Plant too early and a late frost wipes out your annuals. Here is how we time flower and garden installations in the Hudson, MA climate.
Hudson sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a, which means our last spring frost typically lands in late April to mid-May. That single date drives almost every planting decision in the garden.
Annuals: wait for the frost to pass
Tender annuals like impatiens, petunias, and begonias have no frost tolerance. Plant them after mid-May once nighttime temperatures stay reliably above 50°F. Planting earlier just to get color is a gamble that a single cold night can erase.
Perennials and shrubs: spring or fall
Perennials, trees, and shrubs are best planted in spring or early fall, when cooler temperatures and steady moisture let roots establish without heat stress. Avoid planting them in the peak of summer if you can.
Quick timing guide
- Cool-season pansies & violas: April
- Perennials, shrubs, trees: late April–May or September
- Tender annuals: after mid-May
- Fall mums: September for late-season color
Beautiful beds, perfectly timed
We design, plant, and maintain flower beds that bloom all season — with the right plants chosen for your soil, light, and style. Get in touch for a free estimate on a garden refresh.
