Summer is a wonderful time for gardening, with long, sunny days and warm temperatures creating the perfect environment for plants to thrive. If you’re looking to extend your garden’s color and vibrancy into the late season, it’s not too late to sow flower seeds. Many flowers can still be planted during summer and will reward you with beautiful blooms well into the fall. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to 31 flower seeds that you can sow in summer to keep your garden blooming.
Why Sow Flower Seeds in Summer?
Extended Bloom Time:
Sowing flower seeds in summer allows you to extend the blooming period of your garden. While many flowers are planted in spring, sowing in summer provides an opportunity to enjoy fresh colors and fragrances as the season progresses.
Warm Soil for Germination:
Summer offers warm soil temperatures, which can speed up seed germination and encourage strong, healthy growth. Warm soil helps seeds to sprout quickly and establish themselves before the cooler fall temperatures arrive.
Less Competition:
By sowing flowers in summer, you avoid the rush of spring planting and have a better chance of finding space in your garden beds. Additionally, established summer plants can provide shade and protection for newly sown seeds.
Choosing the Right Flower Seeds
Selecting the right flower seeds is crucial for a successful summer sowing. Look for varieties that are known to perform well when planted in the heat of summer. Here’s a list of 31 flower seeds that are ideal for sowing in summer, along with their key characteristics.
1. Sunflowers
Characteristics: Large, bright blooms that follow the sun. They are heat-tolerant and fast-growing.
Sowing Tips: Plant directly in the soil, spaced 12-18 inches apart.
2. Zinnias
Characteristics: Vibrant, daisy-like flowers in a variety of colors. They thrive in warm weather and are low-maintenance.
Sowing Tips: Sow seeds directly into well-draining soil, covering lightly with soil.
3. Cosmos
Characteristics: Feathery foliage and colorful, daisy-like flowers. They are hardy and grow well in summer.
Sowing Tips: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant after a few weeks.
4. Marigolds
Characteristics: Bright, cheerful blooms that deter pests. They are drought-tolerant and thrive in summer heat.
Sowing Tips: Sow seeds directly into the soil or start indoors and transplant.
5. Nasturtiums
Characteristics: Edible flowers with a peppery taste. They are great for adding color and are easy to grow.
Sowing Tips: Direct sow in well-draining soil, and they will quickly cover ground.
6. Calendula
Characteristics: Bright, daisy-like flowers that are both ornamental and medicinal. They thrive in warm weather.
Sowing Tips: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant.
7. Morning Glories
Characteristics: Fast-growing vines with stunning, trumpet-shaped flowers. They are perfect for trellises and arbors.
Sowing Tips: Soak seeds before planting to improve germination.
8. Cleome
Characteristics: Spiky flowers with a unique appearance, often in shades of pink, purple, or white. They are heat-tolerant and attract pollinators.
Sowing Tips: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant after a few weeks.
9. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Characteristics: Bright, daisy-like flowers with a long blooming period. They are drought-tolerant and heat-loving.
Sowing Tips: Sow seeds directly in the garden or start indoors and transplant.
10. Ageratum
Characteristics: Soft, fluffy clusters of flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white. They are ideal for borders and containers.
Sowing Tips: Start seeds indoors and transplant once seedlings are established.
11. Larkspur
Characteristics: Tall spikes of colorful flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white. They are ideal for adding vertical interest to your garden.
Sowing Tips: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant.
12. Sweet Alyssum
Characteristics: Tiny, fragrant flowers that form dense clusters. They are perfect for ground cover or container planting.
Sowing Tips: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant.
13. Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist)
Characteristics: Unique, fern-like foliage with delicate flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white. They are self-seeding and easy to grow.
Sowing Tips: Direct sow in well-draining soil.
14. Bachelor’s Buttons
Characteristics: Vibrant, daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white. They are great for attracting pollinators.
Sowing Tips: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant.
15. Foxglove
Characteristics: Tall spikes of tubular flowers in various colors. They are perfect for adding height and drama to your garden.
Sowing Tips: Start seeds indoors or sow directly in the garden.
16. Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)
Characteristics: Unique flowers with a pincushion-like center, available in various colors. They attract butterflies and are heat-tolerant.
Sowing Tips: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant.
17. Phlox
Characteristics: Clusters of colorful flowers that are great for borders and containers. They are heat-tolerant and attract butterflies.
Sowing Tips: Start seeds indoors or sow directly in the garden.
18. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)
Characteristics: Bright, daisy-like flowers with dark centers. They are heat-tolerant and long-blooming.
Sowing Tips: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant.
19. Petunias
Characteristics: Vibrant flowers in a range of colors. They are perfect for containers and hanging baskets.
Sowing Tips: Start seeds indoors and transplant once seedlings are established.
20. Sunflowers
Characteristics: Large, bold blooms that are a summer staple. They grow quickly and make a dramatic impact.
Sowing Tips: Direct sow in the garden or start indoors and transplant.
21. Salvia
Characteristics: Spiky flowers in shades of blue, red, or purple. They are heat-tolerant and attract hummingbirds.
Sowing Tips: Start seeds indoors or sow directly in the garden.
22. Lobelia
Characteristics: Small, trailing flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white. They are great for hanging baskets and containers.
Sowing Tips: Start seeds indoors and transplant once seedlings are established.
23. Dianthus (Pinks)
Characteristics: Fragrant flowers with a clove-like scent, available in various colors. They are great for borders and containers.
Sowing Tips: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant.
24. Verbena
Characteristics: Clusters of vibrant flowers that are heat-tolerant and long-blooming. They are perfect for containers and hanging baskets.
Sowing Tips: Start seeds indoors or sow directly in the garden.
25. Celosia
Characteristics: Unique, feathery flowers that come in shades of red, orange, and yellow. They add texture and color to your garden.
Sowing Tips: Start seeds indoors or sow directly in the garden.
26. Heliotrope
Characteristics: Fragrant clusters of small flowers in shades of purple, blue, or white. They are ideal for containers and borders.
Sowing Tips: Start seeds indoors and transplant once seedlings are established.
27. Amaranth
Characteristics: Unique, feather-like flowers in shades of red, orange, or gold. They add a dramatic touch to any garden.
Sowing Tips: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant.
28. Morning Glory
Characteristics: Fast-growing vines with trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of colors. They are perfect for trellises and arbors.
Sowing Tips: Soak seeds before planting to improve germination.
29. Sweet Peas
Characteristics: Fragrant, delicate flowers that come in a range of colors. They are great for trellises and climbing structures.
Sowing Tips: Start seeds indoors or sow directly in the garden.
30. Aster
Characteristics: Daisy-like flowers in various colors that bloom late in the season. They are great for adding color to the fall garden.
Sowing Tips: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant.
31. Cosmos
Characteristics: Tall, feathery flowers in shades of pink, white, or orange. They are heat-tolerant and easy to grow.
Sowing Tips: Direct sow in the garden or start indoors and transplant.
How to Sow Flower Seeds in Summer
Step 1: Prepare the Soil
Ensure the soil is well-draining and enriched with compost or organic matter. Loosen the soil to allow for good root development and seed germination.
Step 2: Select and Sow Seeds
Choose the appropriate flower seeds based on your garden conditions and desired bloom colors. Follow the seed packet instructions for planting depth and spacing.
Step 3: Water Wisely
Water the seeds gently but thoroughly to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a fine mist or watering can to avoid washing away the seeds.
Step 4: Provide Sunlight
Ensure the seeds receive adequate sunlight for germination. Most flower seeds require bright, indirect light to sprout. If natural light is insufficient, consider using grow lights.
**Step 5:
Monitor and Maintain**
Keep an eye on the seeds as they germinate and grow. Provide additional water if necessary and protect the young seedlings from pests and extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion
Sowing flower seeds in summer is a fantastic way to keep your garden vibrant and colorful as the seasons change. With the right seeds and a little care, you can enjoy a blooming garden well into the fall. Choose from these 31 flower seeds to extend your garden’s beauty and create a stunning display of color.
Encourage your gardening journey:
Embrace the summer planting season and add a burst of color to your garden with these fabulous flower seeds! 🌸🌼