Plant a Flower Day: How to Celebrate March 12

What is Plant a Flower Day? March 12th marks Plant a Flower Day, an annual celebration dedicated to the simple yet impactful act of planting flowers. This day encourages gardeners, nature lovers, and anyone looking to brighten their surroundings to take part in adding more beauty to the world.

Whether you have a spacious backyard, a small balcony, or just a windowsill, Plant a Flower Day is the perfect opportunity to embrace spring and cultivate new life!

Here are some ways Nature Hills has for you to celebrate!

The Origins of Plant A Flower Day

In 2017, National Flower Day was formally recognized as a cultural observance, promoting the beauty and appreciation of flowers in their many forms and colors.

Its significance aligns with humanity's long-standing connection to nature. Historically, people have planted flowers for centuries, not just for their beauty but also for their cultural and symbolic meanings.

Flowers have been used in ceremonies, as gifts, to lift spirits, celebrate the memory of a loved one, as food, and even for medicinal purposes.

The establishment of this day serves as a reminder of the importance of greenery in our lives and encourages environmental stewardship.

Why Do We Celebrate Plant a Flower Day?

There are several reasons why Plant a Flower Day is widely observed:

Environmental Benefits: Flowers play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity. They provide nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to ecosystem health.
Boosts Mood and Well-Being: Studies have shown that being around flowers can reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Gardening is often regarded as a therapeutic activity.
Beautification of Spaces: Whether in a garden, park, or urban setting, flowers add color and vibrancy, making areas more inviting and pleasant.
Community and Connection: Many people celebrate by planting flowers in public spaces, schools, or community gardens, fostering a sense of togetherness.
Get Kids Outdoors: Get the kiddos outside learning about nature and how things grow. Go one step further and create a Children's Garden or Sensory Garden!

Ways to Celebrate Plant a Flower Day

There are many ways to participate in Plant a Flower Day, no matter your level of gardening expertise. Here are some ideas:

Big Ways to Celebrate:

Start a Garden – Dedicate a space in your yard or a community garden to growing flowers. It can be as small as a pot on your balcony, or a new mailbox planting to spruce up your curb appeal! Here’s some garden ideas to try:

Create an Herb garden in a pot or sunny patch in your yard
Create a Cutting Garden for flowers to enjoy indoors as well as out!
Make an English border garden or a Cottage garden!
Plant a Bird-friendly or Bee-Friendly Garden patch
Plant a Veggie garden
Make a Monarch Butterfly way-station
Start your own backyard berry orchard
Plant a Native Wildflower garden to boost biodiversity
Create some curb appeal with a Mailbox garden
Update a tired foundation planting with fresh facer plants or new low-maintenance shrubs!

Host a Flower Planting Event – Organize a group event at a school, park, or public space to plant flowers together.
Donate Flowers – Give potted flowers to hospitals, nursing homes, or community centers to spread joy.
Create a Pollinator-Friendly Space – Plant flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to help sustain pollinator populations.

Small Ways to Celebrate:

Plant a Flower Indoors – Use a small pot or container to grow flowers on your windowsill. Herbs are always a great choice! Or you can start some seedlings in an egg carton, small pot, or seed-start trays.
Care For Existing Houseplants or Garden Plants – If you are like me, you may not have room for more plants, or no time to go out and buy new plants today. So simply take care of your existing plants indoors and/or out today! Repot a plant, trim off some dead leaves, wipe down foliage of dust, and give them some love today! Outdoors, you can trim back some stems, admire your spring bulbs peeking up through the soil, or take a walk to enjoy what is waking up for spring in your neighborhood!
Prepare For Spring With Planning and Prep – As stated above, maybe you don't have time or room for acquiring new plants, but there's always something that needs to be done to prepare for spring! Add fresh soil to outdoor pots and planters, clean garden tools, sweep and clear away winter's debris, and start your garden plans for the year. For more spring to-do’s, check out our Garden Blog.
Decorate with Fresh Flowers – Buy a bouquet and place it in your home or office for an instant mood lift.
Start A Garden Journal – Start your gardening season with a journal to track your wins and lessons for the year, create a plan and garden map (you know you won't remember where you planted those seeds – don't deny it!), keep receipts, sketch or write out observations, and record your garden journey.
Learn About Flowers – Research different flower species and their benefits, or take an online gardening course. Nature Hills Garden Blog and #ProPlantTips for care is a great resource for you! Your County Extension Office is another fantastic source of information.
Share on Social Media – Encourage others to plant flowers, herbs, or seeds by sharing your gardening experience with a hashtag like #PlantAFlowerDay. Tag Nature Hills on social media so we can see your achievements!
Help a Neighbor Garden – Assist an elderly or busy neighbor by planting flowers in their garden. Or just help with some yard clean up!

Remember not to clean up too early because many pollinators and beneficial insects are still hibernating!

10 Effortless, Tough-as-Nails Plants for Zones 3–10

Regardless where you live in the US, here are some of the EASIEST to grow plants that can be grown without fuss to get you started!

Coneflower (Echinacea) – Native prairie perennial with daisy-like blooms in vibrant colors; drought tolerant, and must-have pollinator magnet!
Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) – Herbaceous perennials with strappy leaves and abundant trumpet blooms; thrive in almost any soil and need little care.
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) – Woody perennial with airy lavender-blue flowers and silvery foliage; loves heat, drought, and poor soils.
Catmint (Nepeta spp.) – Aromatic, long-blooming perennial with mounded form and gray-green foliage; loved by pollinators and deer resistant.
Sedum (Sedum spp.) – Succulent perennials with thick leaves and late-season blooms; especially good for rock gardens and poor soils.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida) – Sunny yellow blooms and long flowering season; thrives in a wide range of soils and reseeds freely.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata) – Also called Tickseed; offers masses of yellow or pink blooms and thrives in lean soil with very little attention.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata) – Vibrant, daisy-like blooms in warm hues; thrives in hot, sunny, and even sandy spots.
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) – Showy, fragrant blooms that attract hummingbirds and bees; handles moisture and clay like a champ.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Ferny foliage and long-lasting, flat flower heads in cheerful colors; heat, drought, and poor-soil tolerant.

Each of these plants asks very little and gives back in blooms, pollinators, and visual interest year after year, making them perfect for busy gardeners or tough spots in the landscape.

Spring Is Almost Here – Time To Celebrate!

Plant a Flower Day this March 12th is a wonderful reminder of the beauty of nature and the impact even the smallest act of gardening can have on the environment and our well-being.

So green up that browning thumb from winter's doldrums, and plant a single flower or plant out a full garden! Your contribution helps make the world a more beautiful place!

Check out all the amazing plants Nature Hills Nursery has to offer to help you make your yard an oasis this year! Then grab some soil, choose your favorite flowers, and celebrate by adding a touch of greenery to your world – indoors or out!

Happy Planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of flowers day?

Plant a Flower Day was established in 2017 to promote appreciation for flowers and encourage environmental stewardship through the simple act of planting. The day recognizes flowers' vital role in supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies while celebrating their ability to boost mental well-being and beautify spaces. Whether you're planting early spring bloomers like crocuses in zones 3-8 or starting seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date, use March 12th as motivation to add more flowering plants to your garden this season.

When is plant a flower day?

Plant a Flower Day is celebrated annually on March 12th. This timing aligns perfectly with early spring when soil temperatures begin warming in zones 6-9, making it ideal for starting cool-season annuals like pansies and snapdragons. In colder zones 3-5, you can celebrate indoors by starting seeds under grow lights or planting in containers that can be moved outside after the last frost. Mark your calendar now and prepare your planting supplies so you're ready to add beautiful blooms to your garden or containers this March.

Flower day?

Plant a Flower Day is celebrated annually on March 12th to encourage gardeners and nature lovers to add beauty to their surroundings while supporting pollinators and biodiversity. This observance, formally recognized in 2017, promotes environmental stewardship and the mental health benefits of gardening. Whether you have a full garden bed or just a windowsill container, use this day to plant flowers that will attract beneficial insects and brighten your space throughout the growing season.

Flowers day?

Plant a Flower Day is celebrated annually on March 12th, encouraging gardeners to add beauty and support pollinators by planting flowers. This observance, formally recognized in 2017, promotes environmental stewardship while providing mental health benefits through therapeutic gardening activities. Whether you're working with a full garden bed or just a windowsill container, this day marks the perfect time to start flower seeds indoors or plant cool-season blooms outdoors in warmer zones. Choose native flowering plants suited to your growing zone to maximize benefits for local pollinators and ensure successful establishment.

When is Its Plant a Flower Day, and what flowers are best to plant on that date?

Plant a Flower Day is celebrated on March 12th each year. Since this falls in early spring when soil temperatures are still cool in most regions, focus on cold-hardy annuals like pansies, snapdragons, and sweet alyssum in zones 6-9, or start warm-season flowers like marigolds and zinnias indoors for later transplanting. In zones 3-5, use this day to plan your flower garden and start seeds indoors under grow lights. Check your last frost date and plant accordingly—cold-hardy flowers can go in the ground 2-4 weeks before your last frost, while tender varieties should wait until after.

What are the easiest flowers for beginners to plant on Its Plant a Flower Day?

For beginners celebrating Plant a Flower Day, start with reliable annuals like marigolds, zinnias, and sunflowers that thrive in most zones and tolerate various soil conditions. These flowers can be direct-seeded in spring after the last frost date, typically requiring only 1/4 to 1/2 inch planting depth and regular watering. Perennial options like coneflowers (Echinacea) and black-eyed Susans are equally forgiving and return year after year in zones 3-9. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and follow the spacing recommendations on your seed packets for best results.

How do I prepare my soil for planting flowers on Its Plant a Flower Day?

For Plant a Flower Day, start by testing your soil pH (most flowers prefer 6.0-7.0) and amending with 2-3 inches of compost worked into the top 6-8 inches of soil. In zones 4-6, wait until soil temperatures reach 50°F and all frost danger has passed, typically 2-4 weeks after your last frost date. Ensure proper drainage by creating raised beds or adding organic matter to heavy clay soils. Choose flowers appropriate for your specific zone and plant according to seed packet depth requirements for best establishment.

Which flowers should I choose for full sun versus shade on Its Plant a Flower Day?

For full sun locations (6+ hours of direct sunlight), choose heat-tolerant flowers like marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos that thrive in zones 3-10. Shade gardens (less than 4 hours of sun) benefit from impatiens, begonias, caladiums, and coleus which perform well in partial to full shade conditions. Plant after your last frost date when soil temperatures reach 60°F consistently. Check your specific zone's planting calendar and match flower varieties to your light conditions for best results.

What's the proper spacing for planting flowers during Its Plant a Flower Day celebrations?

Proper flower spacing depends on the mature size of your chosen varieties, but most annuals require 6-12 inches between plants while perennials need 12-24 inches. For Plant a Flower Day celebrations in March, focus on cool-season flowers like pansies, snapdragons, and sweet alyssum in zones 7-9, spacing them according to their tag recommendations. In colder zones 3-6, start seeds indoors now and plan outdoor spacing for after your last frost date. Always read plant tags carefully and space according to mature width to ensure proper air circulation and healthy growth.

How deep should I plant flower seeds or bulbs on Its Plant a Flower Day?

The general rule for planting depth is 2-3 times the diameter of the seed or bulb. Small flower seeds like marigolds and zinnias should be planted 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, while larger bulbs like tulips need 6-8 inches deep in zones 3-7. Always check your seed packet for specific requirements, as some seeds like impatiens need light to germinate and should only be surface-sown. Plant at the recommended depth for your specific flower variety to ensure proper germination and strong root development.

It's Plant a Flower Day! Learn Why and How To Celebrate