Simple Blossoms to Cultivate in June for a Minimal-Effort Flower Bed
Growing your own flower garden at home is an incredible way to enjoy nature's beauty without breaking the bank or harming the environment. Instead of relying on imported flowers that can be expensive and environmentally unfriendly, consider creating a cutting garden right in your backyard.
curious: What is a cutting garden?
A cutting garden is a dedicated section of your yard used to grow flowers specifically for cutting and arranging indoors. It’s similar to a vegetable garden, but instead of producing food, it provides flowers for bouquets and other arrangements. You can still appreciate the garden outside while collecting the blooms for your indoor displays.
curious: What makes a good cutting flower?
To create successful cutting arrangements, choose flowers that are long-lasting, easy to harvest, and can stand up to living as a vase arrangement. Opt for species that will continue to bloom after being cut, as this will allow you to enjoy both your outdoor and indoor gardens for longer periods.
Some essential factors to consider when selecting seeds for your cutting garden include:
Bloom Longevity: Flowers with a longer vase life ensure your arranges will last 1 to 2 weeks with regular water changes.
Long Stems: Flowers with longer stems are easier to cut and arrange, plus they can be trimmed down if needed.
Flowering Season: Plant varieties with long flowering seasons for consistent access to flowers throughout the year. Having flowers blooming at various times will guarantee a steady supply for continuous cutting.
Of course, the most important factor is choosing flowers that you find visually pleasing. A cutting garden is designed to provide flowers for arrangements, so make sure you enjoy the final product. Here are seven cutting flowers that are both attractive and easy to grow at home:
1. Sweet Peas These tall, elegant flowers produce beautiful blooms on long stems, making them perfect for taller arrangements. Sweet peas are available in a range of colors and provide delicate, scented fragrances to your bouquets. They also have long blooming seasons, enabling you to gather cuttings for several months.
2. Cosmos With their cheerful yellow centers and long, soft petals, cosmos are a charming addition to any cutting garden. They are available in a variety of colors and have wispy foliage that won't distract from the blooms. Cosmos are easy to grow and hardy in US zones 2 through 11, ensuring nearly every garden can support their growth.
3. Zinnias Known for their bright colors and lively appearance, zinnias are a great option for any cutting garden. They are annual plants that bloom from midsummer to fall, providing a colorful transition between spring and autumn flowers. Their long stems make for easy harvesting, and they can be cut when the stalks are sturdy but not bendy.
4. Sea Holly This unique blue flower adds structure and edge to floral arrangements. With its spiky appearance, sea holly creates a halo effect with large, conical buds covered in long, thin, spiked blue petals. Sea holly is easy to cut and prefers well-drained soil, making it ideal for drier gardens.
5. Snapdragons Snapdragons have an eye-catching tubular shape and can be found in a vast range of colors. Their clusters of brightly colored, textured blooms make for tall, impressive columns in arrangements. They don't have the longest blooming period, but they flower from either spring or fall, bridging the gap between different flower seasons.
6. Mexican Sunflower Despite their name, Mexican sunflowers resemble daisies more than traditional sunflowers. They are intensely colored and provide a warm, rich hue to your bouquets. Their wide petals are clustered around a large textured center, blending simplicity with a touch of depth. Mexican sunflowers thrive in warmer regions and prefer poorer quality soil, making them a low-maintenance option for your cutting garden.
7. Dahlias Currently popular for their large blousy flowers, dahlias can be found in almost every color under the sun. They range from open and sprawling to densely packed and architectural in shape. Dahlias grow from tubers and can be overwintered for planting the following year, making them a more cost-effective flower option. Keep in mind that dahlias have a shorter vase life, but you can prolong their appearance by putting the stems in boiling water right after cutting.
curious: I'd love to create a cutting garden at home. Where do I start?
Begin by selecting a sunny spot with well-draining soil for your cutting garden. Prepare the area by removing any weeds and debris, then work the soil to improve its texture. Once the area is ready, sow your chosen seeds according to the package instructions.
Give your cutting garden plenty of water and ensure it receives adequate sunlight. As the flowers grow, pinch off the dead heads to encourage more blooms. When the flowers have reached the right stage, cut them early in the morning and place them in a container of cool water to maintain freshness.
As your cutting garden matures, you'll have a continuous supply of beautiful blooms to enjoy both outdoors and indoors. Happy gardening!
A cutting garden can be established by selecting a sunny and well-draining section of your home-and-garden for an area dedicated to growing flowers for indoor arrangements. The gardening process involves sowing seeds, providing adequate water and sunlight, and regularly pinching off the dead heads to promote more blooms. Popular cutting flowers, such as Sweet Peas, Cosmos, Zinnias, Sea Holly, Snapdragons, Mexican Sunflower, and Dahlias, offer long stems, long blooming seasons, and attractive visual appeal for any cutting garden.
