Planting flowers from seed is one of the most rewarding (and budget-friendly) ways to fill your garden with color. If you love the idea of tossing seeds into the soil and watching them flourish, you’re in for a treat!
I’ve rounded up 15 fantastic flower seeds that you can sow straight into your garden—no fussing with seed trays required. And because I know it’s hard to stop at just a few, I’ve included even more options to keep the blooms coming.
Get ready to turn your outdoor space into a flower-filled paradise without spending a fortune!
1. Cosmos
Nothing beats a garden filled with flowers that practically take care of themselves. Cosmos bring effortless charm with their daisy-like petals in pink, white, and purple, swaying gracefully in the breeze.
To keep them blooming for months, give them a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage even more colorful bursts throughout the season.
2. Sunflower
Few flowers can match the instant joy of a tall, golden bloom reaching for the sky. Sunflowers add a bold, cheerful presence to any space with their bright yellow petals and towering stems.
For strong, healthy growth, plant them in full sun and nutrient-rich soil. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots and sturdy stalks.
3. Zinnia
Bright, lively, and easy to grow, these blooms are a must-have for summer gardens. Zinnias come in vibrant shades of pink, orange, and red, making them perfect for adding a pop of color to any bed.
To keep them thriving, plant them in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Water at the base to avoid powdery mildew on their delicate petals.
4. Marigold
A garden classic that brings a burst of sunshine even on cloudy days. Marigolds are rich in warm tones of yellow, orange, and red, and they also help deter pests naturally.
They thrive best in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Regular deadheading keeps them blooming strong all season long.
5. Poppy
Delicate yet bold, these flowers have an effortless charm that makes any garden feel magical. Poppies bloom in brilliant shades of red, pink, and white, with paper-thin petals that flutter in the breeze.
Give them full sun and soil that drains well, as they dislike soggy conditions. A light watering routine will keep them happy without overwhelming their roots.
6. Sweet Pea
Few flowers offer both beauty and fragrance as effortlessly as this one. Sweet peas bloom in soft pastels and rich hues, filling the air with their signature scent.
To help them thrive, plant them in nutrient-rich soil with plenty of sunlight. Provide a trellis or support, as these climbers love to stretch toward the sky.
7. Snapdragon
If unique blooms are your thing, these are a must-have. Snapdragons feature tall spikes of vibrant colors and a fun, dragon-like shape when squeezed.
Keep them happy with rich, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Water regularly but avoid soaking the foliage to prevent mildew.
8. Bachelor’s Button
For a splash of cottage-garden charm, these little blooms do wonders. Bachelor’s buttons come in shades of blue, pink, and white, and their simple beauty stands out in any flower bed.
Plant them in full sun with well-draining soil to encourage steady growth. They’re drought-tolerant, so occasional watering is all they need.
9. Alyssum
This ground-hugging flower is perfect for filling in garden gaps with delicate blooms. Alyssum produces tiny white, pink, or purple flowers that release a sweet fragrance.
For the best results, plant them in full to partial sun with well-draining soil. Keep the soil slightly moist to maintain their lush, carpet-like growth.
10. Larkspur
A touch of elegance with towering blooms makes this flower a showstopper. Larkspur dazzles with its tall spires of blue, purple, or pink flowers, adding height and drama to any garden.
These beauties prefer full sun and well-drained soil with moderate watering. Sow seeds in early spring for a stunning summer display.
11. Nigella
With its feathery foliage and charming flowers, this bloom adds a whimsical touch. Nigella, also called Love-in-a-Mist, features star-shaped blossoms in shades of blue, pink, and white.
These flowers do best in full sun with light, well-drained soil. Once established, they require little care and self-seed effortlessly for future seasons.
12. Calendula
A bright, cheerful bloom that also has soothing herbal benefits. Calendula lights up garden beds with its golden-orange petals and is often used in skin-care remedies.
These flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil for continuous blooming. Deadhead regularly to extend the flowering season and enjoy fresh blossoms for months.
13. Black-eyed Susan
For a garden that shines with golden hues, this flower is a staple. Black-eyed Susans sport daisy-like petals with dark centers, bringing a lively charm to flower beds.
Plant them in full sun with well-drained soil for the best results. They’re drought-tolerant once established, making them an easy-care favorite.
14. Pansy
A cool-weather favorite that brings personality to flower beds and containers. Pansies come in a rainbow of colors with adorable, expressive petals that seem to smile back at you.
They thrive in rich, well-drained soil with partial to full sun. Regular watering keeps them blooming beautifully through spring and fall.
15. Morning Glory
A fast-growing vine that brings a touch of romance to fences and trellises. Morning glories bloom in shades of blue, purple, and pink, opening up with the morning sun.
Give them full sun and well-draining soil to encourage vigorous growth. Provide a sturdy support structure so they can climb freely and create a stunning vertical display.
16. Love-in-a-Mist
A flower as dreamy as its name suggests, this one is pure magic. Love-in-a-Mist produces delicate, airy blooms in shades of blue, white, and pink, surrounded by feathery foliage.
These flowers thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, needing little care once established. Let them self-seed for effortless, natural-looking future blooms.
17. Globe Amaranth
A unique, long-lasting flower that holds its beauty even when dried. Globe amaranth showcases ball-shaped blooms in rich pink, purple, and white hues.
Plant them in full sun with well-draining soil for continuous blooms. These flowers are heat-tolerant and require minimal watering, making them perfect for warm climates.
18. Hollyhock
Few flowers add as much charm and height to a garden as this one. Hollyhocks feature tall spikes covered in large, ruffled flowers in shades of pink, red, and yellow.
These beauties love full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water at the base to keep the foliage dry and prevent rust.
19. Salvia
A pollinator’s paradise, this flower is a magnet for bees and butterflies. Salvia boasts tall, spiky blooms in shades of purple, red, and blue that add vibrancy to any space.
These drought-tolerant flowers do best in full sun with well-draining soil. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage fresh flowers throughout the season.
20. Shasta Daisy
A timeless beauty that brings classic charm to any garden. Shasta daisies flaunt crisp white petals surrounding golden centers, creating a bright and cheerful look.
They thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Regular deadheading will keep them blooming from early summer through fall.
21. Nasturtium
A spicy touch to any garden, this plant brings both beauty and flavor. Nasturtiums have bright, bold blooms in shades of orange, yellow, and red, with leaves that resemble lily pads.
Plant them in full sun with well-drained soil to keep them thriving. These flowers enjoy dry soil and are low-maintenance once established.
22. Dusty Miller
For a silvery contrast, this plant brings elegance and texture to any garden. Dusty Miller features soft, silvery-gray foliage that pairs beautifully with vibrant blooms.
Plant them in full sun with well-drained soil for the best effect. They’re drought-tolerant, so occasional watering is enough to keep them happy.
23. Foxglove
These tall, bell-shaped blooms add a touch of drama to any garden. Foxgloves come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, and white, making them a striking feature in flower beds.
They prefer partially shaded areas with well-drained soil. Be sure to space them out properly for good air circulation to prevent disease.
24. Sweet William
Perfect for those who love fragrant flowers, these blooms add a sweet touch to gardens. Sweet William produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers in vibrant shades of pink, red, and white.
Plant them in a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. These flowers prefer consistent moisture, so keep the soil evenly damp.
25. Verbena
This low-maintenance flower is perfect for filling in empty spots and hanging baskets. Verbena features vibrant blooms in shades of red, purple, and white, attracting butterflies and bees.
Plant them in full sun with well-drained soil to keep them happy. Regular watering and deadheading will ensure they continue blooming all season long.
26. Bachelor’s Button
A charming wildflower that adds a touch of the countryside to your garden. Bachelor’s buttons are known for their blue, pink, and purple flowers that brighten up any bed.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil to grow strong. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant, making them easy to care for.
27. Clematis
For a show-stopping flower with a variety of colors, this vine is hard to beat. Clematis comes in various shades, including purple, pink, and white, making it a versatile addition to any garden.
They grow best in well-drained soil and enjoy a sunny spot with some afternoon shade. Keep the roots cool by adding mulch, as they can be sensitive to heat.
28. Delphinium
Bold and beautiful, these flowers stand tall and proud in any garden. Delphiniums boast towering spires of blue, purple, and white blooms, making them a dramatic focal point.
They prefer cool, moist soil and partial to full sun. Water at the base and stake them for extra support as they grow.
29. Petunia
A vibrant, low-maintenance flower that brightens up any garden. Petunias come in a wide array of colors, from pastel to neon, and add life to flower beds and containers.
They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil and need regular watering to stay hydrated. Deadhead them often to keep them blooming non-stop throughout the season.