As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, the anticipation of seeing your garden in full bloom builds. If you’re eager to see a burst of colorful flowers in your garden by mid-spring, you’ll need to opt for plants with vigorous growth tendencies. We reached out to experts from various regions in the U.S. to gather their top picks for fast-growing flowers that can be easily started from seed. By following their recommendations, you can enjoy a vibrant display of blooms in just a few months.
Meet the Experts:
– Brooke Edmunds, associate professor and horticulturist at Oregon State University
– Charlotte Glen, horticulturist and master gardener program manager at North Carolina State University
– David Hillcock, consumer horticulturist at Oklahoma State University
(Zinnia)
Zinnias are available in a wide array of sizes and colors and are simple to grow from seed—simply scatter a handful in a garden bed or container. “Taller zinnia types are perfect for cut flowers, while shorter varieties like Profusion and Zahara thrive in landscapes,” suggests Charlotte Glen. Some of Glen’s preferred zinnia varieties include Zinnia haageana types like Persian Carpet, Jazzy, and Aztec Sunset. These varieties have a more relaxed growth pattern with multi-colored blooms that complement country or cottage gardens beautifully and are attractive to pollinators.
– Zones: 2 to 11
– Size: 2 feet
– Days to Maturity: 65 days
– Care Requirements: Partial to full sun, fertile soil
(Globe Amaranth)
Globe amaranth, available in shades of yellow, red, orange, pink, and purple, features multiple flowers in each head, giving it a spherical appearance. According to David Hillcock, this heat and drought-resistant annual blooms throughout the summer and fall. It is a heat enthusiast that grows slowly until temperatures rise. “I typically wait for seedlings to sprout in my garden before relocating them to desired spots,” mentions Glen. Globe amaranth is also a wonderful addition to pollinator gardens.
– Zones: 2 to 11
– Size: 1 to 2 feet
– Days to Maturity: 85 days
– Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained, fertile soil
(Marigold)
Marigolds are extremely easy to cultivate from seed and can be started indoors before transplanting them outside once the threat of frost has passed. Glen recommends growing single-flowered Tagetes tenuifolia varieties like Lemon Gem for their compact size and delicate foliage with a citrusy scent. With numerous marigold varieties available, all of which are low-maintenance and capable of self-seeding, they are a popular choice. However, Hillcock notes that marigolds may face spider mite issues in certain regions.
– Zones:
Glen advises selecting the right plants for your space, especially if deer frequent your yard. Sunflower seedlings require ample water but can become more drought-tolerant once established. It is essential to plant them in protected areas.
Borage is a fast-growing annual that attracts pollinators with its blue or white flowers. It self-seeds abundantly, so be prepared to remove excess plants if necessary. Nasturtiums germinate quickly and bloom early, adding cheer to your garden. They are suitable for full sun and well-drained soil.
Cockscomb, with its unique flower resembling a rooster’s comb, adds texture to the garden and comes in various colors. Petunias have a long flowering season and thrive throughout the summer, requiring deadheading for continuous growth. Spider flowers, known for their slender stamen and attractiveness to pollinators, may have a musky, sweet scent.
“These sunflowers are easy to grow from seed, and are very interesting flowers,” says Hillcock. They also hold up well as cut flowers, with blooms that can grow 6 to 8 inches. Zones: 3 to 8; perennial in 9 to 10. Size: 2 to 4 feet. Days to Maturity: 75 days. Care Requirements: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil. Read the original article on Martha Stewart.
