Flowering Plants to Grow this Summer

  1. Cosmos

Meet Cosmos, those delightful flowers reminiscent of daisies, boasting a riot of colors on their slender stems. They are like summer's painters, spreading their vibrant hues throughout the warmer months. Not only are they a treat for the eyes, but they are also a magnet for helpful insects, making them perfect companions for your veggie patch. The best part? They are a cinch to grow and don't demand much of your time. These tough cookies can handle the heat of summer and even make do with less food from the soil.


Cosmos care


Aspect

Details

Soil Type

Well-drained, fertile soil preferred; can tolerate moderately fertile soil with good drainage

Climatic Requirements

Full sun exposure for 7-8 hours daily

Sowing Method

Direct sowing outdoors

Sowing Time

March to July

Germination Time

5-10 days

Maturation Time

50-60 days

Special Care

Support taller varieties with stakes to prevent bending

Watering

Regular until establishment; maintain even moisture afterwards

Fertilising

Apply organic fertiliser once during flowering; avoid excessive fertilisation





  1. 2.Marigold

Marigolds are beloved for their vibrant hues and layered petals, ranging from sunny yellows to fiery reds and maroons. Some hybrids even boast two-toned blooms. These resilient flowers thrive in hot summers and drought conditions, making them an excellent choice for summer gardens. Plant marigolds alongside vegetables to attract pollinators and repel pests with their pungent aroma, aiding in natural pest control.

Marigolds care

Aspect

Details

Soil Type

Well-drained, moderately fertile soil is preferred

Climatic Requirements

Require at least 7-8 hours of full sun daily

Sowing Method

Direct sowing outdoors

Sowing Time

February-March, June-July, and September-October

Germination Time

5-7 days

Maturation Time

55-60 days

Watering

Regular watering until establishment, then allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering

Fertilising

Use organic fertiliser at planting or flowering; avoid nitrogen-rich fertilisers during growth stage to promote flower production over foliage growth


  1. Portulaca

Portulacas, also known as moss roses and table roses, are stunning ground cover plants renowned for their resilience in high heat and low humidity. These versatile summer blooms can be used as ground covers, bedding plants, or ornamentals in hanging baskets, showcasing rose-like flowers in captivating clusters. Their succulent, thick leaves add to their allure.

Portulaca care

Aspect

Details

Soil Type

Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; avoid clay soil

Climatic Requirements

Full sunlight for 6-8 hours daily; prefers warm, low-humidity climate

Sowing Method

Direct sowing outdoors

Sowing Time

March-April and May-July

Germination Time

9-10 days

Maturation Time

60-70 days

Watering

Tolerant of dry soil but maintain even moisture during germination, growth, and flowering stages

Fertilising

Apply organic fertiliser at seeding to promote seedling growth; fertilise during growing and flowering stages

 

  1. Zinnia

Zinnias are the quintessential summer flowers, offering a rapid burst of color to your garden with their quick growth and flowering. These charming blossoms come in various types, from single to multi-petaled, and boast an array of enduring hues. Known for their simplicity in cultivation, zinnias are particularly well-suited for novice gardeners.

Zinnia care

Aspect

Details

Soil type

Plant zinnias in well-drained, organically rich soil to prevent root rot

Climatic requirements

Warm weather and full sunlight for 7-8 hours daily promote large, beautiful blooms

Sowing

Directly sow seeds outdoors at a depth of ¼ to ½ inches, spaced 6-8 inches apart, or transplant seedlings if started indoors

Method of growing

Direct sowing (outdoors) or transplanting (if started indoors)

Sowing time

Mid-February to mid-April

Germination time

7-10 days

Maturation time

60-70 days

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist, avoiding waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot; water regularly until seedlings establish, maintaining consistent moisture during growth stages

Fertilising

Apply organic fertilisers at flowering stage or 45-50 days after sowing seeds

 

  1. Gaillardia

Gaillardias, commonly referred to as blanket flowers due to their sprawling growth habit, are members of the Asteraceae family, akin to sunflowers. These daisy-like blossoms boast rich colours and are emblematic of warm weather conditions. Varieties of these summer blooms exhibit a spectrum of hues, including yellow, orange, and white.

Gaillardia care

Aspect

Details

Soil type

Gaillardias thrive in moderately fertile, well-drained soil; avoid heavy clay

Climatic requirements

Prefers full sun for optimal blooming; can tolerate partial shade but with reduced flower production

Sowing

Directly sow small seeds into soil at a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch, spacing plants 10-12 inches apart

Method of growing

Direct sowing outdoors

Sowing time

March-April

Germination time

10-12 days

Maturation time

45-60 days

Watering

Water soil thoroughly after planting; maintain consistently moist soil after establishment

Fertilising

Incorporate organic compost at seeding; no additional fertilisation necessary during growth