Spring flowers to grow from seed
As the weather gets warmer, it can be exciting to look forward to vibrant spring gardens. If you’ve planted fall bulbs, you’ll start to see tulips, daffodils and more blooming, but what if you missed out on planting bulbs? Garden centers and online catalogs abound with flower seed options, but which seeds will grow best in your yard?
Whether you’re plotting a large garden or planting a few pots to bring spring cheer to your patio, here are some easy, beautiful and reliable flower seeds to grow this season.
When should I plant spring flowers?
The first step to planning your spring flower garden is to know your USDA growing zone. This map uses average temperatures, rainfall and other data to help gardeners know which plants are most likely to survive in their area.
Next, figure out your average last frost date by consulting an almanac or asking your local nursery. Last frost dates are defined as the day when there’s a 50% chance of not having frost. In some regions this could be as early as January; for most of the country, it’s between March and May. Frost can damage tender new plants, so some seeds need to be started in a warmer indoor environment several weeks before being planted outdoors.
If you’re still worried about cold damage, plant your spring flower seeds in containers that can be moved indoors or into your garage on cold nights.
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Spring flower care
Follow the seed packet’s instructions for soil composition, sunlight and water needs. Some seeds can be planted with “direct sowing,” meaning they can be planted outdoors where you want them to grow. The needs of indoor seed starts vary: some germinate in the dark, while some need light, and some seeds may need to be soaked or notched to encourage germination. Check with your local gardening center or online to make sure your spring seeds are getting a good start.
Once your plants are flowering, some species can be encouraged to keep blooming by deadheading or removing dead and dried-up flowers. Gently pinch and twist at the base of the flower to remove it.
How to start flower seeds indoors
Seed starter kits make it easy and affordable to start growing seeds indoors. Some seed trays are plastic, while others are made of biodegradable peat to make transplanting less stressful on seedlings. They also have plastic lids to keep in moisture, creating a humid environment for the growing seeds.
Best annual flower seeds
Growing annuals from seed is markedly affordable compared to buying plant starts. Annual flowers only last one year, but many varieties let you collect the seeds at the end of the season to replant next year. Some self-seed, meaning that if you don’t deadhead them, they’ll drop seeds and grow back next year like perennials.
Marigolds: available at AmazonAvailable in every shade of orange and yellow, marigolds can also protect tomato plants from slugs.
Cosmos: available at AmazonCosmos are related to daisies and marigolds, and they come in colors ranging from pink and purple to chocolate and orange. They prefer hot and dry conditions.
Nasturtiums: available at Home Depot and AmazonFrost- and drought-tolerant, colorful and edible, nasturtiums will bring warm color to your garden (and your salads) through the fall. They don’t require fertilizer — in fact, they’re happier in poor to average soil.
Bachelor’s buttons: available at AmazonAlso known as cornflowers, this flower is classified as invasive in some states, so check local regulations to make sure it’s okay to plant. They grow best when direct-seeded.
Zinnias: available at AmazonThese tall flowers grow new buds throughout the growing season, so you’ll have colorful flowers all summer long.
Sweet peas: available at AmazonYou won’t get edible pea pods from these, but you will get soft mounds of fragrant white, pink and red blooms. Sweet peas are toxic to dogs, so plant with care if you have a dog that might get into them.
Moss rose: available at AmazonAlso called portulacas, these are technically a succulent. Moss rose seeds should be started indoors, then planted in gritty, well-drained soil and watered sparingly.
Sunflowers: available at Home Depot and AmazonVarieties range from 3-12 feet tall, so be sure to sow seeds far enough apart to accommodate potentially large blooms. At the end of the season, harvest the seeds for snacking or for next year’s garden.
Best perennial flower seeds for spring
Perennials grow back year after year, so there’s no need to worry about replacing them. They do take a year to become established, so don’t expect showy flowers right away.
Columbine: available at AmazonTheir two-toned flowers attract bees and hummingbirds. Plants last about three years, but new plants can sprout via self-seeding.
Calendula: available at AmazonThis member of the sunflower family is also known as “pot marigold” and has many culinary and medicinal applications. It grows back via self-seeding.
Shasta daisies: available at AmazonThese classic daisies can be direct-sown throughout the summer for continuous blossoms.
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Lupine: available at AmazonLupine seeds should be chipped or scratched to break their thick seed coat and soaked overnight. Lupines grow a tap root, so place them in your garden carefully to avoid transplanting them.
Best flower seed mixes
If you want a little bit of everything, try direct-seeding a blend of wildflowers or value packs of seed packets.
Best of the best spring flower seeds
Black Duck Set of 50 Flower Seed Packets: available at Amazon
Our take: This large variety pack offers daisies, calendula, marigolds and more.
What we like: You’ll get at least 15 varieties in this set.
What we dislike: With so much variety, it’s important to read planting instructions carefully.
Best bang for your buck spring flower seeds
Beauty Beyond Belief Bulk Wildflower Seeds: available at Amazon
Our take: Offering more than 100,000 seeds and eight e-books, this is a great way to learn more about gardening.
What we like: It’s a great value for lots of pollinator-attracting variety and gardening knowledge.
What we dislike: Most users had great results, but some experienced limited germination or low amounts of blooms.
Honorable mention spring flower seeds
David’s Garden Wildflower Butterfly Hummingbird Mix: available at Amazon
Our take: This collection offers more than 20 non-GMO flower varieties that attract pollinators and hummingbirds.
What we like: This is an easy way to get colorful variety in your flower garden.
What we dislike: Seed germination rates vary, especially in less than optimal growing conditions.
Laura Duerr is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money
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