Best Flowers to Grow in New Jersey
New Jersey spans USDA Zones 6–7, typically Zone 7. We've broken out 523 flower varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
523
for New Jersey
USDA
Zones 6–7
180–210 days season
Beginner
503
easy to grow
Heirloom
333
heritage varieties
New Jersey in USDA Zones 6–7
New Jersey spans Zones 6–7. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Flowers in New Jersey
Zone 7 is a gardener's sweet spot for flower growing, offering a generous 210-day growing season that allows both cool-season and heat-loving blooms to thrive. With your last frost typically arriving around April 1st and the first fall frost holding off until October 30th, you have the luxury of growing everything from early spring pansies to late-blooming dahlias. The moderate climate means you can successfully grow tender perennials that struggle in colder zones, while still enjoying the full range of popular annuals.
The key to maximizing your Zone 7 flower garden lies in understanding the seasonal rhythm and selecting varieties that can handle the occasional late cold snap in spring and the humidity that often accompanies summer heat. Look for disease-resistant varieties, especially for roses and other perennials that might struggle with fungal issues in humid conditions. Heat-tolerant annuals like zinnias and marigolds will carry your garden through the hottest months, while cool-season flowers like pansies and sweet peas can provide color well into late fall and even winter in protected spots.
Zone 7 Flowers for New Jersey★ Most of NJ
523 varieties · Last frost April 1 · 210-day season
Zone 6 Flowers for New Jersey
523 varieties · Last frost April 15 · 180-day season
Zone 7 Growing Tips for New Jersey
Start your seed sowing indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, which means getting busy in mid-February for most annuals. Hardy annuals like pansies, snapdragons, and sweet peas can actually be direct seeded in late March, as they tolerate light frosts. Wait until soil temperatures reach 60°F consistently (usually mid-April) before transplanting warm-season annuals like impatiens, begonias, and tender perennials outdoors.
Take advantage of your long season by succession planting cool-season flowers like sweet alyssum and pansies every 3-4 weeks through September for continuous fall and winter color. Many Zone 7 gardeners overlook the opportunity for winter interest – pansies, for instance, often survive mild Zone 7 winters and provide blooms during warm spells. The humidity that comes with your moderate climate can encourage powdery mildew and other fungal diseases, so ensure good air circulation around plants and avoid overhead watering when possible. Mulching is especially important to maintain consistent soil moisture during summer heat waves while keeping roots cool.