By Home Garden Seed Association
Photographs courtesy of Home Garden Seed Association
Some flowers are not just easy to grow from seed, they actually perform better when sown directly in the garden. They will not suffer transplant stress, and many prefer to get their start in cooler spring weather.
Try it! You’ll have more flowers at less expense, and you’ll attract pollinators. Plus, it’s fun!
First, prepare a garden bed in full sun, loosening the soil and incorporating compost. Then, follow the guidelines below. In just weeks, you’ll have garden color and beautiful bouquets.
Bachelor’s Buttons (Centaurea cyanus) like cool weather. Sow the seed very early in spring, or if your winters are mild, in fall. They can grow to three feet in height, so be prepared to stake them. Pollinators love them.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) can have two seasons of beauty—spring and fall. Start them in early spring and again in late summer. The petals are edible, and the flowers attract a variety of pollinators.
Cleome (Cleome hassleriana) seeds will germinate after all danger of frost has passed, so don’t rush to sow them. Most varieties will grow to four feet or more in height, and their strong stems do not need staking. The flowers attract various beetles, as well as flies and small bees.
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus, C. sulphureus) thrive in heat. Sow seed after danger of frost has passed. Depending on the variety you choose, plants can grow from 18 to 60 inches in height. All types attract pollinators.
Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella damascena) is delicate in flower and has intriguing pods that can be dried and used in arrangements. It likes cool weather, so sow seeds outdoors in early spring.
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) can grow to eight inches or to three feet in height, depending on the variety you choose. Because they can take two months to flower from seed, you may want to start them indoors a month before your last frost. You can also sow seed directly in the ground after danger of frost. French marigolds, particularly, attract butterflies.
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are not just beautiful and pollinator friendly, they are also tasty. Some varieties sprawl or trail, while others grow in a clump. Sow seeds after danger of frost, soaking them first for faster germination.
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) can be two feet tall, or they can be 12 feet tall, depending on the variety. There are also myriad color choices. Sow the seed after danger of frost, giving each plant plenty of space. Sunflowers are enormously popular with all kinds of pollinators.
Tithonia (Tithonia rotundifolia), also known as Mexican sunflower, is vigorous and drought tolerant, and a favorite of butterflies and other pollinators. Plant the seeds after your frost date. Mature plants can be six feet tall by three feet wide.
Zinnias (Zinnia elegans) are easy to grow cutting flowers that come in a plethora of colors and sizes. The more you cut, the more they’ll flower. Sow seeds after danger of frost. Monarch and painted lady butterflies love them!
All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.
Few bulbs are easier to grow than amaryllis-and few bloom with greater exuberance and beauty. But many just toss them at the end of their initial show.
Importantly there are tricks to get them to bloom again. Click here for an informative article about extending the life of amaryllis.
Click here to sign up for our monthly NEWSLETTER packed with great articles and helpful tips for your home, garden and pets!
