Top 5 Flower Seeds to Sow in July for Stunning Late-Summer Color
Summer gardens are a sight to behold, filled with vibrant colors and delightful fragrances from various flowering annuals and perennials. Typically, to enjoy summer-long blooms, annual flowers should be started early in the growing season, often just after the last frost in spring.
However, if you missed the early planting window, don’t worry. July is still a great time to sow seeds for specific flower varieties, ensuring your garden remains colorful well into the late season. While USDA zones influence planting times—since tender annuals may perish with early fall frosts—in many regions, late-season planting is feasible.
Here are five stunning flower seeds you can plant in July for late-summer and fall color:
1. Zinnias
Zinnias are perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden late in the season. They can be sown until the end of July in most climates and take about 8 weeks to flower, providing blooms until the first frost. For best results, sow seeds directly in a sunny flower bed as zinnias dislike root disturbance. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and thin seedlings according to the seed packet instructions. Regularly pinch back the plants and deadhead spent flowers to promote bushier growth and continuous blooms.
2. Calendula
Calendula is a quick-growing flower, taking just 6-8 weeks from seed to bloom. These hardy flowers can withstand some cold, making them ideal for a late-season garden. The edible flowers add a spicy, saffron-like flavor to dishes and act as a natural pest deterrent in vegetable gardens. Sow seeds in poor to average, well-draining soil, and water occasionally once established. Pinch out stalks to prevent legginess and deadhead regularly for continuous blooms.
3. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum offers delicate, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators. These fast-growing plants can bloom in as little as four weeks from seed. They need plenty of sunlight but prefer some afternoon shade to avoid the high summer heat. Sweet alyssum grows well in various soil types and requires regular watering. Their lacy flowers add a romantic touch to any garden.
4. Nasturtium
Nasturtium flowers are versatile and easy to grow, blooming in just 4-6 weeks from seed. They come in climbing, trailing, or bushy varieties and are fully edible, adding a peppery flavor to dishes. Nasturtiums also make excellent companion plants for vegetable gardens. Sow seeds in their final position in beds or containers with enough depth for root growth. These low-maintenance plants thrive in poor soil, as overly fertile soil can result in more foliage and fewer flowers.
5. Black-Eyed Susan
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) is a hardy plant with sunny, daisy-like blooms that add color from late summer into fall. They take 2-3 months to grow from seed but can still be planted in July. Black-eyed Susans are drought-resistant, heat-tolerant, and self-seeding. They thrive in various soil types, preferring neutral pH and a location with full sun to light shade. These plants are low maintenance but benefit from deadheading to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.
Planting these flowers in July ensures that your garden will continue to be a vibrant, colorful haven well into the fall. By choosing these late-blooming varieties, you can extend the beauty and enjoyment of your outdoor space.