5 Flower Seeds You Can Sow in July for Late-Season Color
Extend your garden’s vibrancy with this selection of flower seeds you can sow in July, ensuring a stunning display from late summer into fall.
At the peak of summer, gardens are brimming with colorful and fragrant blooms. While many annuals and perennials require early-season planting, there are still opportunities to sow seeds in July and enjoy beautiful flowers later in the season. Your USDA zone may influence your planting decisions, as tender annuals can be affected by early fall frosts. However, in many regions, you can still cultivate a late-season display. Here are five flower seeds perfect for July planting.
1. Zinnias
Cheerful zinnias are ideal for July planting in most climates. They require about eight weeks to bloom, providing vibrant color into fall until the frost arrives. Sow seeds directly in a sunny flower bed, as zinnias dislike root disturbance. Maintain moist soil and thin seedlings according to packet instructions, as spacing can vary. For bushier growth, pinch back plants and regularly deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms.
2. Calendula
Calendula, taking just 6-8 weeks to grow from seed, is a great choice for late-season planting. These flowers are relatively cold hardy, making them a delightful addition to late summer and fall gardens. The edible blooms add a saffron-like flavor to dishes and serve as a pest deterrent, making calendula popular in vegetable gardens. Sow seeds in well-draining soil in either sunny or partially shaded locations. Once established, calendula requires minimal care, with occasional watering and regular deadheading to maintain healthy growth.
3. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum’s delicate, lacy flowers add a romantic touch to gardens and attract pollinators. These fast-growing flowers can bloom in as little as four weeks. While they need plenty of sunlight, sweet alyssum does best with some afternoon shade to avoid the high summer heat. They can grow in various soil types and need regular watering to thrive.
4. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are versatile, old-fashioned favorites that are fully edible and make excellent companion plants. These easy-to-grow flowers bloom in 4-6 weeks and come in climbing, trailing, or bushy varieties. Sow seeds in their final positions in beds or containers with enough depth for root growth. Nasturtiums thrive in poor soil and require minimal maintenance. Overly fertile soil can lead to more foliage and fewer flowers.
5. Black-Eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan, or rudbeckia, offers sunny, daisy-like blooms that enhance late summer and fall gardens. These plants take 2-3 months to grow from seed but can still be sown as late as July. Black-eyed Susan is drought-resistant, heat-tolerant, and self-seeding, suitable for various soil types. They thrive in neutral pH soil with full sun to light shade. Deadheading encourages more blooms and prevents the plants from going to seed, ensuring a tidier appearance.
By sowing these flower seeds in July, you can extend your garden’s beauty well into the later months, enjoying a continuous display of vibrant blooms.
