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Still dreaming of a garden bursting with color this summer? Good news—there’s still time to plant. Whether you’re just getting started or want to fill in a few empty spots, you can sow a variety of flowers now and still enjoy beautiful blooms later in the season. This quick guide will walk you through the best seeds for cut flowers that thrive when planted in early summer and reward you with armfuls of beauty in just a few weeks.
Why Start a Cut Flower Garden Now?
Late spring to early summer is a sweet spot for planting annuals that grow quickly. Many of the best summer flowers from seed only need 60 to 75 days to bloom, which means you can still enjoy their color and fragrance well into August and September. Starting now also gives you flexibility. You can fill gaps in your garden beds, refresh spots where spring flowers have faded, or start a brand-new cut flower garden in containers or raised beds.
Fast-Growing Favorites to Try
Not all flowers take forever to bloom. These quick-growing stars are perfect for sowing now, and they’ll brighten up your garden just in time for late summer!
- Gypsophila (Baby’s Breath) – These delicate, cloud-like blooms are a bouquet staple. They grow quickly from seed and look just as lovely in borders as they do in vases!
- Cosmos – Light and airy with feathery foliage and fluttering petals, cosmos are true garden charmers. They thrive in the heat and bloom nonstop once they start.
- Sunflowers – Nothing says summer like a sunflower! Choose branching varieties for more blooms per plant and enjoy a cheerful pop of gold, orange, or even deep burgundy.
- Icelandic Poppies – These tissue-thin petals in soft pastel shades bring a romantic touch to your garden. They’re a favorite for flower arranging and bloom beautifully in cooler summer spots.
- Echinacea (Coneflower) – Known for their vibrant daisy-like blooms and strong stems, echinacea are perfect for cutting. Plus, they attract pollinators and add long-lasting color!
You’ll find all of these and more in our hand-picked selection of seeds for cut flowers, ready to sow and grow right now.
How to Plant for Success
Planting is simple, but a few extra steps go a long way:
- Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
- Rake the area to loosen the top layer and remove any weeds.
- Sow seeds at the depth listed on the packet and keep the soil evenly moist.
- Thin seedlings once they sprout so each plant has room to grow.
- Water regularly and feed with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
Most of these flowers don’t need much fuss. Just keep an eye on watering during hot spells and remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
Make the Most of Your Harvest
A cut flower garden is meant to be enjoyed, so don’t be shy about snipping blooms. Use clean shears and cut in the morning when stems are full of moisture. Strip the lower leaves before placing them in water, and change the water every other day to keep your bouquets fresh. The more you cut, the more flowers your plants will produce.
Keep the Bloom Going
To extend your harvest, sow seeds in batches every two weeks. This staggered approach is especially helpful for cosmos, which bloom fast and continue to flower as long as you keep harvesting. With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh summer flowers from seed right into early fall.
Start Your Garden Today
There’s no need to wait for next year. You can still grow a beautiful, productive cut flower garden this season. Browse our curated collection of seeds for cut flowers and pick your favorites to sow today. A few minutes planting now means weeks of blooming beauty later.
