What’s In Season This Fall & How to Utilize It

September 22nd marked the first official day of fall! While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to summer, the Fall season is an exciting time as leaves change, weather starts to cool, pumpkin flavors emerge, and we start cozying up in our sweaters. 

September and October also mark the beginning of preparing our homes and gardens for the fall season! What should you be on the lookout for this fall season? Marigolds, mums and more! Read on as we dive into what’s in season & how to utilize it.

Asters

In case you missed it, asters are the flower of the month for September. Its variety of colors and its ability to bloom in the fall and flourish in cooler weather makes it the perfect summer to fall transition flower for both your home and garden.

Flower lovers on the west coast can find and shop American grown asters from Pyramid Flowers in B-Fresh bouquets at many major retailers.

Marigolds

The shining flower of October? Marigolds. Available in a variety of oranges and yellows with dashes of reds, golds, copper or brass, marigolds are annuals that bring bright, warm colors to your home and garden. They are also easy to care for, making them a great option for those new to caring for flowers and/or gardening. Explore tips for showing off and displaying your marigolds in floral arrangements here.

You can find and shop marigolds at these Certified American Grown farms: 

• Cuts of Color in Weimar, TX 
• Prickly Pair Farm in Lampasas, TX
• Texas Specialty Cut Flowers in Blanco, TX
• Two Sisters Gardens in Kerville, TX
• Green Valley Floral in Salinas, CA 
• Harmony Harvest Farm in Weyers Cave, VA (Bulk flower collections available until the end of October!)
• Lynnvale Studios LLC in Gainesville, VA 
• One Wild Acre in Charleston, SC
• Mellano and Company in Oceanside, California

Chrysanthemums

Mums are also a fall favorite! We dive into fun facts about mums, as well as more fall floral tips & inspiration here.

You can find and shop mums at these Certified American Grown farms: 

• Bee’s Wing Farm in Bluemont, VA
• Cuts of Color in Weimar, TX 
• Harmony Harvest Farm in Weyers Cave, VA 
• Lynnvale Studios LLC in Gainesville, VA 
• The Flower Peddler in Bridgeton, NJ

Sunflowers

Not only do bright, yellow sunflowers make the perfect fall photo op, they are one of the easiest flowers to grow. Explore more fun facts and sunflower care tips here.

You can find and shop sunflowers at these Certified American Grown farms: 

• Bee’s Wing Farm in Bluemont, VA
• Cuts of Color in Weimar, TX 
• Len Busch Roses in Plymouth, MN
• Lynnvale Studios LLC in Gainesville, VA 
• Mellano and Company in Oceanside, California
• Summer Dreams Farm  in Oxford, Michigan
• Sun Valley Floral Farms in Arcata, CA
• The Flower Peddler in Bridgeton, NJ

Where else can you buy American grown this fall? Search our community of flower and foliage farms in our directory here to find a farm (or online store!) near you, and ask for the Certified American Grown seal at your local retailers!

Tips for Caring for Marigolds

Marigolds are not only beautiful and easy to care for, but they also help protect your vegetable garden because they attract helpful insects, like bees and ladybugs, while also keeping away unwanted guests, like deer and rabbits who don’t like the smell! If you’re planning to care for marigolds this fall—whether in an arrangement on your kitchen table or in your garden—here are some helpful tips to be aware of: 

1. Marigolds thrive in full sun exposure.
2. When a blossom starts to go bad, deadhead your plants by pinching or cutting its stem back to the nearest set of leaves. This will improve its appearance and stimulate additional blooming. 
3. They prefer a moderately fertile soil that drains well.
4. Water your marigolds at the base and not from overhead, and allow the soil to dry before watering again. If your marigolds are in a vase or container, water them daily.
5. Cut marigolds last about a week, but can last longer if you use a preservative.

Explore more fun facts about marigolds and care tips here.

Stay In the Know with Certified American Grown Farms!

There’s always something exciting going on in the Certified American Grown community! Join our email list so you’ll be the first to know about upcoming events and Certified American Grown news, and keep up with what’s in season & how to utilize it throughout the year on our blog.