8 Easy Flowers To Grow For Beginners

Gardening is a rewarding hobby, particularly when you begin with easy flowers to grow. Our garden center prioritizes ease and simplicity for newcomers. We have selected eight flowers that are not only stunning but also thrive with minimal effort. Whether your space includes a garden, a balcony, or just a sunny windowsill, these flowers will flourish and add color and joy to your surroundings.

Sunflowers (Helianthus Annuus)

Sunflowers are a fantastic choice for beginners due to their hardy nature and dramatic impact. They grow quickly and can thrive in most soil types as long as the area receives plenty of sunlight. Sunflowers are known for their tall stalks and large, vibrant heads that turn to follow the sun throughout the day. These cheerful blooms are not only easy to cultivate but also attract pollinators like bees and birds, which help to keep your garden healthy.

Additionally, sunflowers are extremely versatile and can be used in flower beds, as natural privacy screens, or for their seeds, which are both edible and beneficial for wildlife during the colder months. Planting sunflowers can be a fun family activity, and their rapid growth provides a rewarding experience for novice gardeners looking for quick results.

Marigolds (Tagetes)

Marigolds are another beginner-friendly option that brings a bright splash of color to any garden. These hardy plants are tolerant of most soil conditions and are known for their pest-repellent properties, making them excellent companion plants. Marigolds come in shades of yellow, orange, and deep red, and they bloom abundantly throughout the summer until the first frost. Their ease of care and vibrant colors make them a popular choice for novice gardeners.

They also have a distinctive scent that can deter common garden pests like nematodes and tomato hornworms, making them beneficial for protecting vegetables and other flowers in your garden. Whether you’re planting them in borders, containers, or as part of a vegetable garden, marigolds offer both aesthetic and practical benefits.

Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana)

Pansies are known for their colorful and expressive faces, which can bring life to any garden space. These flowers thrive in cooler temperatures, making them ideal for spring and fall planting. Pansies are versatile and can be grown in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets. They require regular watering and a bit of fertilizer to flourish, but their maintenance is straightforward, ensuring success even for those new to gardening.

Their broad range of bright colors and patterns makes them particularly appealing for decorative planting schemes, and they can provide continuous blooms when deadheaded regularly and kept in optimal conditions. Pansies are also frost-tolerant, allowing them to be one of the first plants to bloom in the spring.

Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed, and they offer a brilliant array of colors to brighten up your garden. They prefer well-drained potting soil and a sunny location but are quite drought-tolerant once established. Zinnias attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding an extra layer of beauty and activity to your gardening experience.

Regular deadheading will keep them blooming profusely throughout the summer. Zinnias are available in various shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing gardeners to experiment with different combinations in their floral arrangements. Whether used in borders, flower beds, or containers, zinnias provide a spectacular splash of color from late spring until the first frost, making them an enduring favorite for seasonal displays.

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

Nasturtiums are delightful in that they are not only beautiful but also edible, with a peppery flavor similar to arugula. They can be grown in poor soil and still produce vibrant blooms and lush foliage, which makes them perfect for garden edges or as trailing plants in containers. Nasturtiums come in shades of orange, yellow, and red and are known for their ability to thrive with minimal care.

Additionally, their quick germination and rapid growth make them an instant gratification plant for beginners. The flowers and leaves are both edible and can add a unique, spicy touch to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Their colorful blooms and easy-going nature also make them excellent candidates for children's gardens, educational projects, or as a way to introduce new gardeners to the joys of planting and harvesting their food.

Cosmos (Cosmos Bipinnatus)

Cosmos are another excellent choice for beginners due to their simple care requirements and the charming, daisy-like flowers they produce. These plants prefer sunny spots with well-draining soil and will continue to bloom if you keep deadheading them. Cosmos sway beautifully on breezy days and their feathery foliage adds texture and interest to any garden setting.

Known for their ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, cosmos enhance the biodiversity of your garden. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, red, and orange, which can be mixed and matched to create stunning visual displays.

Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender is not only easy to grow but also brings a soothing fragrance and a splash of purple to your garden. This perennial is drought-resistant once established and thrives in full sun with well-draining soil. Lavender is perfect for creating borders or as part of a herb garden. Its fragrant flowers can be dried and used in sachets, oils, and culinary dishes, making it a multipurpose addition to your home garden.

Petunias (Petunia x hybrida)

Petunias are a favorite for containers and hanging baskets due to their wide range of vibrant colors and their ability to bloom all summer long. They require sunlight and regular watering to keep the blooms fresh and vibrant. Petunias are available in many varieties, offering a multitude of colors and patterns that can create stunning visual effects in any garden space.

At Veryplants, we're committed to helping you succeed in your gardening adventures. These eight flowers are just the beginning of what can become a lifelong passion for plants. With their easy care and beautiful results, they're sure to inspire confidence in any budding gardener. Start with these forgiving varieties and watch as your garden—and your green thumb—flourishes.