Most annual flowers can’t take frost, but these are frost-tolerant (hardy) or at least frost-resistant (semi-hardy):
Hardy Annuals (Can survive light frost and even a freeze)
These can handle temperatures down to 28°F (-2°C) or sometimes lower:
- Pansies and Violas – champions of cold weather; often bloom through snow.
- Snapdragons – tolerate light frost and can even overwinter in mild areas.
- Sweet Alyssum – handles chilly nights well; often reseeds itself.
- Calendula (Pot Marigold) – thrives in cool weather and bounces back after frost.
- Stock (Matthiola) – loves cold weather and blooms early.
- Bachelor’s Buttons (Cornflower) – germinates in cool soil and laughs at frost.
- Dusty Miller – foliage remains beautiful through cold snaps.
- Ornamental Kale and Cabbage – thrive in the cold and improve in color after frost.
Semi-Hardy Annuals (Can take a light frost, around 30–32°F or 0°C)
These can handle a mild frost but not a hard freeze:
- Petunias – may wilt after frost but can recover if it’s brief.
- Nasturtiums – survive a light frost but die in a hard one.
- Marigolds (especially French types) – more tolerant than African varieties.
- Cosmos – handle a brief dip below freezing but not sustained cold.
- Cleome (Spider Flower) – tolerates chilly nights but not freezing.
- Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) – early-spring hardy and frost-tolerant.
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Tips
- You can plant hardy annuals 4–6 weeks before your last frost date for early color.
- Use row covers or cloches to protect semi-hardy flowers during unexpected frosts.
- Hardy types are also perfect for fall plantings, especially pansies, violas, and calendulas.