Flowers can be used as decoration for homes, rooms, or yards. With spring and summer weather right around the corner, some gardeners are wondering the same question. What flowers will make a backyard colorful by summer time?
Sunflowers
This flower is the most common in the family Asteraceae and the genus Helianthus. There are over 70 different types of sunflowers, and most are annual flowers. They require full sun, or six or more hours of sun. These flowers come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, but are mostly recognized for their yellow petals and dark center. Sunflowers can withstand drought, but watering regularly will help the flower become stronger, along with well drained soil, fertilizer, and pest control. The earliest time to plant sunflowers is march, and the latest being May.
Zinnias
Zinnias are in the family Asteraceae and genus Helianthus, and they require full sun and well drained soil. Zinnias are very attractive plants to pollinators, mainly butterflies. There are around 17 types of Zinnias and they are mostly annuals. The require low maintenance and medium amounts of water. Most beginner gardeners choose zinnias to start their garden, since they are fast growing flowers and easy to take care of. Zinnias grow better in warm temperatures and warm soil, so the best time to plant is after a frost or may.
Marigolds
Marigolds come in vibrant, warm colors such as yellow, orange, and red. They grow better in warmer temperatures and are able to go through hot summers. The main types of marigolds are African, signet, and French. Both African and signet marigolds can still live in a drought, but French marigolds require more water and can’t withstand a drought like the African and signet marigolds can. Marigolds tend to thrive better in well draining, fertile soil. French and signet marigolds are best to plant through spring to summer, but African marigolds need to be planted when spring hits. Marigolds tend to sprout in about a week or so of watering and tending to, and bloom around eight or nine weeks.
Cosmos
Cosmos are annual flowers that require full sun, medium amounts of water, and low maintenance. Cosmos grow better in moist soil, but are able to be planted in some dry soil. They can be started indoors or after a frost to avoid any damage to the flower. Taller plants are recommended to be put around a cosmos as a shield from strong winds that could uproot them. Cosmos seeds need to be planted around early spring, so they can set in the soil before hot weather. The most common colors cosmos flowers tend to be are pink, white, or red.
Dahlias
Dahlias grow best in well drained soil, with partial sun to full sun. They are best to plant in late spring because they don’t grow very well in cold temperatures. Dahlias tend to be started inside, and moved outside when the conditions for the flower are right. They don’t need lots of maintenance but do grow better with regular watering. Dahlias tend to come in white, yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple.
Gardeners
Audrie Tucker, a local resident of Hernando who enjoys gardening was asked a few questions about her hobby, including what her favorite thing to garden is.
“I enjoy growing perennials, because they come back each year. But annuals like zinnias and cosmos can self seed, and also make great cut flowers for decoration.” Responded Audrie.
She was also asked what her favorite part of gardening was.
“My favorite part is watching it grow from an insignificant, small seed to something beautiful that can be shared and enjoyed with family and friends.” Answered Audrie.
Audrie also stated that dahlias are her favorite, but are very picky flowers.
“Dahlias are my favorite, but they are very temperamental. Can’t water too much, can’t get to much sun or overheat. But they make a beautiful flower, each one unique.” Stated Audrie.
