National Plant a Flower Day (March 12)

Gardeners hands planting flowers in pot with dirt or soil at back yard

National Plant a Flower Day on March 12 is a simple reminder that spring is almost here.

It’s the time of year when soil starts warming up, days feel longer, and gardens finally come back to life.

Whether you’re planting in a backyard bed, a balcony pot, or a sunny windowsill, adding a few flowers is an easy way to bring color back after winter.

It’s one of those bizarre holidays in March that actually gives you a good reason to get outside.

When is the Holiday?

It’s celebrated each year on March 12, right as many areas begin their spring planting season.

Who Invented It?

There’s no clear founder behind the holiday.

It likely grew out of gardening communities and seasonal traditions that encourage planting as soon as winter fades.

Over time, it became a fun calendar day tied to spring gardening.

The History of the Holiday

People have been growing flowers for thousands of years, not just for beauty, but for medicine, ceremonies, and food.

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all cultivated flowering plants in gardens and courtyards.

In the 1600s, flowers even became part of major trade booms, like the famous tulip craze in the Netherlands.

Today, Plant a Flower Day keeps that long tradition going in a simple, hands-on way.

woman wearing gardening gloves planting a flower

Top 5 Facts About Flowers

  1. Flowers have been around since the age of dinosaurs
  2. There are hundreds of thousands of flowering plant species worldwide
  3. Some common garden flowers are edible, including violets and nasturtiums
  4. Young sunflowers slowly turn to face the sun during the day
  5. In the past, people used flowers to send hidden messages and emotions

Coloring Page

This flower coloring page is a relaxing way for kids to celebrate planting season while getting creative with spring colors.

National Plant a Flower Day Coloring Page
Plant a Flower Coloring Sheet

Activities to Celebrate

Plant a Flower Day is best enjoyed by simply getting your hands in the dirt, even if it’s just one small pot. Some families like planting a few bright flowers in garden beds or containers to mark the start of spring, while others start seeds on a sunny windowsill and watch them grow over the next few weeks.

It can also be fun to learn what different flowers traditionally symbolize and create a small bouquet based on favorite colors or meanings.

Pressing fresh blooms for bookmarks, cards, or keepsakes gives the day a creative twist that lasts beyond planting season. If you’re looking for inspiration, a stroll through a local garden center or greenhouse often sparks new ideas for spring planting.

woman planting flowers inside on a shelf

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Links to Resources

If you’re looking for ideas and supplies to get started, these gardening resources are helpful:

  • 1,001 Gardening Tips & Tricks: Timeless Advice for Growing Vegetables, Flowers, Shrubs, and More. A detailed guide packed with essential gardening knowledge, offering tried-and-true techniques for growing healthy plants, improving soil quality, and keeping your garden thriving year-round.
  • How to attract bees to your garden. Pollinators like bees are crucial for a healthy ecosystem. This guide explains the best plants to grow, how to create bee-friendly environments, and ways to avoid harmful pesticides that can disrupt bee populations.
  • Edible Flower Seeds. Purchase a variety of edible flower seeds, including nasturtiums, violets, and calendulas, to grow in your garden and use in culinary dishes. These seeds are easy to plant and add a beautiful, edible touch to your home garden.

Related Holidays

  • Rose Day (February 7) – celebrates one of the world’s most popular flowers, often shared as symbols of love, friendship, and appreciation.
  • Floral Arrangement Day (February 28) – focuses on the art of arranging fresh flowers into bouquets and centerpieces for homes and special occasions.
  • National Herb Day (First Saturday in May) – highlights growing herbs for cooking, wellness, and gardening, making it a great companion to spring planting season.
  • National Red Rose Day (June 12) – honors the classic red rose, known for its beauty, fragrance, and long history as a romantic flower.

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Plant a Flower Day March 12