21 Easy Annual Flowers to Grow From Seed

Growing annual flowers from seeds is an easy way to grow a strong garden on a shoestring budget. While you may have to wait a bit longer for your plants to grow versus planting nursery starts, you could also end up with more plants and stronger plants. 

If you have the foresight to get them started early and the patience to let them grow, seeds have definite advantages. Nursery starts can be expensive, and though they provide more instant results, they aren’t always the strongest. Buying starts can sometimes result in bringing pests or diseases into the yard. 

Additionally, purchasing large quantities of annuals can be expensive throughout the year. Growing these plants from seeds is far more cost-effective. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite annual flowers that grow well from seeds. 

Cosmos

	common name Cosmos
	botanical name Cosmos spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1′-6′
	hardiness zones 2-11

Cosmos are wonderful little flowers that fill the garden with color and cheer. They are also one of the easiest seeds I have found when it comes to germination. You can start these in seed trays four to six days ahead of your last frost date if you want to get a head start. 

If you prefer to sow directly, these plants can handle that, as well. Just wait until the soil temperature is around 60°F (16°C), which is optimal for germination. Don’t plant these deeply; they need some light to germinate. It takes about a week for cosmos to sprout. They flower quickly and make great cut flowers. 

Sweet Pea

	common name Sweet Pea
	botanical name Lathyrus odoratus
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 4′-6′
	hardiness zones 2-10

Sweet peas are graceful flowering vines that prefer cool weather. They are tolerant of freezing weather in small bouts, so in warmer climates, you can plant these in the fall. You’ll have a bounty of flowers throughout the spring. In cool climates, directly sow these seeds as soon as the ground is workable. 

For cool climates, plant these in full exposure. They take about two weeks to sprout, so be patient with these. You can start them indoors, but with their excellent cold tolerance, there is no need. The seeds are large and tend to be vigorous in terms of germination rate. Give your sweet peas something to climb; they can grow between six and eight feet tall.

African Marigold

	common name Marigold
	botanical name Tagetes erecta
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1′-4′
	hardiness zones 2-11

African marigolds are imposing additions to a flower bed. They work well in vegetable gardens, too, where their scent repels nuisance insects. Their large, showy blooms make a statement, even though they are low-maintenance and sturdy plants. Marigolds are sun-loving plants that tolerate a lot of heat.

It’s best to get a head start on your African marigolds. Start these indoors about a month to six weeks before the last frost date. You can also wait and directly sow these outdoors. The soil should be in the 70-80°F (21-27°C) range. I find marigolds grow well when directly sown, but they also transplant well. 

Nasturtium

	common name Nasturtium
	botanical name Tropaeolum majus
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1′-15′
	hardiness zones 2-11

Nasturtiums have a lot going for them. They grow well and quickly from seeds. They have a lovely trailing habit, and all parts of the plant are edible. The brightly colored flowers make an impact outside and on the dinner table as a garnish. They also attract pests away from other plants, so plant these in your veggie garden to keep your tomatoes looking great. 

Nasturtiums have roots that are sensitive to transplanting. It is better to directly sow them outdoors a week or two after the chance of frost has passed. In cool climates, full is the best exposure for nasturtiums. These flower best in cooler temperatures, so give them some afternoon shade in warm climates. Doing so will make the blooming season last longer. 

Zinnia

	common name Zinnia
	botanical name Zinnia elegans
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 6″-3′
	hardiness zones 2-11

If you like butterflies and flowers with strong stems that are great for cutting, grab a handful of zinnia seeds. Zinnias are exceptionally vigorous plants, and they can even reseed themselves in the garden. I plant these every couple of months, from early spring until late summer. It only takes about two months for them to bloom.

Wait for all chance of frost to pass before sowing these. They germinate quickly, and you will see sprouts in less than a week. Once they are about two inches tall, thin them to one plant every 12 inches. They transplant very well, so you can re-plant the seedlings that you thin out of the original location somewhere else!

Sunflower

	common name Sunflower
	botanical name Helianthus annuus
	sun requirements Full sun
	height Up to 25’
	hardiness zones 2-11

Sunflower seeds aren’t just a tasty snack, but I’m sure you know that already. Sunflowers are great plants to grow from seeds, and they make a huge impact in the garden. Towering over most other annuals, these beauties come in a surprising range of colors and flower forms. 

It’s best to plant sunflower seeds directly in the ground, as they don’t transplant well and won’t grow nearly as large if you start them in trays. Pop these in the ground a week or two after your last frost and give them plenty of water. It will surprise you to see how large some varieties can grow! As their name implies, sunflowers grow best in full sun. 

Poppy

	common name Poppy
	botanical name Papaver spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height Up to 2’
	hardiness zones 2-11

I have seen some spectacular poppies in my time. These beautiful flowers are popular in floristry for their large, colorful blooms and long, slender stems. Their tiny black seeds are flavorful and commonly found on top of bagels. Those very same seeds will give you a bed full of flowers as long as you plant them at the right time. 

Poppy seeds need cold stratification. You can do this naturally by planting them in the fall and allowing the freeze-thaw process to take effect. Another option is to place these seeds in the fridge for two weeks before planting. Directly sow these in well-draining soil by scattering them and lightly raking over the area. As soon as you can work the ground, this is the ideal planting time. 

French Marigold

	common name French Marigold
	botanical name Tagetes patula
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6”-12”
	hardiness zones 2-11

French marigolds are little mounds of sunshine. I just love the densely petaled, warm-colored blooms they produce. They are easy to grow, and once you have them in your garden, collecting seeds for the next season is a cinch. French marigolds transplant well, and they need some warmth during germination, so start them indoors in cooler climates. 

I’m in Zone 9, and I drop seeds all over the place for these pretty plants. They are tough and have a great germination rate. Deadhead your French marigolds religiously for an amazing bounty of blooms. They will bloom from late spring or early summer until the first frost. 

Bachelor’s Button

	common name Bachelor’s Button
	botanical name Centaurea cyanus
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1’-3’
	hardiness zones 2-11

Bachelor’s buttons, also known as cornflowers, are easy, fast-growing, and like you to directly sow them in the soil. You can plant them in the fall for early spring blooms. This is the thing to do in milder climates. In cooler climates, sow them about one or two weeks before the last expected frost date. 

This is not a good flower to transplant, so don’t bother starting them in trays; you will have better results if you put them right in the garden. The flowers are edible and make a pretty garnish. They also have nice stems and make great cut flowers. They tend to self-sow if you don’t deadhead them, which can be nice if you want to enjoy them again next year. 

Toadflax

	common name Toadflax
	botanical name Linaria maroccana
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1′-2′
	hardiness zones 2-11

Toadflax is a funny name for such a pretty plant. Also known as mini snapdragon, linaria closely resembles the snapdragon but is more delicate. The flowers come in a similarly wide range, from bright pink to fuchsia. Depending on the species, they can grow to be a slight one to two feet tall. 

For the earliest blooms, start these seeds indoors six to eight weeks ahead of the last frost date. They need light to germinate, so sow them in seed trays by lightly pressing them into moist soil. You can transplant them into a space with full exposure, but in warmer regions, give them some shade in the afternoon to keep them blooming longer. 

Russian Statice

	common name Russian Statice
	botanical name Psylliostachys suworowii
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 12”-18”
	hardiness zones 2-11

You’ve probably heard of or are familiar with statice. This awesome plant produces exceptionally long-lasting flowers that are great for drying. Russian statice is a bit different from the stuff you buy already cut in the store, in a good way! This statice has much more dramatic flower spikes in a warm pink shade. It still makes an excellent cut flower and dries beautifully.

Russian statice needs warm soil to germinate, so it’s best to start these seeds indoors. However, they don’t transplant that well, so use biodegradable pots that you can plant without removing the seedlings. In warmer climates, sow them right in the ground as soon as there is no chance of a late-season freeze, usually a month after your last frost date. They prefer full sun exposure. 

Love-in-a-Mist

	common name Love-in-a-Mist
	botanical name Nigella damascena
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1’-2’
	hardiness zones 2-11

Love-in-a-mist is a great plant for adding color and texture to your flower beds. The foliage is feathery and delicate, and the blooms are unique. In shades of blue, pink, lavender, and white, the flowers float above the fine stems and foliage. They are lovely for the cutting garden, and their unique seed pods dry wonderfully. 

These don’t transplant well, so sow them directly in the garden. You can plant two to four weeks ahead of your first frost date. Then, succession plant every two weeks to keep them blooming all summer and fall. Barely cover the seeds; they need light. Keep them moist initially; they will be drought-tolerant once they mature.

African Daisy

	common name African Daisy
	botanical name Osteospermum
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1’-3’
	hardiness zones 10-11

African daisies look similar to common daisies, and they are both members of the same family. The difference is the colors. African daisies are much more flamboyant and colorful.  Often a blend of bright colors, these add tons of personality to your flower beds. They are perennials in warm climates and can tolerate a quick frost but not more than one. 

You can sow these seeds in a pot up to ten weeks before the last frost date. You can also plant them directly in the garden, but wait for warmer weather. They need light to germinate, so barely cover the seeds with soil. Be patient; it can take up to three weeks for them to sprout. They prefer plenty of light and good drainage and are drought-tolerant once established. 

Impatiens

	common name Impatiens
	botanical name Impatiens walleriana
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 6”-24”
	hardiness zones 10-11

Impatiens are perfect for those semi-shaded areas of the garden. They prefer partial shade and can even thrive in nearly full shade. Their jewel-colored blooms stand out against low-growing, deep green foliage. Grow these in a grouping for a carpet of color. They have a long and prolific blooming season.

You can plant them outdoors once the soil warms up, about one week before your last frost date, but it’s best to start these indoors. Get them going up to two months ahead of time. They are not tolerant of cold weather. They need light to germinate, so don’t plant seeds deeply. 

Celosia

	common name Celosia
	botanical name Celosia spp.
	sun requirements Full sun
	height Up to 3’
	hardiness zones 10-11

Celosia grows excellently from seeds and is a gorgeous and colorful addition to the landscape. They come in a wide variety of flower forms, from the famous cockscomb to tall, thin spikes that look like flames. The blooms come in warm shades of yellow, pink, coral, red, and magenta. Related to amaranth, the leaves of this plant are edible. The seeds are as well, and birds will visit to feed on the seed heads.

These seeds have a better germination rate when started indoors in seed trays. I’ve planted them directly in the garden, and they grow, but inconsistently. Start these small seeds indoors up to two months ahead of your last expected frost. The flowers are great for cutting and drying. 

White Lace Flower

	common name White Lace Flower
	botanical name Orlaya grandiflora
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2′-3′
	hardiness zones 2-11

If you like Queen Anne’s lace, you will love the white lace flower. The shrubby plants produce attractive clusters of tiny, lacy white blooms and fine, fernlike foliage. These look great when mingling with other more colorful flowers or in a mass planting where they can shine all by themselves. They are perfect for a moon garden, where they will shine in the moonlight.

White lace flowers are flexible in terms of exposure. In warm climates, give them some afternoon shade. In mild climates, plant in the fall for early spring blooming. In cooler environments, plant seeds indoors four to six weeks ahead of the last freeze. Succession plant them every two weeks for continuous blooms through the summer and fall. 

Morning Glory

	common name Morning Glory
	botanical name Ipomoea spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 15’ or more
	hardiness zones 2-11

Morning glories are wonderful flowering vines that bloom in the morning, attracting early pollinators. They even have their own species of bees nicknamed after them, morning glory bees! As the day wears on, the heat causes flowers to close back up. Blooms come in blue, white, pink, magenta, red, and purple. These vines can grow up to 15 feet long and look stunning on an arbor. 

Morning glory roots are sensitive to disruption and don’t transplant well. It’s best to wait until the chance of a freeze has passed and directly sow them outdoors. Wait until the soil warms a bit, though, as this will make for more vigorous plants. 

Be cautious with Ipomoea purpurea. This plant has the potential to become invasive in some areas. Before planting, be sure to check your local laws and climate conditions. We recommend keeping it confined to a pot and trimming it of seed pods in the summer.

Hyacinth Bean

	common name Hyacinth Bean
	botanical name Lablab purpureus
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 10’-25’
	hardiness zones 10-11

Another wonderful flowering vine, hyacinth bean, is one you will only have to plant once. These plants readily self-seed, and volunteers show up reliably every year. If you don’t want them, just pull them up. They spread via seeds, which are quite large. Deadheading will limit the spread, and they make great, fragrant, cut flowers.

Hyacinth beans are very flexible about their environment. They don’t mind some shade, especially in hotter climates. They don’t transplant well, so directly sow seeds for the most vigorous vines. Make sure they have some support; the vines can get heavy. 

Phlox

	common name Phlox
	botanical name Phlox spp.
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 3″-5′
	hardiness zones 3-9

Phlox is perfect for the pollinator garden or the cutting garden. Taller varieties, especially, are nice for floral arrangements. The flowers come in a wide range of colors and have a light, spicy scent. They will bloom best in spring and fall, pausing in the heat of summer. Giving them some shade in the afternoon will help to prolong their flowering time. 

Directly sow these seeds in the garden about two to four weeks ahead of the last frost date. Their roots don’t handle disturbance well. These are fast to flower, blooming in as little as six weeks after planting. 

Moss Rose

	common name Moss Rose
	botanical name Portulaca grandiflora
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 3”-8”
	hardiness zones 2-11

Moss rose is perfect for hot, dry spots that need a sturdy, low-maintenance plant. They also flower wonderfully, and the entire plant is edible. Succulent leaves store water, and plants produce brightly colored flowers even in the heat of summer. These have a slight trailing habit, so they work well in hanging baskets or as a ground cover. 

You can sow these indoors or out. As long as the soil is warm, they are not picky. In cooler environments, starting them indoors a month or two before the weather warms will extend the blooming season. Seeds need light for germination, so lightly press them into the soil and don’t cover them completely. 

Painted Tongue

	common name Painted Tongue
	botanical name Salpiglossis sinuata
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 24”-30”
	hardiness zones 2-11

Painted tongue is a lesser-known flowering annual that lights up the flower bed and draws plenty of pollinators. The blooms are similar to petunias in appearance and come in similar colors. They have a long bloom time, from late spring into the fall months. In hot weather, they may take a break from flowering. 

Start your seeds indoors two months ahead of the last expected frost date. Lightly press them into the soil, but don’t cover them; let these seeds have some light. In warm climates, you can plant these in the fall for cool-season flowers. They prefer cool weather.