Gardening is a rewarding hobby that offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. People who garden every day have well-being scores 6.6% higher and stress levels 4.2% lower than those who don’t garden at all.1
For beginners, starting a garden may seem daunting, but with the right plants, it can be an enjoyable and manageable experience.
Easy-to-grow flowers are the perfect way to build confidence and develop your green thumb. These low-maintenance plants not only add beauty to your outdoor space but also provide opportunities for exercise, stress relief, and connection with nature.
Here are 18 flowers that are ideal for novice gardeners, helping you create a vibrant and thriving garden with minimal effort.
1. Zinnias
Zinnias are the darlings of the cut flower world, beloved for their bright colors and long-lasting blooms. These cheerful annuals come in a rainbow of hues and various sizes, from dwarf varieties to towering beauties.
Zinnias are heat-tolerant and bloom prolifically from summer until the first frost.
Planting Tips:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost
- Space seeds 6-12 inches apart in well-draining soil
- Water regularly, but avoid overhead watering to prevent powdery mildew
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers
- Provide full sun for the best performance
2. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are the gentle giants of the flower world, with their cheerful faces turning to follow the sun. These iconic blooms range from dwarf varieties to mammoth plants reaching over 10 feet tall.
Sunflowers are perfect for beginners due to their rapid growth and minimal care requirements.
Planting Tips:
- Plant seeds directly in the garden after the last frost
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil
- Space seeds 6 inches apart for smaller varieties, up to 24 inches for larger types
- Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth
- Support tall varieties with stakes if necessary
3. Marigolds
Marigolds are the workhorses of the garden, offering vibrant orange and yellow blooms that last all season. These compact annuals are not only easy to grow but also help repel pests in vegetable gardens.
Their cheery flowers brighten up any space from spring through fall.
Planting Tips:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden or start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost
- Plant in full sun for best flowering
- Space plants 8-10 inches apart in well-draining soil
- Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting foliage
- Pinch off spent blooms to encourage more flowers
4. Cosmos
Cosmos are delicate-looking flowers that pack a punch in terms of ease and beauty. These airy annuals produce daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, white, and red.
Cosmos are drought-tolerant and attract butterflies, making them a favorite for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Planting Tips:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost
- Choose a sunny location with average soil
- Space seeds 12-18 inches apart
- Water sparingly; cosmos prefer slightly dry conditions
- No need to fertilize; too much nutrition can reduce blooming
5. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are versatile flowers that offer both beauty and function in the garden. These easy-to-grow annuals produce edible flowers and leaves with a peppery flavor.
Available in trailing or bushy varieties, nasturtiums add a pop of color to beds, containers, and even salads.
Planting Tips:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Space seeds 10-12 inches apart in well-draining soil
- Water moderately; nasturtiums tolerate some drought
- Avoid fertilizing, as rich soil produces fewer flowers
6. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum is a low-growing annual that creates a carpet of tiny, fragrant flowers. This delicate-looking plant is surprisingly tough and blooms from spring through fall.
Its honey-scented blossoms attract beneficial insects and look charming spilling over the edges of containers or garden borders.
Planting Tips:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden or start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Space plants 4-6 inches apart
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Trim back if plants become leggy to encourage new growth
7. Petunias
Petunias are classic garden flowers that offer non-stop color throughout the growing season. These versatile annuals come in a wide range of colors and patterns, from solid hues to striped and speckled varieties.
Petunias thrive in containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds.
Planting Tips:
- Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost or purchase seedlings
- Plant in full sun for the best flowering
- Space plants 12 inches apart in well-draining soil
- Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Fertilize every 2-3 weeks for continuous blooming
8. Impatiens
Impatiens are the go-to flowers for shady spots, offering bright blooms in areas where other plants struggle. These compact annuals come in a variety of colors and bloom continuously from spring until frost.
Impatiens are perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and shaded garden beds.
Planting Tips:
- Plant seedlings after the last frost
- Choose a location with partial to full shade
- Space plants 8-12 inches apart in rich, well-draining soil
- Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist
- Fertilize every 2-3 weeks for best performance
9. Pansies
Pansies are charming flowers with “faces” that seem to smile at you. These cool-season annuals offer cheerful blooms in early spring and fall when other flowers are scarce.
Pansies come in a wide range of colors and patterns, making them perfect for adding instant color to gardens and containers.
Planting Tips:
- Plant seedlings in early spring or fall
- Choose a location with full sun to partial shade
- Space plants 6-8 inches apart in well-draining soil
- Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers
10. Morning Glories
Morning glories are fast-growing annual vines that produce trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. These vigorous climbers are perfect for covering fences, trellises, or arbors.
Morning glories bloom from summer until frost, with flowers opening in the morning and closing by afternoon.
Planting Tips:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil
- Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination
- Provide a support structure for vines to climb
- Water regularly during the growing season
11. Black-Eyed Susans
Black-eyed susans are cheerful, daisy-like flowers that brighten up any garden. These hardy perennials bloom from midsummer to fall, offering golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark center.
Black-eyed susans are drought-tolerant and attract butterflies and birds to the garden.
Planting Tips:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden in spring or fall
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart in well-draining soil
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots
- Divide plants every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
12. Daffodils
Daffodils are spring-flowering bulbs that return year after year with minimal care. These cheerful flowers come in shades of yellow, white, and orange, often with contrasting trumpets.
Daffodils are deer-resistant and naturalize easily, making them perfect for woodland gardens or naturalizing in lawns.
Planting Tips:
- Plant bulbs in fall, about 6 weeks before the ground freezes
- Choose a location with full sun to partial shade
- Plant bulbs 6 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart
- Water well after planting and during active growth in spring
- Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming
13. Coneflowers
Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are sturdy perennials that bloom from midsummer to fall. These native flowers come in a range of colors, from traditional purple to pink, white, and even yellow.
Coneflowers are drought-tolerant and attract butterflies and birds to the garden.
Planting Tips:
- Plant in spring or fall
- Choose a location with full sun
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart in well-draining soil
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers
14. Dianthus
Dianthus, also known as pinks, are charming flowers that add a spicy fragrance to the garden. These low-growing perennials or biennials produce delicate, fringed flowers in shades of pink, red, and white.
Dianthus are perfect for rock gardens, borders, or as a ground cover.
Planting Tips:
- Plant in spring or fall
- Choose a location with full sun to partial shade
- Space plants 6-12 inches apart in well-draining soil
- Water regularly, but avoid overwatering
- Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage reblooming
15. Daylilies
Daylilies are tough, adaptable perennials that thrive in a variety of conditions. These easy-care plants produce lily-like flowers in a wide range of colors, with each bloom lasting only a day but new buds opening daily.
Daylilies are perfect for mass plantings or as border plants.
Planting Tips:
- Plant in spring or fall
- Choose a location with full sun to partial shade
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart in well-draining soil
- Water deeply once a week during the growing season
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
16. Geraniums
Geraniums are classic flowers that offer long-lasting color in gardens and containers. These versatile plants come in a variety of colors and leaf patterns, blooming from spring until frost.
Geraniums are heat-tolerant and relatively pest-free, making them perfect for beginners.
Planting Tips:
- Plant seedlings after the last frost
- Choose a location with full sun to partial shade
- Space plants 12-24 inches apart in well-draining soil
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth
17. Yarrow
Yarrow is a hardy perennial that produces flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers in shades of yellow, pink, red, and white. This drought-tolerant plant blooms from early summer to fall and attracts butterflies to the garden.
Yarrow is perfect for meadow-style plantings or as a low-maintenance border plant.
Planting Tips:
- Plant in spring or fall
- Choose a location with full sun
- Space plants 1-2 feet apart in well-draining soil
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots
- Divide plants every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
18. Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant herb that produces spikes of purple flowers above silvery-gray foliage. This drought-tolerant perennial is perfect for sunny, dry areas and attracts bees and butterflies.
Lavender is not only beautiful but also useful for culinary and aromatherapy purposes.
Planting Tips:
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Choose a location with full sun and excellent drainage
- Space plants 1-3 feet apart, depending on the variety
- Water deeply but infrequently once established
- Prune in early spring to maintain shape and promote new growth
With these 18 easy-to-grow flowers, you’re well-equipped to create a stunning garden that will thrive with minimal effort. The key to success lies in choosing the right plants for your space and following the simple care instructions provided.
As you nurture these blooms, you’ll not only beautify your surroundings but also reap the mental and physical benefits of gardening.
Source:
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.