As the weather is warming up and plants of all sorts are starting to bud, the idea of starting a garden comes to mind.
Being the beginning gardener that I am, I decided to research flowers that are easy to cultivate, but also look nice in the garden. For those who are also beginning gardeners, I have found some sensible options for the up-and-coming growing season.
First up are sunflowers. Sunflowers are outdoor plants, and are not as picky as others may be about where they are planted. For better results, all varieties should be planted in deep, well-drained soil in order to help them thrive. These flowers should also be planted in an area where plenty of sunlight is available. There are many varieties of sunflowers to choose from, the dwarf being the smallest and the giant being the biggest.
Dwarf flowers are an excellent choice for smaller gardens or planters. Giant sunflowers can grow up to 16 feet tall and last year-round, and some types also produce edible seeds that can be enjoyed. When growing the taller variety, a stake is preferred, as the heavy flower head may cause the plant to fall.
In between these two varieties are perennial, double and specialty. A grower should choose between these options based on when one wants to grow and the amount of space available. For more information on the types of sunflowers to choose from, go to Garden Design.
Zinnias are another easy-to-grow flower option. Zinnias are stunning flowers that come in many bright colors. These colors not only give a nice pop to a garden, they also attract butterflies. They are best planted from seed, and can start off growing inside, but will need to be carefully transplanted outside at a young age.
These flowers are annuals, meaning they will have to be re-planted from seeds each growing season, but considering how easily they grow, that is not a big deal. It is also not difficult to grow this type from seed.
Zinnias need sun for six to eight hours during the day and cannot be planted during frost seasons. Like sunflowers, Zinnias need well-drained soil, but they also need rich soil. Zinnias tend to grow tall, so they may need staking to prevent them from falling.
Finally, Zinnias take around sixty to seventy days to fully develop from seed. For more growing tips and tricks, visit Almanac.
Last but not least are cosmo flowers. Cosmos flowers are a wonderful way to brighten up any space, but they do more than just that. Butterflies, bees and songbirds are commonly found hanging around cosmo flowers. The plant can reach up to six feet tall but the flowers themselves are smaller, ranging from three to five inches in diameter.
Cosmos are easy to grow because they do not need any special soil, other than well-drained soil, which is the case for most flowers. These flowers can grow in pots or a garden, meaning they are quite adaptable. Cosmos are also drought-tolerant and warm-weather tolerant, meaning weather is not a big deal as long as the last frost has passed.
This flowering plant is the perfect option for cut flowers to put in a home or to give to loved ones. For a more detailed description of how to grow, and care for these flowers, visit Almanac.
Flowers are great additions to any garden and learning to grow plants is always rewarding, even after having difficulties. Putting in the effort is definitely worth it, especially when it comes to such beautiful and low maintenance flowers.