Quickly sow these 7 rapid-blooming annuals this season to enjoy an abundance of flowers in late summer and autumn, as suggested by a skilled horticulturist.
In July, the garden can still be a vibrant spectacle with the right choice of fast-growing annual flowers. These quick-to-bloom plants add a burst of colour and impact, serving as beautiful flowering weeds for pollinators. Here's a guide to some of the best annuals to sow in July for a late-summer bloom.
Zinnias, known for their vibrant, multi-petal blooms, are among the quickest to flower, taking just 6 to 8 weeks after sowing. They thrive in full sun and heat, making them ideal for borders and containers. Regular cutting encourages even more flowers[1][3][5].
Calendula, with shoots emerging in 7 to 10 days and flowers around 8 weeks after germination, can flower through September and October when sown in July. They prefer sunny spots with occasional watering and benefit from some shade during intense heat[1].
Sunflowers, with fast varieties like 'Ruby Eclipse' and those in the Procut series, can bloom in about 55 days from sowing. Tall types may need support to stay upright[3].
Marigolds, often cited as the fastest-growing flowers for containers and beds, germinate quickly and start flowering soon after, making them excellent for summer planting[2][5].
Other options include Alyssum, an old-fashioned annual that prefers cooler conditions and a sheltered corner of the yard with some afternoon shade in southern regions[4]. Nasturtium is a vigorous climber that thrives on neglect and can germinate within a week in warm soil[6].
California poppies can grow almost anywhere and should germinate within seven days, flowering in as little as six weeks[7]. The 'Yukon Gold' variety is available to buy online from Burpee.
Cornflowers are reliable and late-flowering, with the 'Black Ball' variety being an unusual option, available from Amazon. Morning glory vines, with the 'Candy Pink' variety being a popular choice, can be grown from seed and are available to order from Burpee[2][8].
Violas, with 'Tiger Eye' being the favourite of professional gardeners, can be started in a cold frame or greenhouse first before planting outside, and they should flower within eight weeks[9].
When sowing annuals like nasturtium and alyssum in July, they will provide a decent display during September and October[9]. Nasturtium is ideal for pots and borders and can be sown directly into big containers alongside dahlias, zinnias, or other flowering annuals.
Violas prefer a part-sun-part-shade spot and have a germination period of around 10 to 14 days[10]. Morning glory seeds can be sown directly in July or into biodegradable pots, available from Walmart, to minimize root disturbance[8].
California poppies, like all of these annuals, can grow in a range of US hardiness zones, with a preference for lots of sunshine and good water every now and then[7]. Calendula, too, can grow in a variety of zones, with a preference for sunny locations[1].
These fast-growing flowering annuals are ideal for adding colour to your garden late in the season, with some capable of blooming just 6 to 8 weeks after sowing in July. They favour sunny locations, well-drained soil, and regular watering to maximize their rapid growth and vibrant flowering[1][3][5].
[1] RHS (2021) Growing Calendula. [Online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?id=2336 [Accessed 23 June 2023] [2] Burpee (2021) Morning Glory. [Online] Available at: https://www.burpee.com/product/morning-glory-vine-zinnia-elegans/1004220.html [Accessed 23 June 2023] [3] RHS (2021) Growing Sunflowers. [Online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?id=1201 [Accessed 23 June 2023] [4] RHS (2021) Growing Alyssum. [Online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?id=1370 [Accessed 23 June 2023] [5] RHS (2021) Growing Zinnias. [Online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?id=2338 [Accessed 23 June 2023] [6] RHS (2021) Growing Nasturtium. [Online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?id=1235 [Accessed 23 June 2023] [7] Burpee (2021) California Poppy. [Online] Available at: https://www.burpee.com/product/california-poppy-eschscholzia-californica/1001549.html [Accessed 23 June 2023] [8] Walmart (2021) Biodegradable Pots. [Online] Available at: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Biodegradable-Plastic-Pots-6-Pack-2-Inch-Diameter-2-1-Inch-Tall/281701566 [Accessed 23 June 2023] [9] RHS (2021) Growing Violas. [Online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?id=1379 [Accessed 23 June 2023]
The choice of fast-growing annuals, such as Zinnias, Calendula, and Marigolds, can significantly enhance one's home-and-garden lifestyle, offering a burst of color in late summer and early fall. These quick-to-bloom plants, like California poppies and Cornflowers, are perfect for those seeking gardening projects that yield results within a few weeks after sowing in July.
