If you are new to gardening, you might be wondering what flowers are easy to grow and will brighten up your outdoor space. The good news is that there are many flowers that are suitable for beginners and can thrive in different conditions. Here are some 10 Flowers That Are Easy to Grow for your first flower garden.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are one of the most iconic and cheerful flowers you can grow. They come in different sizes, colors, and shapes, from giant yellow ones that can reach up to 16 feet tall, to smaller varieties that are perfect for containers. Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed and will bloom during summer. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate drought and heat. Sunflowers also attract bees, birds, and butterflies, making your garden a wildlife haven. You can cut some sunflowers for bouquets or leave them for the birds to enjoy the seeds.
Coneflowers
Coneflowers, also known as echinacea, are hardy perennials that will come back year after year. They have daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, yellow, orange, white, and more. They bloom for months, from summer to fall, and make great-cut flowers. Coneflowers also attract pollinators and birds, especially goldfinches. You can sow coneflower seeds in spring or fall, or buy plants from a nursery. They like rich, well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate some shade and drought.
Zinnias
Zinnias are colorful annuals that will brighten up your garden with their blooms. They come in many shapes, such as daisies, dahlias, spiders, and poms, and in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. Zinnias bloom during summer and attract butterflies. They are easy to grow from seed and like rich, well-drained soil and full sun. They have moderate water requirements and may need some deadheading to encourage more flowers.
Dianthus
Dianthus are fragrant flowers that belong to the same family as carnations. They have ruffled petals in shades of red, purple, pink, and white, often with contrasting edges or centers. They can be annuals, biennials, or perennials, depending on the variety. Most dianthus grow 10-20 inches tall and bloom in spring or summer. They make good edging plants or container plants and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Dianthus is like well-drained soil with some organic matter and full sun or partial shade. They are drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
Marigolds
Marigolds are another cheerful annual that will add a splash of color to your garden. They have pom-pom-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They bloom from spring to frost and can grow 6-36 inches tall, depending on the variety. Marigolds are versatile plants that can grow in moist or dry soil, with or without fertilizer. They prefer full sun and will repel pests such as aphids and nematodes. You can start marigolds from seed indoors or outdoors.
Impatiens
Impatiens are one of the best flowers for shady areas. They have delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and red that contrast with their dark green foliage. They bloom from spring to fall and can grow 6-24 inches tall. Impatiens are great for filling gaps in flowerbeds or adding color to containers and hanging baskets. They like moist, well-drained soil with some organic matter and partial to full shade. They may need some protection from frost.
Cosmos
Cosmos is another easy-to-grow annual that will add a touch of whimsy to your garden. They have feathery foliage and daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow. They bloom from summer to fall and can grow 1-6 feet tall, depending on the variety. Cosmos are ideal for cottage gardens or wildflower meadows and attract bees, butterflies, and birds. You can sow cosmos seeds directly in the ground after the last frost or start them indoors earlier. They like well-drained soil with low fertility and full sun.
Calendula
These cheerful flowers have a bright yellow to deep orange color and a mild herbal scent. They bloom from spring to fall and can grow up to 2 feet tall. Calendula is easy to grow from seeds or plants and needs full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. They have moderate water requirements and can be used as edible flowers or herbal remedies.
Columbine
These elegant flowers have a distinctive shape with spurs that resemble bird claws. They come in various colors, from blue to yellow, pink, red, and white. They bloom in spring and early summer and can grow up to 3 feet tall. Columbines are easy to grow from seeds or plants and need partial shade and moist, rich soil. They have low water requirements and can self-seed in your garden.
Snapdragons
These fun flowers have a dragon-like shape that opens when squeezed gently. They come in many colors, from white to yellow, pink, red, and purple. They bloom from spring to fall and can grow up to 4 feet tall. Snapdragons are easy to grow from seeds or plants and need full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. They have moderate water requirements and may need some protection from pests and diseases.
These are just some of the flowers that are easy to grow for beginners. You can find more information about these and other easy-to-grow flowers online or at your local garden center. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a beautiful flower garden all season long.
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