Flowering Plants to Grow this Summer
- 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 |
- 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 |
- 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 |
- 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 |
- 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 |
