Spring is the perfect time to start planting flowers from seed. With the cold winter months behind us it’s time to look forward to colorful blooms and fragrances in our gardens. When choosing flower seeds to plant in spring, focus on varieties that can withstand cooler nighttime temperatures and that bloom in late spring or summer.
Here are the top 10 best flower seeds to get in the ground now for a beautiful spring and summer flower garden
1. Pansies
Pansies are a classic cool weather annual that can be planted early in spring while nighttime temperatures are still cool Their cheery faces come in a wide range of colors like purple, yellow, white, and blue Plant pansies in beds, containers, or hanging baskets for a pop of color through spring and into summer before the heat arrives.
2. Poppies
Poppies provide gorgeous color in late spring and early summer. Some top varieties to plant now include Iceland Poppies, Shirley Poppies, and Oriental Poppies. Poppies come in stunning shades like red, pink, white, purple, and orange. Their papery, ruffled blooms add texture and romance to any garden.
3. Snapdragons
Snapdragons are a favorite for cutting gardens because of their long, elegant flower spikes. Some top varieties to start from seed now include the Rocket series, Madame Butterfly mix, and Chantilly mix. Snapdragons bloom in late spring and again in fall if cut back after their first bloom period.
4. Larkspur
Larkspur is known for its towers of blooms in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. It’s easy to grow from seed and does well when directly sown. Some standout larkspur varieties include Giant Imperial, Fairy Bouquet mix, and the Santana series. Larkspur adds height and volume to spring flower beds.
5. Calendula
Also called pot marigold, calendula is an easy-to-grow annual that blooms in cool weather. It bears cheerful daisy-like blooms in shades of yellow, orange, white, and red. Calendula is edible and makes a great companion plant for vegetables. It can be directly sown in the garden.
6. Peonies
Herbaceous and intersectional peonies produce sumptuous, romantic blooms in late spring. While they take some patience to establish, peonies make stunning cut flowers and garden focal points. Some recommended varieties include Coral Charm, Sarah Bernhardt, and Sorbet.
7. Bachelor’s Buttons
An old-fashioned favorite, bachelor’s buttons bloom in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. They self-sow freely, making them great low maintenance options. Cornflower and Blue Boy are two excellent heirloom varieties. Bachelor’s buttons do best when directly sown.
8. Calla Lilies
Calla lilies produce elegant white blooms on clean green foliage, making them perfect for cut flower gardens. They’re easy to grow from bulbs or transplants. Plant calla lily rhizomes or tubers in spring for blooms in summer.
9. Dianthus
Also called pinks, dianthus offer loads of fragrant color in late spring and early summer. Some top varieties include Sweet William, Amazon dianthus, and Ideal dianthus. These blooms are great for bouquets and make long-lasting cut flowers.
10. Zinnias
Lastly, zinnias are easy to grow from seed and provide nonstop color from early summer into fall. Some recommended varieties include Queeny Lime Orange, Zinderella Lilac, and Magellan Cherry. Zinnias come in every color except blue and look fantastic in cut flower gardens.
When planting flower seeds this spring, be sure to give them a sunny location with well-draining soil. Follow planting instructions on the seed packet for spacing and depth. With proper care and conditions, these beautiful blooms will give you months of garden enjoyment. Get your flower seeds started now for your best spring and summer flower garden yet!
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There are a few general things to know about growing from seed.
To germinate successfully seeds you will need a few things.
- The first is a moist soil that is not soaking wet. The water goes into the seed and starts the growing process.
- The second is that seeds need some oxygen from the surrounding soil, so the soil should have plenty of natural airspaces.
- The third is a certain temperature range for its particular needs. Some seeds will germinate in cool soil, while others need warm soil to begin to grow.
- Lastly, the seeds may need light or darkness to grow.
Starting Seeds Indoors, Why Not?
Some gardeners are doubtful about starting plants from seeds. My thought is that is that it is worth a try. Each seed packet will only cost a few dollars but could have tens, hundreds, or even thousands of seeds in it. Even if a few of these little plant babies come up, you will have added beautiful flowers to your garden, and it will be worth it!
COOL FLOWERS! Hardy annuals to plant in FALL! Seed sorting!
FAQ
What is the easiest flower to grow from seed?
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Zinnias:These are a classic choice, known for their quick growth and prolific blooming, available in a wide array of colors.
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Marigolds:They are hardy, heat-tolerant annuals that thrive in full sun and are known for their pest-repelling properties.
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Cosmos:These daisy-like flowers are easy to grow from seed, come in various colors, and are great for attracting pollinators.
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Sunflowers:They are a favorite for their size and ease of growth, and come in various varieties, including pollen-free options.
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Nasturtiums:These are adaptable annuals that can thrive in poor soil and partial shade, with colorful blooms and edible leaves and flowers.
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Sweet Alyssum:A low-growing, fragrant flower that attracts beneficial insects and is easy to grow from seed.
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California Poppies:These fast-growing wildflowers are easy to sow directly into the ground and provide a burst of color in the spring.
Can I plant flower seeds in spring?
The key to growing annual spring flowers is timing. Sow your flowers about 6 — 8 weeks before your expected first frost date in trays or directly in the ground (depending on the variety — check out Lisa’s book or your seed packet for more info).
What is the best seed to plant in the spring?
In late February to early March, start cabbages, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, leeks, endive, escarole, fennel, lettuce, and artichokes indoors. In mid- to late March, direct sow peas, spinach, fava beans, and arugula outdoors. Start peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, Swiss chard, and tomatillos indoors.
What flowers are best planted in spring?
For all climates, spring is a great time to start things like zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers, nasturtium, lavender, catmint, daisies, marigolds, borage, and other warm-season flowers. Many of these will continue to grow into the summer, while some will fade with the heat.