If spring slipped by and you’re just now getting around to planting flowers, you’re definitely not alone. Life happens, and sometimes the garden plan takes a backseat. The good news is that late doesn’t mean too late—there are plenty of flowers that grow fast enough to give you color well before the season winds down.
These 20 options are perfect for catching up without settling for less. They germinate quickly, grow with enthusiasm, and bloom in a matter of weeks, not months. From bold annuals to reliable self-seeders, each one earns its spot by delivering a solid return on a short timeline. You can still get a bright, blooming garden—there’s just no time to waste.
Zinnia
Zinnias are the vibrant festival that your garden deserves. With colors that range from bold reds to delicate pastels, these flowers bring an instant splash of joy. Planting zinnias is as easy as a summer breeze; they thrive in warm soil and full sun.
Known for their resilience, zinnias are a gardener’s delight. They bloom quickly and continue to dazzle all season long. Their versatility makes them ideal for borders, containers, or as cheerful cut flowers. Why not try them this year? You might just fall in love with their spirited charm.
Marigold
Marigolds are the golden treasures of any late-season garden. Their sunny hues are like a promise of good things to come. In just a few weeks, marigolds transform from seeds to full blooms, offering both beauty and function.
These flowers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as natural pest deterrents. Known for their easy-going nature, marigolds thrive in sunlight and require minimal care. Plant them in pots or directly in the ground and watch them flourish. Your garden will never look the same again.
Nasturtium
Nasturtiums bring an edible flair to the garden with their peppery blooms. These flowers are a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds, as their colorful petals are often used in salads.
Thriving in poor soil conditions, nasturtiums are the rebels of the flower world. They grow rapidly, covering ground or cascading beautifully from hanging baskets. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or a gardening novice, nasturtiums offer a delightful surprise with every bloom.
Sunflower
Sunflowers are synonymous with happiness and cheer. Their towering presence and bright faces follow the sun, making them a symbol of positivity. Plant sunflowers now, and in a few short weeks, enjoy their majestic blooms.
These flowers are perfect for creating natural screens or adding height to your floral arrangements. Sunflowers require well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Watch them grow tall and strong, embodying the perfect blend of strength and beauty.
Calendula
Calendula, with its cheerful orange blooms, is often referred to as the “pot marigold.” These flowers are a gardener’s friend, known for their quick-growing nature and medicinal uses.
Plant calendula in well-drained soil, and watch as they sprout and bloom rapidly. Not only do they bring vibrant color to your garden, but they also attract beneficial insects. Their versatility extends beyond aesthetics, as calendula petals are often used in teas and ointments.
Cosmos
Cosmos flowers are like the gentle whisper of a summer breeze. Their delicate petals and soft colors create a serene and beautiful garden atmosphere. Plant them now, and enjoy their blooms in just a few weeks.
Cosmos are incredibly easy to grow. They thrive in poor soil and require minimal care, making them ideal for any gardener. Their daisy-like flowers come in shades of pink, white, and red, offering a charming touch to borders and bouquets.
Petunia
Petunias are the versatile stars of the floral world. Known for their trumpet-shaped blooms, they bring vibrant colors to gardens, patios, and balconies alike. Plant them now to enjoy their continuous blooms.
These flowers thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. Petunias are perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, or as ground cover. With a little care, they will reward you with months of stunning color and fragrance. Their adaptability makes them a favorite among gardeners.
Borage
Borage is the unsung hero of the garden, with its striking blue flowers and cucumber-scented leaves. This herb brings both beauty and function, attracting pollinators and providing edible blooms.
Borage is easy to grow, thriving in well-drained soil and sunny locations. Its flowers are often used to decorate desserts and cocktails, adding a novel twist. If you’re looking for a unique and useful addition to your garden, borage is the perfect choice.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum, with its carpet of tiny white flowers, adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Known for its sweet fragrance, it attracts pollinators with ease.
A favorite for borders and rock gardens, sweet alyssum thrives in cool weather and quickly spreads to create a lush ground cover. Its delicate flowers are perfect for softening hard edges and bringing a cohesive look to plantings. Embrace its timeless beauty this planting season.
Morning Glory
Morning glories are the climbers that bring a touch of magic to vertical spaces. With blooms that open in the morning sun, they offer a daily reminder of nature’s wonders.
Known for their rapid growth, morning glories quickly cover fences and trellises, creating stunning displays. These flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Their trumpet-shaped blossoms are a favorite among hummingbirds and butterflies, ensuring your garden is alive with activity.
Snapdragon
Snapdragons are the playful characters of the garden, with their unique dragon-shaped flowers that delight children and adults alike. Their cheerful colors bring life to any garden space.
These flowers thrive in sunny locations and well-drained soil. They grow quickly, offering a burst of color in no time. Snapdragons are perfect for borders and containers, and their blooms make delightful additions to bouquets. Add a touch of whimsy to your garden with snapdragons this season.
Impatiens
Impatiens are the shade-loving beauties that transform shaded spots into vibrant displays. Their bright blooms bring color to areas often left in the dark.
Plant impatiens in rich, well-drained soil, and watch them thrive even in low light. They are ideally suited for border plantings and containers, offering continuous color throughout the season. Their versatility and easy care make them a popular choice for gardeners looking to brighten up shady corners.
Cornflower
Cornflowers, with their striking blue hues, are a nod to classic wildflower beauty. Their delicate petals and tall stems add an elegant touch to any planting scheme.
These flowers grow quickly and thrive in poor soil, making them a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners. Cornflowers are excellent for cutting, and their blooms attract butterflies, adding movement and life to your garden. Embrace their timeless charm and watch your garden transform.
Bachelor’s Button
Bachelor’s buttons are the cottage garden’s staple, known for their vibrant colors and easy-growing nature. These flowers offer a rustic charm that appeals to both traditional and modern gardeners.
Plant them in sunny spots, and enjoy their rapid growth and continuous blooms. Bachelor’s buttons are perfect for meadows or naturalized areas, adding a touch of whimsy. Their cheerful presence and classic beauty make them a delightful addition to any flower collection.
Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susans are the cheerful companions of any garden. Their bright yellow petals and dark centers resemble the sun, bringing warmth and joy to your space.
These flowers are incredibly easy to grow, thriving in sunny locations and well-drained soil. They’re perfect for borders, meadows, and cutting gardens. Black-eyed Susans attract pollinators and require minimal maintenance, making them a practical choice for gardeners seeking beauty without effort.
Pansy
Pansies are the smiling faces of the flower world, with their vibrant colors and distinctive markings. These blooms bring joy to gardens, especially in cooler weather.
Plant pansies in rich, well-drained soil and partial shade. They grow quickly, offering early color before other flowers awaken. Pansies are ideal for borders and containers, providing cheerful displays throughout the season. Their easy-going nature makes them a favorite for both beginners and seasoned gardeners.
Sweet Pea
Sweet peas are the fragrant climbers that bring romance to any garden. Their delicate blooms and intoxicating scent create an atmosphere of nostalgia and charm.
Plant sweet peas in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of support for their climbing habit. They grow quickly and produce a cascade of blooms that are perfect for cutting. Sweet peas are beloved for their fragrance and beauty, making them a timeless favorite among garden enthusiasts.
Geranium
Geraniums are the classic choice for brightening up containers and window boxes. Their sturdy blooms and rich colors make them a versatile favorite for any gardener.
These flowers thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, offering continuous color with minimal care. Geraniums are perfect for pots, hanging baskets, and garden beds, adding a touch of classic beauty. Their easy-growing nature and reliable blooms make them a must-have for late starters.
Clarkia
Clarkia is the charming wildflower that brings grace to any garden. Its delicate, papery blooms in pastel shades offer a subtle beauty that is both understated and captivating.
Plant clarkia in sunny locations with well-drained soil for quick growth and blossoms. These flowers attract bees and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of your space. Clarkia’s gentle allure makes it a lovely addition to wildflower meadows and cottage gardens alike.
Four O’Clocks
Four o’clocks are the evening performers of the garden, known for their blooms that open in the late afternoon. Their bright colors add a splash of vibrancy just as the day cools.
These flowers are easy to grow, thriving in well-drained soil and full sun. Plant them now, and enjoy their fragrance and colors throughout the summer. Four o’clocks offer a unique touch to your garden, providing beauty and intrigue as the sun sets.