While spring is often considered the primary time for sowing seeds, there are still many seeds you can plant during the summer months. Planting seeds in summer for autumn blooms not only extends the colorful display in your garden but also provides nectar for butterflies and other pollinators.
Here are some fast-growing annuals that will bloom later in the season and into fall.
Zinnias (Zinnia elegans): These cold-hardy annuals will bloom until autumn’s first frost. Sow their seeds through the first week of July, and they’ll take about 60 to 70 days to flower. Zinnias are fast-growing, low-maintenance, and attract butterflies and hummingbirds with their colorful, nectar-rich blooms. Deadheading encourages more flowers to bloom.
Days to Germinate 5-24
Days to Bloom After Sowing 50-60 (7-8 weeks)
Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.): Sunflowers peak in the middle of summer but continue to bloom through part of fall. If planted in June, they can grow up to 12 feet by October. Sunflowers attract bees with their large, dark centers, which act as landing pads for pollinators.
Days to Germinate 14
Days to Bloom After Sowing 75-100 (10-14 weeks) Check for your variety.
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus): Add this charming plant to the landscape and you will be rewarded with abundant butterflies. Creating a graceful visual impact in the garden, it is perfect for sunny borders or containers. Ideal addition to beds and borders, containers, cottage gardens, prairies and meadows. Excellent as cut flowers.
Days to Germinate 7-10
Days to Bloom After Sowing 70-84 (10-12 weeks)
Blue Bachelor’s Button (Centaurea cyanus): Also known as cornflowers, the silver foliage offsets its blue blooms tremendously and attracts other butterflies and many different beneficial insects. The flowers also attract birds, especially American goldfinches.
Days to Germinate 7-14
Days to Bloom After Sowing 65-75 (9-10 weeks)
Mexican Sunflowers (Tithonia rotundifolia) yield dozens of showy daisy-like blooms in fiery shades of red, orange, or yellow and brighten up any garden. The blooms attract a wide variety of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, and can be used as cut flowers.
Days to Germinate 7-14
Days to Bloom After Sowing 80 (11 weeks)
Gomphrena (Gomphrena globosa), also called Globe Amaranth, is a great annual for summer color. It thrives in full sunlight, is drought tolerant and easy to grow. Butterflies and other small pollinators are drawn to these tiny flowers. Flowers are often dried at the end of the summer and used in dried arrangements because the flowers retain their good color.
Days to Germinate 7-14
Days to Bloom After Sowing 80 (11 weeks)
Cleome (Cleome Hassleriana) also known as Spider Flower, is a beautiful annual flower that can add height and drama to your summer garden. The blooms are a favorite nectar source for hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other insects.
Days to Germinate 7-14
Days to Bloom After Sowing 80 (11 weeks)
Cowpen Daisy (Verbesina encelioides) also known as Golden Crownbeard is a native annual with many branches covered with yellow blooms which are a favorite of bees and butterflies, but is ignored by deer. Native range spans from California to Arizona, New Mexico to Texas, Utah, Colorado, Montana, east to Kansas.
Days to Germinate 7-14
Days to Bloom After Sowing 80 (11 weeks)
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a native annual famous for illuminating entire hillsides on the West coast, their bright orange blooms can be planted and enjoyed almost anywhere. Their bright orange petals serve as a beacon for butterflies, drawing them into your garden.
Days to Germinate 14-21
Days to Bloom After Sowing 60-75 (8-10 weeks)
Borage (Borago officinalis) also known as starflower, is an easy, fast-growing, annual herb with vivid blue flowers and the flavor and scent of cucumbers. While it is considered an herb, it’s often grown as a flowering plant to entice butterflies and other pollinators into vegetable gardens. It is also the host plant for the Painted Lady butterfly. In addition to being a great plant for pollinators, the flowers are edible and add a beautiful pop of color to salads or summer drinks.
Days to Germinate 7-14
Days to Bloom After Sowing 45 to 60 (6-8 weeks)
Here are some tips for planting wildflowers in late spring and summer:
- Direct Sow: The trick to summer planting is to sow directly into the ground, containers, or raised beds.
- Watering: Keep your seeds and soil well-watered for the first 4-6 weeks after planting. Do not let the soil dry out!
- Sunlight and Drainage: Choose locations with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid overly shaded areas, as they result in weak plants with sparse flowers.
- Proper drainage is equally important for healthy blooms.
These summer flowers can brighten your garden with vibrant colors, attracting many butterflies and other pollinators and birds as well as adding beauty to the autumn landscape! Happy Gardening! 🌼🌿