Effortless Bloomers for Novice Gardeners: A Guide to the Best Flowers to Plant
Easy-to-Grow Flowers for Beginner Gardeners
A flourishing flower garden can be achieved with ease by planting a selection of beginner-friendly flowers. These plants are known for their low maintenance, fast growth, and vibrant blooms that tolerate various conditions well. Here are some top picks:
Zinnias are annuals that grow quickly from seed, bloom in various bright colors, and do well in full sun with well-drained soil. They can start blooming 6 to 8 weeks after germination and are very forgiving for beginners.
Marigolds are another easy-to-grow flower that can be started from seed and thrive in sunny spots, providing long-lasting, colorful blooms that also repel some garden pests.
Sunflowers are classic, cheerful plants that are hardy and grow easily from seed in full sun. They also make excellent cut flowers.
Cosmos produce pretty pink and white flowers, are low maintenance, bloom profusely with regular cutting, and prefer full sun with well-drained soil.
Nasturtiums are fast-growing, versatile annuals that tolerate poor soil, repel some insects, and attract pollinators. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, suitable for beds or containers.
Morning Glory vines quickly cover supports with trumpet-shaped flowers in multiple colors, ideal for trellises or fences in sunny locations.
Some additional beginner-friendly options include Sweet Peas for their aromatic flowers (best started indoors in cooler climates), Strawflower, Snapdragons, Celosia, and Dahlias—though dahlias may require more attention and tuber care.
Plants like Salvia, Bougainvillea, Portulaca (Moss Rose), and Blue Jean Baby Russian Sage are also beginner-friendly, especially in hot climates, as they are drought-tolerant and low maintenance.
Nasturtium is a colorful annual plant with soft, green foliage and vividly hued flowers, resembling water lily pads. It benefits from deep and regular watering.
Marigolds will benefit from regular application of fertilizer, but should not be planted in shady spots as it may encourage the spread of fungal disease. They love bright, full light and well-draining, nutrient-dense soil.
Sunflowers require plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil to grow. After sunflower seedlings grow to about 12 inches, they can be transplanted into pots or the ground, giving them enough space to grow.
Cosmos prefer full sun with well-drained soil and should be watered regularly at the base of the plant.
Nigella is an easy-to-grow annual with vivid blue blossoms and pretty pods. It prefers mild climates and well-drained, finely textured soil.
Geraniums are a popular perennial with over 300 varieties, easy to grow, and have blossoms in an array of colors. They love the sun, although they will thrive in shady environments too, and should always be planted in well-draining soils and avoid standing water as much as possible.
Snapdragons will thrive in well-drained soil and should be watered regularly at the base of the plant. They yield bright, cheery flowers and attract a variety of garden-friendly insects, including bumblebees and butterflies. However, they won't do well in gardens exposed to intense heat, so they should be grown indoors during the summer season and replanted once the cold season sets in.
Sweet Peas are known for their colorful and fragrant blossoms, adding a sweet-spicy scent to the air. They can be grown from seeds or bought as plug plants, and should be planted in January or February for summer blooms.
Lilac is a deciduous shrub known for its pastel-colored blossoms, sweet fragrance, and heart-shaped leaves. It tends to grow tall, so regular pruning will keep its beautiful foliage under control, and can be used to section off a spot in the garden for privacy. Lilac is drought resistant and is the perfect flowering plant to grow in places with hot or dry climate.
Columbines are perennial plants known for their unique-looking bell-shaped blossoms in colors like blue, purple, and pink. They prefer mild climates and can thrive in shady spots during the summer.
Californian Poppy has bright orange blooms and is a hardy perennial that prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
Marigolds are beloved for their sunset-hued blooms and their ornamental attributes, and are easy to grow and care for. They add a bold pop of color to the garden and can be used in perfume making and cooking.
Nigella seeds can be scattered all over the garden and prefer well-drained, finely textured soil and mild climates.
Overall, these flowers are well-suited for novice gardeners due to their ease of growing from seeds or simple planting methods, tolerance to common gardening challenges, and aesthetic appeal. Starting with these will help build gardening confidence and result in a colorful, thriving flower garden.
Home-and-garden enthusiasts can enhance their lifestyle by cultivating easy-to-maintain flowers like Nasturtiums, Marigolds, and Sunflowers for a lively home-and-garden display. With their fast growth, vibrant blooms, and low maintenance requirements, these garden staples are perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.
