Plant These 14 Seeds for the Ultimate Cozy Autumn Garden

The cool temperatures of fall encourage us to slow down and get cozy. But that doesn’t mean activity in the garden has to slow down. There are still so many flowers to enjoy this season, and many of them are great for cutting too, spreading that autumn nature from the outdoors in.

This list covers everything you could want in a cozy autumn garden. The fall blooms have rich, warm hues, with a few softer pinks and lavenders to add some balance. There are also pollinator essentials, and bright, fresh herbs to make your own soothing homemade teas.

Spring is not the only season gardeners should enjoy. Choose any of these seeds, or plant them all, for an abundant autumn garden.

Sweater Weather

Sweater Weather

Embrace the warm, cozy vibes of fall with the Sweater Weather bundle! Inspired by the nostalgic beauty of autumn, this collection brings together flowers and herbs that capture the essence of crisp air, warm drinks, and the stunning colors of falling leaves.

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Hot Biscuits Amaranth

Nothing captures the essence of autumn quite like the stunning colors (or the adorable name) of ‘Hot Biscuits’. Tall plumes display shades of burnt orange and warm copper that perfectly suit the fall season. The dramatic size and texture make these amazing blooms hard to miss, whether in your garden or brought indoors for floral arrangements.

Amaranth dries beautifully, retaining its color well to become a central feature of autumn bouquets. It brings a little bit of warmth and coziness to your home, a must-have when the weather turns cooler outside.

Holy Basil

Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a versatile plant beloved around the world for its health benefits. While they are beautiful, lush green leaves and purple flower stalks are just an added bonus. Planting tulsi near high-traffic areas maximizes the fresh scents and makes for easy harvesting. You can also enjoy the buzz of the pollinators this herb attracts.

When it comes to cozy autumn gardens, one of the best uses of tulsi is in homemade teas. As the evenings get cooler, pick some leaves and make a warm cup of tulsi tea to relax, straight from the garden.

Cherry Brandy Black-Eyed Susan

While black-eyed Susans are typically known for their sunny yellow petals, the ‘Cherry Brandy‘ cultivar offers a deep red hue that’s perfect for fall. The velvety petals surround the classic dark center, adding an impressive depth to your fall color palette.

‘Cherry Brandy’ begins blooming in summer and continues prolifically into autumn, ensuring the garden stays vibrant as the seasons change. It also attracts butterflies, helping beneficial pollinators as temperatures begin to dip. And if you want to get creative with your own arrangements, their long stems are ideal for cutting.

Chief Red Flame Celosia

If you need some fiery color to warm up your garden in the cold of fall, try ‘Chief Red Flame‘. The soft-textured blooms are a vivid red that truly lives up to their name. But what I love most is the unique forms that look even more fascinating up close, both in the garden and in your indoor bouquets. The blooms also retain their shape and color when dried.

Use this celosia to add texture among other fall bloomers, allowing the unique shape to stand out against more traditional blooms. The fluffy look certainly adds to the cozy atmosphere of an autumn garden.

German Chamomile

The dainty white blooms of German chamomile fit right into a fall setting (or in any season, for that matter). Although they may look delicate, these plants are surprisingly tough and don’t require much fuss once established.

Like tulsi, a main motivation to grow German chamomile is harvesting the flowers for homemade teas. The gentle flavor is known for being comforting and calming, ideal for your cozy autumn evenings curled up with a blanket. Pair the two together to start your own fall tea garden.

Drumstick Flower

If the goal of your autumn garden is fresh-cut flowers, you must add craspedia to the list. The bright yellow orbs grow on top of slender stems, explaining their interesting common name. Their golden color fits seamlessly into a fall palette, while the rounded shape adds a unique form you don’t find in many other autumn flowers.

Craspedia is a stand-out in floral arrangements. The spherical blooms add interesting shape and texture, both fresh and dried (I recommend dried if you want them to last as long as possible). While they make great fillers, they also look stunning on their own, especially in decorative vases.

Lavender Lady Gomphrena

The previous entries on this list are quite bold. For those who prefer softer hues to emphasize the cozy feel, ‘Lavender Lady‘ is ideal. Similar to craspedia, this species has almost globe-shaped blooms (hence the common name globe amaranth), but this time with a gentle lavender hue. The delicate color adds a calming feel, balancing the bolder reds and oranges typically associated with fall.

While annual in most climates, these adorable flowers are also incredibly hardy. Gomphrena doesn’t mind drought, making it a reliable choice for new gardeners. Plus, the blooms are a magnet for butterflies.

Crackerjack African Marigold

Marigolds are synonymous with summer, but the ‘Crackerjack‘ African marigold screams autumn. The vibrant shades of orange and yellow appear in summer and continue into autumn, matching the hues of the falling leaves. They bring a warmth that is much-needed as the seasons change.

Marigolds are versatile in the garden, often used as companion plants to attract beneficial pollinators and confuse pests with their scent. The flowers are also edible, with a bitter, spicy flavor. Pull off individual petals to garnish salads or desserts.

Mint

Mint is a must-have in any season, including fall. This herb performs better in cool temperatures, producing masses of fresh, delicious leaves to make soothing teas. The bright green foliage provides a beautiful contrast to the warm tones of the other blooms on this list.

If you’ve grown mint before, you’ll know it has a reputation for becoming aggressive. Although it likely won’t spread as quickly in the fall, keeping mint in containers prevents it from overtaking other plants throughout the year. Place pots near your kitchen for easy access when harvesting.

Pumpkin on a Stick

With a comical name and an equally comical look, pumpkin on a stick is a fascinating plant to grow in your fall garden. It looks exactly like what it sounds like—tiny pumpkins growing along tall sticks. But despite the name, these are not pumpkins at all, but rather ornamental eggplants that produce pumpkin-shaped fruits.

These tiny ‘pumpkins’ are great for fall decor. The orange fruits can be used in floral arrangements or as standalone decorations, especially around holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving. The only thing you probably won’t do with them is eat them, as the fruits are quite bitter.

Starflower Scabiosa

Scabiosa, commonly known as the pincushion flower, adds elegance to any autumn garden. The plants bloom prolifically, providing plenty of flowers for cutting and enjoying indoors. But the blooms aren’t the only element to enjoy.

In fall, starflower produces star-shaped seedheads that catch the eye in the garden. These seedheads dry well too, ideal for floral arrangements that last throughout the season. You can enjoy this intricate look from midsummer until the first frost of fall hits, enjoying the flowers indoors from then throughout winter.

King Size Silvery Rose Strawflower

Vintage is back in fashion at the moment, and ‘Silvery Rose‘ fits the trend perfectly. These blooms have adorable and delicate pastel petals with a unique texture that slowly reveals the center as they bloom.

Strawflowers have an impressive longevity appreciated by cut flower gardeners. The blooms retain their color and shape well when dried (despite the thinner petals), allowing for beautiful arrangements that last well beyond the growing season. Mix ‘Silvery Rose’ with other dried flowers and foliage to create bouquets and other decorative accents for fall.

Evening Sun Sunflower

Sunflowers may be a symbol of summer, but the ‘Evening Sun‘ variety brings a fall twist in color. The petals are a burgundy to warm yellow color, mirroring the changing colors of fall foliage, but in the classic sunflower shape we all know and love.

The massive blooms make a huge impact in the garden, especially when planted en masse. They’re also great for attracting birds, a big benefit in fall gardens. Don’t forget to cut a few stems to bring indoors.

Colorado Blend Yarrow

Yarrow is a versatile plant that earns its place in any season, but particularly in fall. The Colorado blend sports a mix of warm hues, including reds, pinks, and yellows, that brighten up cool fall gardens, extending the feel of the summer season. 

Beyond their good looks, yarrow flowers are known for attracting beneficial insects like butterflies and bees, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem. Like a few other flowers on this list, they hold their color well when dried (depending on the method of drying used).