When to Plant Spring Flowers in London, ON – 2026
Published: April 27, 2026
London is in Canadian Zone 6a (southwestern Ontario temperate). Last spring frost averages May 3; first fall frost October 20; the growing season runs about 170 frost-free days. Plant spring flowers in London from bulbs october. cool annuals 2-4 weeks before victoria day..
Spring Flowers Planting Window for London, ON
Spring-blooming bulbs (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses) are planted in fall for spring bloom. Spring-blooming annuals (pansies, snapdragons) are planted 2–4 weeks before last frost. Start of spring planting season: when soil reaches 4°C / 40°F.
For London, ON specifically, the recommended planting window is Bulbs October. Cool annuals 2-4 weeks before Victoria Day.. London has 150-170 frost-free days — adequate for most warm-season crops when transplants go in by late May. The region's rich soils support heavy feeders like tomatoes and brassicas with minimal amendment.
Spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths) are reliably hardy across all Canadian zones. Cool-season annuals (pansies, snapdragons) tolerate light frost but will winter-kill in unprotected plantings.
Best Spring Flowers Varieties for London, ON
For London, ON (Canadian Zone 6a), choose varieties rated for your zone or one zone colder for reliable winter survival. The Canadian-bred or tested varieties below perform well in Ontario conditions.
The most reliable Canadian spring bulb. Squirrel-resistant (toxic to rodents). Naturalize over decades in Canadian gardens.
Earliest spring bloom — often pushes through Prairie snow in March. Naturalize beautifully in Canadian lawns.
Plant in fall, October-November. Canada's natural cold provides perfect stratification.
Fragrant spring bulbs. Marginal in Zone 3 (Saskatchewan/Manitoba) without protection. Best for Ontario, Quebec, BC, Atlantic Canada.
Cool-season annuals — frost-tolerant. Plant 2 to 4 weeks before Victoria Day for spring colour. Often available at Canadian Tire and garden centres in March.
How to Plant Spring Flowers in London
Sow method: bulb (fall) or direct/transplant (spring). The steps below adapt the general planting advice for London, ON's climate and timing.
- →Spring bulbs: plant in fall (September through November in Zones 3–7; November through January in Zones 8–9) at 3x the bulb's height deep.
- →Cool-season annuals: transplant 2 to 4 weeks before last frost when soil reaches 4°C (40°F).
- →Choose sites with full sun for spring bulbs (foliage needs sun to rebuild bulbs after bloom).
- →Apply bone meal or bulb fertilizer at the bottom of bulb planting holes.
- →After spring bulbs bloom, cut spent flowers but leave foliage to yellow naturally — the foliage rebuilds the bulb for next year.
- →Water cool-season annuals weekly during dry periods; they tolerate dry soil better than warm-season annuals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spring Flowers in London, ON
When can I plant spring flowers in London?
Plant spring flowers in London from bulbs october. cool annuals 2-4 weeks before victoria day. based on the city's Canadian Zone 6a. Last spring frost: May 3; first fall frost: October 20; frost-free growing season: 170 days.
What Canadian zone is London?
London is in Canadian Zone 6a (USDA equivalent 5b). The climate is southwestern ontario temperate. London has 150-170 frost-free days — adequate for most warm-season crops when transplants go in by late May. The region's rich soils support heavy feeders like tomatoes and brassicas with minimal amendment.
Are spring flowers winter-hardy in London?
Spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths) are reliably hardy across all Canadian zones. Cool-season annuals (pansies, snapdragons) tolerate light frost but will winter-kill in unprotected plantings.