Who doesn't love a bright, colorful plant blooming in the summer sun?
(Photos left to right are in order of flowers listed).
Zinnias - a top choice for late-season planting due to their rapid growth and abundant blooms. They thrive in warm weather and come in a wide range of colors and sizes. Plant zinnia seeds directly in well-drained soil, and you can expect blooms in as little as 6-8 weeks.
Marigolds - another excellent option for late June planting. These hardy, heat-loving plants produce bright yellow, orange, and red flowers. They grow quickly and start blooming about 8 weeks after planting. Marigolds also have the added benefit of deterring pests in the garden.
Cosmos - a traditional 'cottage garden' flower. Easy-to-grow, drought-tolerant flowers that can bloom as quickly as 7-10 weeks after planting. They produce delicate, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple. Cosmos thrive in full sun and poor to average soil conditions.
Sunflowers - Certain varieties of sunflowers, particularly dwarf or early-blooming types, can be planted in late June and still produce flowers. Varieties like 'Sunspot' and 'Elf' grow quickly and start to bloom within 60-70 days. Sunflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Nasturtiums - fast-growing annuals that bloom in as little as 8 weeks. They produce vibrant flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow and are edible, adding a peppery flavor to salads. Nasturtiums prefer poorer soils and require little maintenance.
Calendula - another fast-growing flower that can bloom within 8-10 weeks of planting. These bright yellow and orange flowers thrive in cooler weather but can still perform well when planted in late June, especially if provided with regular watering. Have numerous medicinal properties.
Bachelor's buttons (cornflowers) - hardy annuals that can bloom within 8-10 weeks of planting. They produce charming blue, pink, and white flowers and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. These flowers are also excellent for attracting pollinators and based on recent experience, the grasshoppers don't eat them.
Cleome - a tall, striking annual that can start blooming about 8-10 weeks after planting. It produces clusters of spider-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple. Cleome is heat-tolerant and does well in full sun with well-drained soil.
Geranium - not grown from seed (purchase from a garden center) but a definite quick way to add gorgeous, long-lasting color to your garden beds, window boxes, and pots. A traditional favorite and easy to grow.
When planting seeds in late June, ensure they receive adequate water, especially during hot, dry periods. Adding a layer of mulch can help retain moisture and keep the soil cool. With the right care, these fast-growing flowers will brighten your garden through the late summer and into the fall.