Most gardening experts agree that the marigold is the champion of fast-growing flowers. The seeds germinate in 5 to 10 days, and the plant begins to bloom after 6 to 8 weeks. The marigold is therefore the perfect flower to sow with children or for gardeners who are in a hurry or impatient!
It's also the ideal companion plant for many vegetable gardens. By growing them in or near the vegetable garden, marigolds attract pollinators and beneficial insects for an optimal harvest and easier cultivation.
8 flowers that grow fast from seed
Want to add a burst of colour to your garden this summer? Here are some flowers to sow for dazzling flower beds at little cost. They germinate quickly and bloom in 60 days or less, for the most part. Even better, they require little care once established.
1. Sweet alyssum
An excellent ground cover whose trailing habit also works wonders in hanging baskets and planters.
2. Nasturtium
Also appreciated in the vegetable garden, it repels pests and attracts beneficial insects… and it's edible. The flowers bloom 70 to 80 days after sowing.
3. Cosmos
This classic of romantic gardens blooms 60 to 90 days after sowing.
4. California poppy
California poppies are truly exceptional, blooming only 60 days after sowing. Unlike the Oriental poppy, the California poppy is grown as an annual in northern regions.
5. Pansy
Sow it indoors for early-season blooms. Appreciated in pots, flower beds or rock gardens, it self-seeds spontaneously and returns every year!
6. Phlox drummondii
It blooms in 50 to 70 days. It can be sown directly in the garden, but starting it indoors allows you to enjoy it sooner!
7. Pot marigold (calendula)
Calendula blooms 6 to 8 weeks after sowing and is highly valued in flower beds, vegetable gardens or flower pots.
8. Zinnia
Its exceptional flowering occurs just 6 to 8 weeks after sowing, and it blooms all summer long with minimal care.
Don't forget to download your annual flower planting calendar to enjoy optimal flowering all season long.
Do sunflowers grow quickly?
Their height and stem circumference alone explain why sunflowers bloom late in the season. However, they are so spectacular that this minor drawback is easily forgotten. Note, though, that some very prolific varieties germinate in less than two weeks and bloom in less than 60 days.
Here are some beautiful varieties to try:
- ProCut Red
- Ruby Eclipse
- Choco Sun
- Claret
Remember that sunflowers are heliotropic plants, meaning their flowers follow the sun's path. However, it's the buds that tend to change their orientation the most, while mature flowers generally face east to catch the rising sun.
Before planting your sunflowers, make sure that the location you choose allows you to enjoy the show for a good part of the day.
