If you've been staring out at your thawing pond, itching to add some green back into the mix, you might be wondering: "Is it too early to plant pond plants?" Whether you're in Vermont, Texas, or California, timing is everything when it comes to planting marginals, floaters, and lilies. Getting it right can mean the difference between a lush aquatic garden and a frostbitten flop.
At WetPlants.com, we’re asked this all the time. So here’s your no-fluff guide to when to plant your pond plants, how to work around your local last frost date, and what to start with first.
🌡️ Start With the Weather: Know Your Last Frost Date
Your local last frost date is the key factor in deciding when to plant. Pond plants vary in cold tolerance, so timing is everything:
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Hardy marginals can be planted a little before or right
around your last frost date.
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Tropical Marginals cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, so it's best to wait until you reach a stretch where nighttime temperatures do n
ot dip below 50 degrees for at least 10 days.
- Tropical floaters and water lilies should only be planted after all danger of frost has passed.
- Deep water plants like hornwort or vallisneria can go in once water temps reach 50°F or higher.
🧊 Not sure about your frost date? Check your zip code on a frost calendar site like Almanac.com
🪴 When to Plant Each Pond Plant Type
1. Hardy Marginal Plants
These include plants like Pickerel Rush, Horsetail Rush, and Sweet Flag. These are tough plants that can tolerate chilly nights and cooler water temperatures.
- Planting Window: 2 weeks before to 2 weeks after your last frost
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Ideal Water Temp: 45–60°F+
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Tip: Marginals grow best when planted in planting containers or shallow pond edges
➡️ Browse our Hardy Marginal Plant Collection
2. Floating Plants
Floaters like Water Hyacinth, Water Lettuce, Azolla, and Salvinia are tropical and will die immediately if hit by frost. Always wait until nights are consistently above 50°F.
- Planting Window: After all frost risk is gone
- Ideal Water Temp: 65°F+
- Tip: These plants multiply quickly and shade your pond to help with algae control
⚠️ Note: Some floating plants are illegal in certain states. For example, we won’t ship Water Lettuce or Water Hyacinth to TX, FL, LA, AL, or SC due to regulations.
➡️ Shop Floating Plants
3. Water Lilies (Hardy & Tropical)
Water lilies are pond royalty, but timing matters depending on the type:
- Hardy Lilies: Can be planted once water is consistently above 50°F
- Tropical Lilies: Wait until water hits 70°F+ and all frost danger is gone
- Tip: Lilies do best in still water and in pots placed 12–24" deep in the pond
➡️ Shop our Water Lily Collection
4. Submerged Oxygenating Plants
These algae-fighting heroes like Hornwort, Moneywort, and Vallisneria can be planted early in spring once the pond is no longer freezing. They're hardy and start filtering water right away.
- Planting Window: Around your last frost, once water hits 50°F+
- Tip: Secure them in pots or wedge them between rocks for easy rooting
➡️ Check out our Oxygenating Plant Selection
📦 Can I Pre-Order My Pond Plants?
Yes! At WetPlants.com, you can place your order now and let us know your desired shipping week at checkout. If we don't hear from you, we will ship after your zip codes last estimated frost date. That way you won’t miss out on your favorite plants when they sell out during the busy season.
☀️ Bonus Tips for Smart Spring Planting
- Ease In: Start with hardy marginals and submerged plants, then floaters and lilies once temps warm up.
- Check Temps: Pond thermometers are cheap and helpful for timing things right.
- Acclimate Gently: Float your new plants in the pond for 30–60 minutes before fully placing them.
🛒 Ready to Start Planting?
Whether you're filling a brand-new pond or replanting after winter, WetPlants.com has you covered with healthy, ready-to-plant aquatic plants. Our team ships fast and packs carefully.
✅ Order early for best selection
✅ Add planting containers, substrate, and root tabs to your order
✅ Ask us anything—we’re real people who love ponds too