Grow from Seed: Flowers That Are Perfect for Direct Sowing

Jordan Freytag + photo

Jordan Freytag

Apr 27
4 min read
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zinnia - annual morning glory - balcony beauty sunflower - sparky mix marigolds

Jordan Freytag Written By Jordan Freytag



Looking for easy flowers to grow from seed? These varieties are perfect for direct sowing, meaning you can plant them straight into your garden soil–no seed starting trays or transplanting required! Whether you’re gardening in spring or early summer, these blooms thrive with minimal effort and deliver vibrant results.

Although some areas have experienced a particularly late winter, it's not too late to sow flower seeds for summer blooms—in fact, it's the ideal time for some of these beauties of summer! Some flowers thrive when directly sown outdoors because they experience less root disturbance. Listed below are several flowers that you can direct sow now for mid to late summer blooms. These varieties are surprising additions to any garden with their unique shapes and colors. They are sure to drink up the sunlight!



Zinnias: Heat-Loving Summer Favorites

Zinnias are considered the kings of the summer annuals! Native to the American Southwest, Zinnias thrive in the intense summer heat. Select a sunny location after all threat of frost has passed and watch these summer champions grow!



Morning Glory: Climbers That Love Summer Heat

No, this is not the same perennial field bindweed that you find in your sidewalk cracks. If you are in a more temperate climate where it still may be a bit chilly, annual Heavenly Blue Morning Glory is ideal. While germinating, it loves the cooler temperatures of the soil, but thrives in the oncoming heat of summer when maturing. One of the most popular flowering vines, this vigorous climber will begin blooming in early summer and continues through the fall.

Ipomoea purpurea, or more commonly known as Morning Glory, is a vining variety native to Mexico and various regions of Central and South America. Annual morning glories are often mistaken for their perennial cousin Convolvulus arvensis, or Field Bindweed, which is an aggressive and invasive weed native to Europe. Although they look practically identical, the key to differentiating morning glory from field bindweed is whether or not the plant withstands frost; morning glory does not have the deep root systems like field bindweed to withstand any longterm chill.



Marigolds: Fast-Growing Blooms for Every Garden

One of the world's most beautiful and popular flowers. Marigolds grow quickly from seed and bloom continuously through the summer and fall and are nearly trouble-free. Enrich the soil with flower food before sowing and watch this staple of flower gardens take off!



Cosmos: Delicate Pollinator Magnets

The Sensation Mix Cosmo is more adept at being directly sown than other varieties of cosmos, developing rapidly and blooming through the summer and fall.



Sunflowers: Bold, Beautiful, and Built for Full Sun

Sunflowers face the sun, so it's very important that sunflowers receive lots of sun. Sunflowers are loved for the big, beautiful flowers that have a lovely aesthetic presence in one's garden! See several diverse blooms from the selections and assortments below:



Hollyhocks: Classic Cottage Garden Spires

Water them well, and Hollyhocks will provide you with spires covered in vibrant blooms. Plant in an area with full sun but where moisture can be maintained. Once well established, they will thrive with little attention.



Wildflower Mixes: Easy-Care Blooms for Big Impact

The planting area must be tilled, well-watered, and free of weeds before you broadcast your wildflower mixture across your growing surface. Make sure wildflower seed mixes receive plenty of water while germinating. After that, they should thrive in full sun.



Jordan Freytag Jordan Freytag, True Leaf Market Writer

 


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4 comments

Monica Moffat

I have LOTS of space for naturalizing and am anxious to start planting! HOWEVER, most of my property is shaded. I really need some of your wise advice as to what I can plant. Now and in the spring. My goal is to eventually have no grass, just all natural flowers and such. This is why I’m so excited to find your website! I live in western North Carolina.


Monica Moffat

I have LOTS of space for naturalizing and am anxious to start planting! HOWEVER, most of my property is shaded. I really need some of your wise advice as to what I can plant. Now and in the spring. My goal is to eventually have no grass, just all natural flowers and such. This is why I’m so excited to find your website! I live in western North Carolina.


Monica Moffat

I have LOTS of space for naturalizing and am anxious to start planting! HOWEVER, most of my property is shaded. I really need some of your wise advice as to what I can plant. Now and in the spring. My goal is to eventually have no grass, just all natural flowers and such. This is why I’m so excited to find your website! I live in western North Carolina.


Elyse

Great info! Very helpful


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