At the height of summer, our gardens are filled with abundance to enjoy, with flowers in bloom annual And old tree brings richness of color and fragrance.
If you want to enjoy annual flowers blooming all summer long, you need to start planting them earlier in the growing season – usually as soon as the last frost has passed in spring.
However, if you missed the opportunity to sow seeds earlier in the year, you’ll be glad to know that July is still not too late to sow seeds of certain varieties.
Your USDA zone is a factor, as young annuals will die early in areas with early fall frosts. However, in many areas, late-season displays can be grown.
Discover the best blooming flowers that will help you enjoy vibrant colors from late summer into fall.
1. Zinnia
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Happy zinnia Can be planted until the end of July in most climates. They take about 8 weeks to flower, so can be enjoyed in the fall, until frost hits.
Sow seeds directly into a flower bed with full sun, as the roots do not like to be disturbed. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and thin the seedlings according to the instructions on the seed packet – spacing between plants varies considerably depending on Zinnia flowers.
Pinch the top of the plant to make it grow bushier and regularly cut off spent flowers to make the plant produce more flowers.
2. Marigold
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calendar They take just 6-8 weeks to grow from seed and are quite cold hardy. When planted in July, they will make a lovely addition to the garden in late summer and fall.
The edible flowers can be harvested to add a spicy, saffron-like flavor to dishes. They also deter some pests, making them one of the most popular companion plants for vegetable gardens.
Sow seeds directly into poor to average soil, well drained soil – they are suitable for full sun to shade areas.
Marigolds grow well with minimal care – occasional watering once the plant has established roots. Cut back the stems to avoid a spindly plant and regularly remove spent flowers.
3. Sweet Alyssum
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Delicate, lace sweet alyssum Flowers add romance to the garden and are loved by pollinators.
They are some of the fastest growing flowers, taking just four weeks to grow from seed.
The plant needs plenty of sunlight but does not like high summer temperatures, so try to provide a location with afternoon shade. Can be grown in higher shade levels, but will grow faster.
Sweet alyssum can be grown in a variety of soils and requires regular watering.
4. Nasturtium
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Watercress is an old-fashioned favorite, truly a versatile flower. Not only are they attractive in pots and in borders, but the plants are completely edible – with a slightly spicy flavor – and make excellent companion plants in vegetable beds.
They are easy to grow from seed, taking only 4-6 weeks to flower. They can be climbing, trailing or bushy.
Sow seeds in their final position in a bed or container deep enough for the roots to develop.
Nasturtium is a low-maintenance plant that thrives with minimal intervention and poor soil. Soil that is too fertile results in the plant having all its foliage and few flowers.
5. Black-eyed Susan
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Black-eyed Susan – or rudbeckia – is a versatile plant with sunny daisy-like blooms that add gorgeous color to the late summer and fall garden.
It takes 2-3 months to grow them from seed, but most gardeners can plant them as late as July.
Black Eyed Susan is drought tolerant, heat tolerant and self-seeding. It is suitable for a variety of soil types, but thrives in neutral soil soil pH and a place with full sun or light shade.
The plant requires little care, but Black-eyed Susan Flower Removal will prevent the plant from going to seed, encourage more flowers and keep the plant neater.
