Cut Flower Garden for Beginners
Having fresh-cut flowers in your home is a wonderful way to add beauty and fragrance to your living space. But who says you have to rely on the florist? With some planning and effort, you can easily grow your cut flower garden. In this blog post, we’ll share some of the best seeds for beginners who want to grow beautiful flowers for cutting, along with tips for planting and caring for your cut flower garden.
Here are some of the best seeds for beginners who want to grow flowers for a cut flower garden:
Zinnias: These cheerful flowers are easy to grow from seed and come in a wide variety of colours and heights. They bloom throughout the summer and have long, strong stems that are perfect for cutting.
Marigolds: Marigolds are another low-maintenance option that is great for beginners. They are resistant to pests and diseases and bloom continuously throughout the summer. Marigolds come in shades of yellow, orange, and gold.
Cosmos: Cosmos are delicate-looking flowers with daisy-like blooms. They are easy to grow from seed and come in a variety of colours, including pink, white, and purple. Cosmos have long, slender stems that are perfect for cutting.
Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a classic choice for cut flower gardens. They are easy to grow from seed and produce large, showy flowers. Sunflowers come in a variety of sizes, from dwarf varieties that grow just a few feet tall to giant varieties that can reach up to 15 feet tall.
Sweet peas: Sweet peas are a lovely addition to any cut flower garden. They have a delicate fragrance and come in a variety of colours, including pink, purple, and white. Sweet peas are a cool-season flower, so they should be planted in early spring.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Many other great options are available, so be sure to research and choose flowers you love.
| Flower | Days to Germination | Light Requirements | Spacing | Planting Tips |
| Zinnia | 5-10 days | Full sun | 12-18 inches | Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding. |
| Marigold | 7-14 days | Full sun | 8-12 inches | Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. |
| Cosmos | 7-10 days | Full sun | 12-18 inches | Pinch off flower buds once plants reach 6 inches tall to encourage bushier growth. |
| Sunflowers (dwarf varieties) | 7-14 days | Full sun | 18-24 inches | Provide support for tall varieties using stakes or cages. |
| Sweet Pea | 10-14 days | Cool season | 6-8 inches | Plant seeds directly outdoors in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. |
| Lavender | 10-14 days | Full sun | 12-18 inches | Prefers well-drained soil. |
| Amaranth | 7-14 days | Full sun | 12-18 inches | Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. |
| Rudbeckia | 14-21 days | Full sun to part shade | 18-24 inches | Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. |
| Snapdragons | 10-14 days | Full sun | 8-12 inches | Pinch off flower buds once plants reach 6 inches tall to encourage bushier growth. |
| Asters | 7-14 days | Full sun to part shade | 12-18 inches | Pinch off flower buds once plants reach 6 inches tall to encourage bushier growth. |
Here are some additional tips for growing a cut flower garden:
- Choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Amend your soil with compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility.
- Start your seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost date in your area.
- Transplant your seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
- Water your plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Deadhead your flowers regularly to encourage them to produce more blooms.
