Starting a garden from seeds is both a cost-effective and rewarding way to cultivate your own plants. Annuals, in particular, are an excellent choice for beginners, due to their ease of growth, vibrant blooms, and ability to fill empty spots in your garden. This guide will introduce 12 annuals that are particularly straightforward to grow from seed, providing you with a colorful, thriving garden in no time at all.
Marigolds
Marigolds, with their bright and cheerful blooms, are a popular annual among gardeners. These hardy flowers are easy to grow from seed and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. They also have the added benefit of repelling pests in your garden, making them a practical choice as well.
To start marigold seeds, simply plant them directly into the ground after the last frost has passed. Make sure to choose a spot that receives plenty of sunlight and water regularly. With proper care, marigolds will bloom throughout the summer months until the first frost.
Sunflowers
Similar to marigolds, sunflowers also thrive in direct sunlight and are relatively low maintenance. These towering annuals produce large, showy flowers that add a touch of whimsy to any garden. To grow sunflowers from seed, plant them in well-drained soil and water regularly. Once the flower heads have dried out, you can easily collect seeds for next year’s planting.
Zinnias
Zinnias are another popular annual that is incredibly easy to grow from seed. These colorful flowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them a versatile addition to any garden. They can be planted directly into the ground or started indoors and then transplanted once they have sprouted.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are both beautiful and edible, making them a unique addition to any garden. These annuals are easy to grow from seed and prefer well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Nasturtiums also attract pollinators and can help deter pests from nearby plants.
Cosmos
Cosmos are a lovely choice for adding height and color to your garden. These annuals have delicate, daisy-like blooms that come in shades of pink, white, and purple. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them a great choice for planting in containers or directly into the ground.
Related: Best Flower For The Front Of The House?
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is a low-growing annual that produces clusters of small, fragrant blooms. These flowers are perfect for adding texture and filling in empty spaces in your garden. They prefer cooler weather and can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring.
Pansies
Pansies are a favorite among gardeners for their cheerful, colorful blooms and ability to thrive in cooler temperatures. These hardy annuals can tolerate some shade and prefer well-drained soil. Pansies also come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a fun addition to any garden.
Bachelor’s Buttons
Bachelor’s buttons, also known as cornflowers, are a charming annual that adds a pop of blue to your garden. These flowers are easy to grow from seed and prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They also attract pollinators, making them beneficial for nearby plants.
Petunias
Petunias are another versatile annual that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. These flowers do best in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a perfect candidate for containers or hanging baskets. With regular deadheading, petunias will continue to bloom throughout the summer.
Related: Ideal Soil for Grass Seed
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are known for their unique shape and vibrant blooms that resemble tiny dragon heads. These annuals are easy to grow from seed and prefer cooler temperatures. They can be started indoors and then transplanted, or directly sown into the ground in early spring.
Morning Glories
Morning glories are a classic annual that adds a touch of nostalgia to any garden. These fast-growing vines produce trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. They can be planted directly into the ground in full sun and prefer well-drained soil.
Nigella
Nigella, also known as love-in-a-mist, is a delicate annual with unique flowers that resemble a puffball. These plants are easy to grow from seed and can tolerate poor soil conditions. They also self-seed easily, making them a low-maintenance addition to any garden.
With these 12 easy-to-grow annuals, you can create a thriving, colorful garden in no time. Experiment with different varieties and combinations to find the perfect combination for your space. And remember, starting from seed is not only cost-effective but also incredibly rewarding as you watch your plants grow and bloom throughout the season. Happy gardening!
