Best Annual Flowers To Start In Spring: Sow 8 Brilliant Bloomers Now for Your Best Garden

Though well-established beds and borders can be a dependable source of spring color, annual flowers will also play a major role in overall garden design. Experienced growers praise annuals for their extended bloom, adaptability, and longevity. Plants like these will be especially useful for those gardening on a tight budget, allowing the greatest value for cost.

Though some species can be more difficult to grow than others, a large number of flower types will be suited to beginner or novice gardeners. Below, we'll explore some of the best annual flowers to start in spring, resulting in early-season blooms that are sure to please.

Choosing Annual Flowers to Start in Spring

Determining the best annual flowers to plant in spring will require careful planning. Growers will first need to consider their zone and the hardiness of each species to be planted. Many spring favorites will flourish when conditions are cool, so planting accordingly will be essential. In most instances, this will mean planting as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. Those living in warmer climates may also find success by sowing in fall. Other details, such as what each species needs in terms of light, soil, and moisture should also be considered.

1. Alyssum

Sweet alyssum are among the best annuals to plant in spring for early blooms. Gardeners can expect new plantings to establish quickly, even when conditions are cool. Flowers are borne atop wiry stems, forming dense clusters. Especially fragrant varieties will serve as an invaluable source of food, luring beneficial insects and pollinators when little else is in bloom. The 'Snow Crystals' cultivar that is found in the Gardening Know How Shop is a particularly robust variety that can withstand heat and even thrives in coastal environs. While the plant may behave as a perennial throughout frost-free regions, those grown beyond the species’ hardiness range should be seeded seasonally, or be allowed to volunteer within beds as a means to ensure their return.

2. Bachelor's Buttons

Bachelor's buttons are well known for their tolerance to cold, withstanding winter conditions with only little damage. This makes them an ideal choice for growth in early spring. Experts suggest sowing the seed directly into prepared beds, as soon as the soil can be worked. This will help to prepare plants for an early bloom in spring, with flowers persisting through summer. For an even earlier floral display, fall planting may be yet another viable option. First-time growers can expect bachelor's buttons to drop seed freely, returning seasonally when allowed to do so.

3. Calendula

Calendula will perform best in early spring, when temperatures are cool. Short-statured plants are especially suited to growth in borders, as well as pots or containers. The plant's beauty is furthered only by its edible petals and use in companion planting. Vibrant orange-yellow blooms can also be cut for use in arrangements, salves, and other projects. Ornamental varieties of calendula available to home growers include ‘Pink Surprise', ‘Sunset Beauty', and ‘Pacific Beauty'.

4. Celosia

Celosias are prized for their color and diversity. Planting annuals in spring, more specifically those that are tender, will require some planning. Seeds can be started indoors, or directly sown into prepared beds as soon as all chances of frost have passed. Celosia plants will make for an exceptionally attractive addition to mixed borders, providing height, color, and texture. Dwarf varieties will also be at-home when planted into containers, tolerating both heat and drought. Like other easy-to-grow plants, most cultivars will drop seed and volunteer readily.

5. Cosmos

Swaying gently in the summer breeze, the beauty of cosmos flowers is unmatched. Delicate, daisy-like blooms sit high, held atop wiry stems. Heirloom and open-pollinated varieties are most common, serving as a welcomed addition to ornamental beds and cutting gardens. Though plants will be able to tolerate cool conditions, cosmos are considered tender. This means that all chances of frost will need to pass before seed can be sown outdoors. Popular varieties of cosmos include ‘Apricotta', ‘Apricot Lemonade', and ‘Bright Lights'.

6. Larkspur

Larkspur remains among the most stately annual flowers to plant in early spring. Tall spires tower above the garden, each stem adorned with an abundance of individual blooms. Growers can expect plants to serve as a haven to pollinators, acting as a vital source of nectar in early spring. Especially attractive varieties will also make for a good cut flower, lasting well in vases and bouquets. As larkspur will demonstrate an impressive tolerance to cold, experienced gardeners often suggest sowing its seed as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Plants allowed to mature will volunteer with ease, returning in large numbers throughout prepared beds.

7. Pansies

Beloved for their hardiness, pansies are among the best plants for those hoping for spring flowers. Early-season transplants burst quickly into bloom, performing well while conditions are still cool. Compact plants make for a dependable addition to pots and containers, helping to beautify porches and gathering spaces. Though some varieties will bloom through summer, excess heat may lead to a reduction in flowers. Most will regain vigor in fall, as soon as the weather has started to cool. Popular varieties of pansies for growth in the home garden include members of the ‘Antique’ and ‘Nature' series of plants.

8. Sweet Peas

Sweet peas are treasured for their deep, heady fragrance. Meandering vines fill the garden with scent, attracting guests and visiting pollinators. Delicate flowers range in color, with various shades of pastel being among the most popular. In addition to height and visual interest, sweet peas flowers are suited to use in cutting gardens, where they are harvested and displayed in vases. Seeds should be sown as soon as the soil can be worked in spring, allowing an ample period of establishment while conditions are cool.

More Annual Garden Inspiration

• Have a sunny flower bed that could use a beautiful pop of color and texture? Try growing zinnia flowers for easy blooms.
• Have a shady spot in your garden that you'd love to fill with flowers? Check out these 10 shade-loving annuals.
• Attract butterflies to your garden with fun and frilly 'Double Cascade' Petunia seeds found in the Gardening Know How Shop.
• Looking for more annual flower garden inspiration? Sign up for the free Gardening Know How Newsletter for ideas and plants delivered right to your inbox.

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