Three types of annual flowers will perform far better in the fall than they did in the spring. Marigolds, zinnias and celosias benefit from the cooler temperatures associated with September and October here in North Texas.
Marigolds traditionally fall victim to spider mites in our spring plantings. As soon as it begins to turn warm in late May and early June, the nearly microscopic pests start to suck the life out of the marigolds' leaves. The leaves are finely mottled, and they soon turn tan and crisp. But, that's spring marigolds. Fall marigolds almost never crop up with spider mites. Adding to the bonus, fall marigolds also have deeper, richer colors, and they'll keep blooming right up to frost.
Zinnias don't get spider mites, but powdery mildew often wrecks them in late spring and early summer. Granted, there are mildew-resistant hybrids that also handle the heat, but fall plantings of all types are going to be showier. Most noticeable of all: Fall zinnia colors are two shades deeper and richer than those of the same varieties in late spring and summer.
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