Best Low-Maintenance Flowers For Beginners

(Image credit: nancykennedy)

While many people begin their gardening journey by growing their own food, first time gardeners often want to grow their own flowers.

In addition to their beauty, ornamental flowers can brighten the landscape, or can even be used in do-it-yourself flower arrangements. Though some types of flowers require a little more experience, several species are considered to be very easy to grow. These easy-to-grow flowers are ideal for novice growers and are impressive in the garden. Listed below is a collection of our favorite easy flowers to grow. 

Easy Growing Flowers For Beginners

  1. Aster - Both annual and perennial asters are easy flowers to grow. Annual asters can be started from seed indoors or directly sowed into the garden after all chances of frost have passed in the spring. Perennial asters may be more difficult to start from seed, but will reward you with dependable blooms season after season. In addition to being highly ornamental, these plants are also quite attractive to pollinators. 
  2. Coreopsis - Many flowers that are easy to grow are considered native. Also known as tickseed, perennial and annual varieties of coreopsis produce a profusion of yellow daisy-like flowers. Coreopsis is known for its ability to withstand heat, drought, and low soil fertility. 
  3. Cosmos - A low-maintenance annual, garden varieties of cosmos produce flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and orange. Though there are dwarf types available, most cultivars grow exceptionally tall. Wiry stems with sparse fern-like foliage add visual appeal to flower beds throughout the summer growing season. 
  4. Daffodils - Often overlooked, bulbs are among the best low-maintenance flowers for beginner gardeners. Once they're planted, many bulbs will multiply each season. Some varieties of daffodil may even begin to naturalize throughout the landscape. It is not uncommon for daffodils to thrive without any attention from gardeners. 
  5. Marigold - Most frequently found as a dwarf bedding plant, marigolds are also exceptionally easy flowers to grow for beginners. Seeds can be sown directly into worked garden beds after frost has passed in the spring. Once they have established, you can expect marigolds to flower all season long. 

More Flowers That Are Easy To Grow

  1. Peony - Peonies are often a good choice if you are looking to make a permanent investment in the landscape. In fact, some varieties are known to live for over 100 years. Peonies produce immense flower blooms in shades of white, red, pink, and coral. 
  2. Petunia - Yet another common bedding plant, petunias are known for their usefulness in containers and hanging baskets. Once they’re transplanted, petunias will continue to bloom throughout even the hottest portions of summer. 
  3. Sunflower - Sunflowers are classic, easy-to-grow flowers. Large seeds can be planted directly into the soil once the garden has warmed. Though these seeds are quick to germinate, it should be noted that the small seedlings may need protection from birds and other garden pests.
  4. Yarrow - Known for its large flower heads, yarrow is among the easiest of perennial ornamentals to grow from seed. Yarrow thrives under less-than-ideal soil conditions and can withstand prolonged periods of drought. 
  5. Zinnia - Zinnias are often described as the perfect flowers for beginner gardeners. Seeds can be directly sown into flower beds after frost. You'll be rewarded with a rainbow of color throughout the entire summer season. 
Tonya Barnett
Writer

Tonya Barnett has been gardening for 13 years. Flowers are her passion. She has transformed her backyard into a cut flower garden, which she regularly chronicles on her YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/@tonyawiththeflowers.