall or who want to conserve water.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance bedding plant that will add a sweet fragrance and delicate beauty to your garden for months on end, Alyssum is an excellent choice. With its easy care requirements, long blooming period, and versatility, it’s no wonder that this plant is a favorite among gardeners of all levels.
7. Summer Salvias
Salvia is a popular bedding plant that is beloved by gardeners for its vibrant colors and easy care requirements. Starting Salvia seedlings indoors in April is an excellent way to get a head start on the growing season and ensure that you have beautiful, blooming plants throughout the summer.
Another reason why Salvia is a popular choice for bedding plants is because it is incredibly versatile. These plants come in a range of colors, including blues, purples, pinks, and reds, making them a great choice for gardeners who want to add a splash of vibrant color to their landscape. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them an excellent choice for eco-conscious gardeners.
Finally, Salvia is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, from full sun to partial shade. They are also relatively drought-tolerant, meaning that they require minimal watering once they are established. This makes them a great choice for gardeners who want beautiful, blooming plants without a lot of work or maintenance.
8. Snapdragons
Snapdragons are another popular bedding plant that can be started growing indoors in April. These plants are known for their tall, spiky flowers that come in a range of colors, including pink, red, yellow, and white. They are a great choice for gardeners who want to add height and structure to their garden beds, and they are also beloved by pollinators like bees and butterflies.
One of the main benefits of starting snapdragons from seed indoors is that it allows you to get a head start on the growing season. Snapdragons take a little longer to mature than some other bedding plants, so starting them indoors in April will ensure that you have fully matured plants ready to be planted outside by the time the weather warms up.
Another reason why snapdragons are a great choice for bedding plants is because they are incredibly easy to grow and care for. They prefer full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types and conditions. They also do not require a lot of water, making them a great choice for gardeners in dry climates or those who want to conserve water.
Finally, snapdragons are a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. They are a great choice for borders and edging, as well as for adding height and structure to garden beds. They also look great in containers or as part of a mixed planting scheme with other bedding plants.
9. Begonias
These plants are known for their vibrant, showy flowers that come in a range of colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow. They are a great choice for gardeners who want to add a splash of color to their garden beds, and they are also beloved by pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
One of the main benefits of starting begonias from seed indoors is that it allows you to control the growing conditions and ensure that the plants are healthy and well-established before being planted outside. Begonias prefer warm temperatures and a well-draining soil, so starting them indoors in April can help ensure that they have the right conditions for healthy growth.
Another reason why begonias are a great choice for bedding plants is because they are incredibly versatile. They can be used in a variety of ways in the garden, including as borders, in containers, or as part of a mixed planting scheme. They also come in a range of sizes, from small and compact to tall and showy, so they can be used to create different effects in the garden.
Finally, begonias are a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions. They prefer partial shade to full sun and require regular watering, but they can also tolerate dry conditions once they are established.
10. Zinnias
Zinnias are a fantastic choice for bedding plants that can be started from seed indoors in April. These bright and cheerful flowers come in a range of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, and white, and are sure to add a splash of color to any garden bed.
Note that Zinnias are a warm-season annual plant, and they prefer warm temperatures to grow and thrive. Starting them indoors in April ensures that they have enough time to mature and establish themselves before being transplanted outside.
Once transplanted outside, zinnias are incredibly easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil, but they can tolerate a range of soil types and conditions. They also do not require a lot of water, making them a great choice for gardeners in dry climates or those who want to conserve water.
Zinnias are a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. They are a great choice for borders, edging, or as a mass planting for a big impact. They also make great cut flowers, bringing their bright and cheerful colors indoors.
With their easy care requirements, beautiful colors, and versatility, zinnias are a great bedding plant to start in April and enjoy throughout the summer.
How to Plant Bedding Plants in April
Preparing the Soil
When planting bedding plants in April, remember that many climates will still be at risk of frost. For this reason, you should start your seeds in advance indoors. Fill a seedling tray with a seed starter mix.
Choose seeds for the types of bedding plants you are planning to grow. Sow seeds by gently pressing them into moist seed-starting mix. Then lightly sprinkle on more mix until the seeds are barely covered. Kept warm and moist, the seeds usually germinate within 7 days.
Before transplanting your bedding plants (later in May), don’t forget to prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches to allow for proper root growth. Add organic matter like compost or manure to improve soil fertility and drainage. If your soil is heavy or has poor drainage, consider adding sand or perlite to improve aeration.
Spacing the Plants
When transplanting your bedding plants later in May, make sure to space them properly to allow for healthy growth. Check the plant label or seed packet for the recommended spacing, which can vary depending on the plant species. As a general rule, most bedding plants should be spaced about 6 to 12 inches apart.
Watering and Fertilizing
Water your newly planted bedding plants deeply and regularly to help them establish a strong root system. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Fertilize your bedding plants according to the plant’s specific needs, as some plants may require more frequent fertilization than others. Use a balanced fertilizer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Caring for the Plants
Keep an eye on your bedding plants throughout the growing season, and remove any dead or damaged leaves and flowers promptly to encourage new growth. Pinch back the tips of the plants to promote bushier growth, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Watch for signs of pests or diseases, and treat them promptly to prevent further damage.
By following these simple steps, you can start your bedding plants in April with confidence, and enjoy a beautiful, healthy garden throughout the growing season.
More Gardening Tips
Thanks for stopping by and reading the entire article. Hopefully you found it helpful for choosing the right bedding plants to prepare for your upcoming summer.
For more helpful tips, be sure to read our gardening blog. Happy gardening!