3 of the Easiest Flowers to Grow From Seed

January 16, 2022

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Zinnias

One of our favourite flowers in summer and autumn, zinnias don’t need any special treatment. In fact, on our Queensland-based flower farm (USDA zone 10-11, subtropical climate) they will self-seed and just start growing when the temperature is warm enough.

Growing tips:

While you can sow the seed direct, we recommend growing in seed trays and then transplanting the seedlings into the bed. We recommend using a good seedling mix and preparing the bed with compost prior to transplanting for best outcomes. Pinch out the growing tips to help the plant branch out which will result in more harvestable stems. We recommend watering via drip tape as zinnias have a tendency to suffer from powdering mildew if overhead watering is used.

Cosmos

A customer favourite for its whimsical nature, cosmos is also one of the easiest cut flowers to grow from seed in late spring and summer.

Growing tips:

We recommend starting cosmos seeds in seed trays and then transplanting them when seedlings are big enough – usually at the four week mark. As with zinnias, using a good seedling mix and preparing the bed with compost prior to transplanting usually leads to better results. For more blooms, make sure to pinch out the growing tips.

Sunflowers

A summer cut flower garden isn’t complete without sunflowers. These tall, showy blooms are in their prime in the heat of summer and the pollinators just can’t get enough of them.

Growing tips:

We recommend direct sowing sunflower seeds into a bed that has been prepared with compost. Sunflowers perform best in full sun so plant in a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight.

One last thing

Our flower farm is located in Gympie, Queensland and we can grow these successfully because these heat-loving blooms are ideal plants for our subtropical growing conditions. If you’re having problems getting these flowers to grow, consider the following factors before trying again:

Is the seed starting mix good quality? If not, make sure you invest in one that is high quality. Head to your local nursery and ask a consultant for to point you towards trust brands.
Is the soil fertile? If not, make sure to prepare the garden beds with compost and other amendments prior to planting seeds or transplanting seedlings.
Is the plant getting enough water?
Is the plant getting enough sunlight?
Did you purchase the seeds from a reputable company? Make sure to purchase seeds from trusted sources and ensure that they are still viable by checking their used by date. Always store seeds away from direct sunlight in a cool, dark room and protect them from rodents and high humidity.