Fast-growing flower seeds are the easiest way to bring fresh color to your garden before summer is over. While spring is traditionally the busiest growing season, there are still plenty of flower seeds you can plant in July for blooms in just a few short weeks.
As the name suggests, fast growing flower seeds are what you can do Plant in July Going from sowing to flowering in six to eight weeks. This makes them ideal for filling in gaps left by early summer fading or giving tired containers a late-season lift.
‘It’s all about choosing flowers that bloom fast enough to bloom before the weather changes,’ explains garden design expert, Joe McGarry. Caragh Nursery. Fortunately, there are many fast-growing varieties that germinate quickly, are easy to grow, and are capable of producing colorful blooms before fall arrives.
1. Nasturtium
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‘Nasturtiums are a strong choice for quick color and foliage because they grow quickly in warm soils, cope with poor soil and can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, borders or as ground covers,’ says Joe.
Short or dwarf varieties are best for July sowing, she says. ‘They don’t need to grow that much before they bloom.’
Richard Barker, Horticulturist LBS HorticultureAlso recommends nasturtium for faster color performance. ‘They usually germinate in seven to fourteen days, with some potentially germinating in five days,’ he explains. ‘After they germinate, the plants will mature quickly and produce flowers eight to ten weeks later.’
Nasturtiums can be sown directly where you want them to bloom, and subsequent sowing can ensure you have flowers until the first frost. They also make great Companion plants paired with vegetables For pest control.
Where to buy nasturtiums:
2. Calendula
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Calendula – widely known as pot marigolds – is a reliable choice if you want to add a splash of color to a tired person. Garden border.
‘Calendula can germinate in a week or two after sowing and should flower in six to eight weeks,’ says Richard. ‘Seeds can be sown directly where the plants flower and require little attention other than keeping the soil moist.’
With rapid flowering, calendula is a resilient choice for summer planting. Maurice Hankinson, Managing Director Hops Grove NurseryNote that it is especially useful in hot weather. ‘It is remarkable Drought tolerant Once established, it will self-seed for the next year as well,’ he says.
Where to buy calendula:
3. Sweet Alyssum
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‘Sweet alyssum is one of the fastest growing flowers in July, with blooms appearing in 45 days,’ says Joe.
It works well along borders, in pots and as a soft ground cover where summer plantings start to fade.
‘Sweet alyssum is excellent for quick filling; They spread to about 10 inches and bring a honeyed scent to the garden, making them useful for refreshing patio pots and softening the edges of beds,’ adds Joe.
Where to buy sweet alyssum:
4. French Marigolds
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Often hailed as a Superhero flowerFew flowers offer as much vibrant color for as little effort as marigolds.
They germinate quickly, with some seeds germinating within five days of planting, making them a great choice if you’re looking for a quick burst of color before summer ends. Just make sure Stay on top of deadheading As the blooms fade, that will keep them flowering longer.
‘French marigolds grow quickly, taking about six to eight weeks to produce flowers if they are grown from seed,’ says Richard. ‘Planting in full sun can help encourage plants to produce more flowers.’
Where to Buy French Marigolds:
5. Zinnias
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If you’re willing to wait a little longer for your reward, zinnias are one of the most impressive fast-growing flower seeds to plant in July. While they typically take eight to ten weeks to flower, they make up for it with their bold, jewel-like blooms and long flowering season.
‘Expect to wait a bit longer than other fast growers, but zinnias make up for it with the most vivid, long-lasting color of any July sowing,’ says Morris.
Especially suited for borders and raised garden beds, Zinnia continues to produce flowers for a long time. ‘They can be sown outdoors directly into the ground where you want them to grow, and picking the flowers regularly will keep more coming,’ adds Richard.
Where to buy Zinnias:
6. Cosmos
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If you are looking for maximum effect from late summer sowing, Growing Cosmos Hard to beat. They may not be the fastest bloomers on this list, but they are valuable for producing delicate blooms over a long season.
‘Cosmos are exceptional value for July sowings as they flower for a long time, giving the best return for a late start,’ says Morris. ‘They can produce their first blooms in seven to ten weeks, then continue flowering until the first frost.’
They are also easy to grow from seed and if you continue to produce flowers into the fall Deadhead Cosmos regularly
Where to buy Cosmos:
What are the most important tips for planting flower seeds in July?
According to Morris Hankinson of Hops Groves NurseryManaging heat and humidity is a major challenge when planting fast-growing flower seeds in July. ‘Sow in the evening to allow the seeds to cool overnight to absorb moisture before the heat of the day returns,’ he recommends. ‘Keep the soil surface covered with a light layer of compost or fine mulch so that the top few centimeters don’t dry out and crust over, as this can stop germination altogether.’
Richard Barker, Horticulturist LBS HorticultureAdds that while most fast-growing flowers need plenty of sunlight to thrive well, newly emerged seedlings can struggle during hot spells. ‘You’ll need to provide them with shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent them from bolting or drying out,’ he says. There are many Easy ways to shade plants In hot weather without moving them if they are already in the ground.
RocketGrow
Organic Magic Mulch – 50L
This is used and loved by many of the Ideal Home team to help keep plants looking after hot weather and heavy rain.
TMGJShd
Shade Netting 60% Sunblock Shade Cloth
If you’re struggling to give your seeds some shade, you can try shade netting to block out some of the harmful UV rays.
If your garden lacks color, there’s still time to plant the seeds of these fast-growing flowers and enjoy the blooms before summer is over.
