Starting a flower garden from seeds can seem daunting, especially for beginner gardeners. But it doesn’t have to be! There are many flower varieties that are super easy to grow from seeds, even if you don’t have much gardening experience. These flowers are low maintenance, beginner-friendly, and produce gorgeous blooms to brighten up your outdoor space.
In this article, we will look at 10 of the easiest flower seeds to plant for novice gardeners. These are great options if you’re just getting into gardening or want to grow flowers with minimal effort. Let’s get started!
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are one of the most popular flowers for beginner gardeners to grow from seeds They are easy to care for, bloom all summer long, and come in a vibrant range of colors like yellow, orange, red, and gold
Marigolds thrive in full sunlight and well-draining soil. They don’t require frequent watering or fertilizing. Marigolds are naturally pest and deer resistant. They will self seed, so you can enjoy their blooms year after year.
2. Zinnias
Known for their bright, bold colors, zinnias are another easy to grow flower from seeds. These annual flowers come in almost every color imaginable – pink, purple, yellow, white, orange, red, and more!
Zinnias thrive in full sun and prefer loamy, well-drained soil. Give them moderate watering about 1-2 times per week. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Zinnias attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
3. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are one of the most satisfying flowers to grow from seed. Their large, vibrant yellow blooms seem to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Sunflowers require full sun exposure and regular watering. Give them plenty of room to grow, as some varieties can reach up to 12 feet tall! Protect young plants from birds and squirrels who love to munch on sunflower seeds.
4. Cosmos
Cosmos are heat and drought tolerant annual flowers with delicate, daisy-like blooms. They come in lovely colors like pink, purple, orange, yellow, and white.
Cosmos can be directly sown in the garden after the last frost. They prefer full sun exposure and average, well-draining soil. Water them moderately during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms all season long.
5. Calendula
Also known as pot marigolds, calendulas produce bounties of yellow and orange flowers from early summer through fall. They have a spicy fragrance that deters pests.
Calendulas grow well in full sun to partial shade and average garden soil. Give them moderate watering about 1 inch per week. Deadhead spent blooms to keep them flowering. Calendulas self-seed readily.
6. Morning Glories
Morning glories are fast-growing annual vines with trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. They can quickly cover fences, trellises, and arbors with their lush foliage and flowers.
Soak morning glory seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. They prefer full sun exposure and average soil. Water them regularly. Protect young plants from snails and slugs which enjoy munching their foliage.
7. Nasturtiums
No flower garden would be complete without the lively blooms of nasturtiums. These edible flowers have rounded leaves and brightly colored blooms in shades of orange, yellow, red, and mahogany.
Nasturtiums thrive in poor soil and full sunlight. They are very drought tolerant once established, requiring little extra watering. Let them self seed for more flowers year after year. Use the peppery tasting flowers and leaves in salads or as garnishes.
8. Bachelor Buttons
Also called cornflowers, bachelor buttons produce rounded blue blooms with a tinge of purple from early summer into fall. They self-seed readily each year.
Bachelor buttons thrive in full sun and average soil. Space them 6-8 inches apart to allow adequate airflow. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. After flowering finishes, collect and save seeds for planting the following year.
9. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum is prized for its delightful honey-like fragrance and carpet of tiny white flowers. It blooms from spring to fall in mild winter climates.
Sweet alyssum thrives in full sun to part shade and average, well-draining soil. It prefers moderate watering. Pinch back leggy plants to encourage bushier growth. Let it self-seed for easy growing year after year.
10. Petunias
A garden favorite, petunias come in a huge range of solid and bicolor shades like pink, purple, blue, red, yellow, and white. Their velvety trumpet-shaped blooms last all season long.
Sow petunia seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Give them full sun exposure and fertile, well-draining soil. Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Deadhead spent blooms.
Tips for Growing Flowers from Seeds
If you’re new to gardening, have no fear! Here are some useful tips to help you successfully grow flowers from seeds:
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Purchase fresh seeds each year for the best germination rates. Store unused seeds properly in a cool, dry place.
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Follow the planting instructions on the seed packet for depth, spacing, ideal soil conditions, and sunlight needs.
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Moisten the soil before planting and cover seeds lightly with soil. Water gently to avoid washing away seeds.
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Consider starting seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date for a head start on growth. Harden off seedlings before transplanting them outside.
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Label your planted rows with the flower name and planting date so you remember where and when you planted.
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Water seedlings regularly, keeping the top inch of soil moist. Thin overcrowded seedlings.
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Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds. Apply a balanced fertilizer if needed.
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Protect young plants from pests like slugs, snails, and birds who might feast on them. Use floating row covers if needed.
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Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering. Leave some flowers on self-seeding varieties to develop seed pods.
Bring Beautiful Blooms to Your Garden
As you can see, growing flowers from seeds is very achievable even for beginner gardeners. With proper care and maintenance, you can have stunning flowers in your garden with minimal effort. The varieties listed in this article are some of the easiest to start from seed.
Just take your time, follow the planting directions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Gardening is a continuous learning experience. With each passing season, you’ll get better at growing gorgeous flowers from seeds. So get out there, have fun, and enjoy the beautiful blooms!
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Easy Flowers to Grow From Seed
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Bachelors Button (Centaurea cyanus)
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova These blue flowers look like miniature carnations and tend to attract butterflies. They will flower from mid-summer until the first frost of fall and require very little care from you besides watering during prolonged dry spells. Sow the seeds directly in your garden bed after the final frost of spring. Or you can start them roughly six to eight weeks before your projected last frost date, and then transplant the seedlings into your garden once the weather warms. Collect the brown seed pods at the end of the season to plant in your garden the next year. - USDA Growing Zones: 2a to 11b (annual)
- Color Varieties: Blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
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Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
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The Spruce / Kara Riley Calendula are typically a bright yellow to deep orange color, and they make a nice container plant or an edging plant in the garden. Directly sow the seeds in your garden after the last frost, or start them indoors six to eight weeks prior to the last frost date. They will self-seed from season to season. If you live in a hot climate, give your plants some afternoon sun protection, and keep the soil moderately moist. Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming. - USDA Growing Zones: 2a to 11b (annual)
- Color Varieties: Yellow to orange
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
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Columbine (Aquilegia)
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova The showy flowers of these spring-and early summer-blooming perennials come in many colors. Allow columbine to self-seed and theyll come back year after year with minimal maintenance from you. Columbine can tolerate a variety of growing conditions, but make sure your plant isnt sitting in poorly drained soil. If you remove the stems after theyre finished flowering, you can prolong the plants blooming period. - USDA Growing Zones: 3b to 8b
- Color Varieties: Blue, purple, red, pink, yellow, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
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Cosmos (Cosmos)
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Cosmos make good cut flowers for bouquets, and they bloom all summer long. Theyre annuals but typically will self-seed. Theyll even tolerate poor soil, so theyre truly low-fuss flowers. Sow them after the final frost in the spring, or start them indoors six to eight weeks prior to your last frost. Plant them in a location thats sheltered from strong, damaging winds, and remove the spent blooms for prolonged flowering. However, make sure you leave some of the flower heads if you want the plant to self-seed. - USDA Growing Zones: 2a to 11b (annual)
- Color Varieties: Red, pink, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
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Four OClocks (Mirabilis jalapa)
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The Spruce / Autumn Wood These flowers grow as perennials in warm climates but can work as annuals elsewhere. Make sure the threat of frost is behind you before directly sowing them in your garden, or start them indoors. The flowers open in the afternoon, hence their name, and they have a lovely fragrance. They bloom from mid-summer to fall and are fairly low-maintenance beyond preferring consistently moist soil. So be sure to water your flowers during dry stretches. - USDA Growing Zones: 9b to 10a
- Color Varieties: Pink, red, yellow, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Average, moist, well-draining
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Marigolds (Tagetes)
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The Spruce / Pheobe Cheong Youll have to plant marigold seeds each year because theyre annuals. But theyll bloom all summer if you keep them deadheaded. Save some of the seeds at the end of the season, and use them to replant the next year. Flowering might diminish during the hottest part of the summer, but it should pick up again toward the fall. If you live in a hot climate, give your marigolds some afternoon shade, and keep the soil evenly moist. - USDA Growing Zones: 2a to 11b (annual)
- Color Varieties: Yellow, orange, gold, red, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
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Morning Glories (Ipomoea purpurea)
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova This vine grown on trellises or arbors is an annual. When started from seed, morning glories can take until the end of summer to bloom. However, if you start the seeds indoors about six weeks before your projected last frost date, theyll start blooming earlier in the growing season than if you directly sow them in your garden. Once the plant is established in your garden, it will self-seed and come back on its own year after year. Water your plant around once a week to ensure even moisture. - USDA Growing Zones: 2a to 11b (annual)
- Color Varieties: Blue, purple, pink, red, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Average, moist, well-draining
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Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora)
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The Spruce / Adrienne Legault Moss rose makes a good ground cover for a spot that gets a lot of sun. They are highly tolerant of drought and require little maintenance. They’re even deer-resistant and typically don’t have pest or disease problems as long as their soil has good drainage. Sow your seeds directly in the garden after your last frost, or start them indoors. Expect blooms starting in the summer and lasting until frost arrives in the fall. You can deadhead the flowers to encourage further blooming, or leave some of the spent blooms to promote self-seeding. - USDA Growing Zones: 2a to 11b (annual)
- Color Varieties: Red, pink, yellow, orange, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Poor to average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
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Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum)
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The Spruce / K. Dave You can be nasty to nasturtiums, and these hardy flowers will tolerate your neglect. The leaves and flowers are edible and often added to salads. But theyre perhaps more popular as a cut flower because of their lovely fragrance and beautiful colors. Nasturtiums can tolerate poor and dry soil, though you should water them during extended dry spells. Protect them from the afternoon sun in hot climates. Plus, skip the fertilizer, as too much richness in the soil can actually inhibit blooming. - USDA Growing Zones: 2a to 11b (annual)
- Color Varieties: Red, orange, yellow, cream
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Average, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-draining
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Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum)
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The Spruce / Adrienne Legault Shasta daisies are perennials in some climates with a long blooming period from around July to September. Theyre good for flower borders, as well as for use as cut flowers. Plus, theyre efficient at spreading, so you dont have to plant many seeds to establish a large garden bed. Remove the spent flower heads to encourage further blooming. After flowering is complete for the season, cut back the stems to their lowest leaves to conserve the plant’s energy over the winter. - USDA Growing Zones: 4a to 9a
- Color Varieties: White with a yellow center
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
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Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
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The Spruce / K. Dave Sunflowers dont start blooming until late in the season, usually from around July to August. But when those giant blooms finally emerge, its well worth the wait. Plant the seeds directly in your garden after your final frost, ideally in a location that’s protected from strong winds. Seeds started indoors will typically flower at roughly the same time as seeds directly sown in the garden, so there’s really no benefit to starting them early. Sunflowers are annuals, so youll need to save some of the seeds to replant the next year. Cover a few of the seed heads with netting, so they can dry out without the birds feasting on them. - USDA Growing Zones: 2a to 11b (annual)
- Color Varieties: Yellow, red, brown
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Average, moist, well-draining
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Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
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The Spruce / Kara Riley These flowers have a lovely sweet fragrance and bloom from around April to June. You can sow sweet alyssum seeds directly in your garden a few weeks before your final frost date, or start them indoors roughly six weeks before your projected last frost. The plants will decline in the summer heat, during which you can cut them back by about half. This might promote additional blooming in the fall. Or you can sow more seeds in August for fall-blooming plants. - USDA Growing Zones: 5a to 9a
- Color Varieties: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
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Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)
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The Spruce / Letícia Almeida These annuals are climbers and make nice cut flowers. They do best in cool soil and will decline in hot, humid summers. Start sweet pea seeds indoors six to eight weeks prior to your final frost date to maximize the plant’s blooming period before the hot weather takes hold. Keep the soil evenly moist via rainfall and supplemental watering. And add compost or fertilizer during the growing season, especially if you have poor soil. - USDA Growing Zones: 2a to 10b (annual)
- Color Varieties: Blue, red, pink, purple, peach, burgundy, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-draining
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Zinnias (Zinnia)
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The Spruce / Leticia Almeida These annual flowers can add a lot of color to the garden. Zinnias love hot weather and often dont really take off until the heat of summer hits. In general, they bloom from around June until frost arrives in the fall. Sow your seeds directly in the garden after your last frost date. And if you want ample blooms, sow more seeds every few weeks through June. You also can start seeds indoors about four to six weeks before your projected last frost to have some blooms earlier in the spring. Deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooming. - USDA Growing Zones: 3a to 10a (annual)
- Color Varieties: Pink, red, yellow, orange, green, purple, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Humusy, evenly moist, well-draining
Planting Flowers For Beginners
Understanding basic flower growing conditions and choosing easy growing varieties suited to your zone will ensure a lively garden all summer long.
Here are my tips for bountiful blooms:
- Determine if the flowers are annuals or perennials. Annuals will only flower for one season and need to be replaced every spring. They add a pop of color and are great to fill your garden because most annual plants bloom longer and are more plentiful. Perennials will return reliably year after year and form the backbone of your garden. They also require lower maintenance.
- Choose flowers (perennials and annuals) native to your area which will thrive in your USDA Hardiness Zone. Your local garden center or garden websites would be able to provide this info on flower plants. If flowers are perennials, make sure theyll survive winters in your zone.
- Consider their sun requirements and plant them in the right spots. The plant tag will usually indicate this. Full sun would mean 6 hours or more per day, and part sun 3 -6 hours. Shade-loving plants require only around 3 hours of sun per day. If you get it wrong, flowers that like shade will struggle in the hot afternoon sun, and sun lovers will not bloom in the shade. Assess the areas where you want to plant flowers and decide which will work best.
- Keep your flowers well watered when you first put them in the ground, for at least a few weeks, and during dry spells (no rain for a week). After this, they need around 1″ water per week if it hasnt rained. When planting flowers in pots, ensure there are drainage holes so their roots wont stay soggy.
- When your flowers are blooming, they need a lot of energy. Not only from the sun but from supplementary flower food also. You can use specific plant food, i.e., rose food, or a general organic fertilizer or compost.
Ok, so what are the easiest flowers to grow? Down below are my top 12 flowers for beginners!
7 Easy & Fast Flowers To Grow From Seed. Beginner Friendly Annual Flowers!
FAQ
What is the easiest flower seed to grow?
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Sunflowers:They are known for their large, easy-to-handle seeds, quick germination, and vibrant blooms. They also come in various sizes and colors, from classic yellow to burgundy and multi-colored options.
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Zinnias:These are heat and drought-tolerant annuals that bloom continuously throughout the summer and into the fall. They also come in a wide array of colors and heights, making them a versatile choice for any garden.
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Marigolds:These are another hardy annual that thrives in hot, sunny conditions and can be sown directly into the garden after the last frost. They are also known for their pest-repelling properties.
What flower grows the fastest from a seed?
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Sunflowers:These iconic flowers can grow quite tall and bloom relatively quickly, often within a few months.
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Zinnias:These are another great option, known for their vibrant colors and ability to bloom repeatedly throughout the summer, especially in warmer climates.
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California Poppies:These flowers are known for their quick growth and ability to bloom in a variety of colors, making them a popular choice for gardeners.
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Other fast-growing options:
- Nasturtiums: These classic flowers germinate quickly and can bloom in a few months.
- Marigolds: These are easy to grow and bloom quickly, often in a variety of colors.
- Cosmos: These delicate flowers are known for their long blooming period and ease of cultivation.
- Sweet Alyssum: This flower is known for its low-growing habit and ability to attract beneficial insects.
- Nasturtiums: These classic flowers germinate quickly and can bloom in a few months.
What is the best flower to grow for beginners?
- Annuals: cosmos, geraniums, impatiens, marigolds, lobelia, sunflowers, and zinnias
- Perennials: Black-eyed Susans, daylilies, hostas, phlox, seedum, purple coneflowers, and Russian sage, salvia
Can I just throw flower seeds on the ground?
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Preparation is Key:While you can just toss seeds, preparing the soil beforehand significantly increases your chances of success.
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Loosen the Soil:Loosening the top layer of soil with a rake or similar tool allows the seeds to make better contact and helps with root growth.
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Scattering and Raking:After loosening the soil, scatter the seeds thinly and evenly. Then, lightly rake the area to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
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Don’t Bury Too Deep:Many wildflower seeds need light to germinate, so avoid burying them too deeply.
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Watering:Water the area gently after planting to help the seeds settle and germinate.
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Weed Control:Removing existing weeds and grass before planting will give your wildflowers a better chance to thrive by reducing competition for resources like water and nutrients.
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Consider Native Species:Choosing native wildflowers to your area is a great way to ensure they thrive and support local pollinators.
What are the best flower seeds for beginners?
Here are the best flower seeds for beginners! Vibrant and bold blooms bring endless color to summer gardens. Zinnias of all sorts bring dynamic annual color with large, vibrant, double-disc flowers. Their blooms range from white to magenta to lime. Heat-loving, they bloom continuously as temperatures warm through frost.
Are beginner-friendly seeds easy to grow?
Beginner-friendly seeds are often quick to flower without special germination requirements. Sowing and growing don’t require intensive oversight. The only thing to watch for with many easy-growing selections is their capacity to reseed —a bonus for future flowering but with the potential to spread.
Can you grow flowers from seed?
Annual flowers started from seed should bloom during their growing season, and some might even self-seed as bonus plants for the next year. Perennial flowers grown from seed might not bloom during their first growing season but will have a head start on prolific blooms in their second year. Here are 14 flowers that are easy to grow from seed.
How do you grow roses from seed?
These big, bright flowers are easy to grow from seed and are ideal for growing with children. They can grow to heights of up to two metres, bear impressive, long-lasting flowers, and look fantastic in gardens and allotments. Sow seeds in small pots March-May and plant out in the garden May-June.
Which flowers are best for a garden?
With low maintenance needs and delightful fragrance, lavender is a favorite among beginners. These flowers bring tranquility and charm to gardens, offering a sensory experience for all. 17. Petunias Petunias are a versatile choice for gardens, with their vibrant colors and easy growth.
Are annuals easy to grow?
These annuals are easy to grow from seed and will quickly create vibrant, flourishing flower gardens. One of the best ways to fill your flower gardens with color is to plant annuals, which grow quickly and bloom all season long.