Fast Growing Flowers From Seed: 10 Easy Options

Fast growing flowers: a concise orientation before we get practical.

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Planting fast growing flowers is an easy way to transform your garden is a short amount of time. Quick growers like calendula, zinnias, and cosmos start to bloom in less than two months with the show continuing until the end of the growing season. In this article you’ll discover 10 of the best fast growing flowers to start from seed, get expert tips on when and how to plant them, and discover the top varieties to grow.

What are fast growing flowers?

There’s no official definition, but for me, a fast growing flower is one that start to bloom within two months of planting. I want a lot of color and I want it quickly! These hardworking plants are perfect for adding color to annual and perennial beds, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects, and filling pots and planters. 

There are many types of annual flowers you can grow from seed, however, not all of them are quick growing. Some, like geraniums, petunias, and lisianthus take 3 to 5 months to bloom. Below are 10 fast growing flowers to grow from seed this spring.

The 10 best fast growing flowers

1) Nasturtiums

Of all the fast growing flowers I plant in my garden, nasturtiums top the list! These easy annuals produce loads of flowers from early summer through frost, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Nasturtiums grow – and flower – best in full sun, at least 8 hours of direct light every day. The cup-shaped blooms are produced in vibrant shades of gold, orange, red, pink, peach, cream, and burgundy-purple. Some varieties even have distinctive splotches or streaks for added interest. 

• How to plant – Direct seed nasturtiums in early spring, once the risk of frost has passed. Plant seeds one half to one inch deep, 8 to 12 inches apart. The plants thrive in poor, well-draining soils, so no need to amend with compost or additional fertilizers. 
• Expert growing tip – Nasturtium flowers, leaves, and even seeds are edible adding a peppery kick to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. 
• Favorite varieties – Ladybird Rose, Bloody Mary, Orchid Cream, Empress of India, Whirlybird Mixture, and Alaska Mixture. 

Alaska nasturtiums are one of my favorite mounding varieties. The vigorous plants produce masses of the fiery flowers from early through late summer.

2) Cosmos

Sun-loving cosmos is a stunning annual whose daisy-like blooms make long-lived cut flowers. This cottage garden classic also attracts bees and butterflies, as well as other species of beneficial insects. Depending on the species and variety, cosmos plants grow between one and 5 feet tall. Read the descriptions in seed catalogs carefully to make sure you select the right-sized cosmos for your garden.

• How to plant – Cosmos is quick to grow when the seeds are direct sown in late spring. However, you can get a jump start on the flowering season by starting the seeds indoors under grow lights 5 to 6 weeks before the last frost. 
• Expert growing tip – When the seedlings are 8 to 10 inches tall, pinch them back to a set of leaf nodes to promote branching and increase flower production. 
• Favorite varieties – Picotee Sensation, Apricotta, Radiance Sensation, Sensation Giant Mixture, Veloutette Blend, and Cupcakes Mixture

This Velouette cosmos flower is stunning and it’s also a very fast growing flower.

3) California poppies

The state flower of California, heat-tolerant California poppies are beloved for their vibrant hues and silky blooms. They grow about 15 to 18 inches tall, with ferny leaves and cup-shaped flowers. Plant the seeds of this drought-tolerant annual in a sunny bed with well-draining soil. While orange-gold is the most common flower color, there are varieties with pink, red, white, mauve, and apricot blooms. 

• How to plant – Direct sow the seeds outdoors after the last frost. Plant them a scant quarter inch deep, eventually thinning to 6 inches so they have space to grow. 
• Expert growing tip – They don’t flower all summer long, usually over about 4 to 5 weeks, but deadheading spent blooms prolongs the show. 
• Favorite varieties – Mission Bells, Sunset Mixed, California Orange, and Thai Silk Mixture.

Stunning California poppies are one of my go-to fast growing flowers because I love the silky, cup-shaped blooms.

4) Calendula

Calendula is one of the best fast growing flowers to plant for its ease of cultivation, long season of bloom, and ability to attract and support pollinators. Plus, the pretty petals are edible, adding color to salads and other dishes. Calendula is a cool season annual that reseeds easily, but not invasively, from year to year. The plants grow 12 to 18 inches tall with the sturdy flower stems topped with the daisy-like blooms. The versatile plants are also excellent for baskets, containers, and window boxes. 

• How to plant – I direct seed calendula seed in my garden beds in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. You can also winter sow the seeds in milk jugs and transplant the seedlings in spring. 
• Expert growing tip – Plant the seeds in a sunny spot, scattering them evening. Once they’re growing, thin plants to 6 inches. 
• Favorite varieties – Pacific Beauty, Flashback Mixture, Bronze Beauty, Porcupine

Calendula, also called pot marigold, is a fast growing annual plant that blooms for months and months.

5) Zinnias (Fast growing flowers for bouquets – and bees)

The queen of the cutting garden, zinnias are reliable fast growing flowers to grow from seed. Zinnia flowers come in a range of sizes and shades, with an unmatched color palette. Shades of white, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, apricot, and even green are common, as well as many beautiful bi-colors. Zinnias are showstoppers with tall types growing best in garden beds and more compact varieties ideal for containers. 

• How to plant – I start zinnia seeds indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost date. No need to start them earlier, as they are quick to size up. You can also direct seed after the last frost planting seeds a quarter inch deep and 3 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6 inches once they’re growing well. 
• Expert growing tip – To increase blooming, pinch zinnia plants when the center flower bud develops in early summer. At this point the plants will be about 10 to 12 inches tall. Using garden snips, clip back to a healthy set of side shoots. Also deadhead spent blooms throughout summer to boost flower production.
• Favorite varieties – Aurora, Queen Lime Series, State Fair Series, Benary’s Series, Oklahoma Formula Mixture, Zowie! Yellow Flame, and Double Zahara Cherry. 

It’s impossible to pick a favorite zinnias variety! I grow a wide selection of zinnias, succession planting in late spring and mid-summer for non-stop blooms.

6) Bachelor buttons

My grandmother always grew bachelor’s buttons in her garden and I loved helping her plant the seeds for this low-maintenance annual each spring. Also called cornflower, bachelor’s buttons get their name from the button-shaped blooms. This vigorous grower produces dozens of flower stems, which also make long-lived cut flowers. And they’re edible! Use them to add a pop of color to your meals by sprinkling the colorful petals on top of your food. Bachelor’s buttons come in vibrant shades of purple, blue, mauve, plum, pink, and white. 

• How to plant – Direct sow the seeds in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Plant the seeds a quarter inch deep and 2 inches apart. Eventually thin the seedlings to 6 to 8 inches apart or winter sow the seeds in jugs or containers. 
• Expert growing tip – Use bachelor’s buttons to lure bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to your garden. 
• Favorite varieties – Blue Boy, Velvet Dawn, Black Ball, Choice Mixture.

Plant the seeds of quick growing bachelor’s buttons in spring and enjoy the brilliant blooms in under two months.

7) Sweet alyssum

The flowers of sweet alyssum may be tiny, but their impact in the garden is huge! The masses of white, pink, or purple blooms attract good bugs like hover flies. Plus, these are fast growing annuals that stay compact and are trouble free. I like to plant them at the edges of my vegetable beds and flower borders, but they’re also perfect for a container garden, window boxes, and planters. 

• How to plant – As noted, this is a quick growing plant from seed. Direct sow the tiny seeds in early spring or start it indoors in cell packs or soil cubes 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost.
• Expert growing tip – Sweet alyssum prefers lightly damp soil, so water in times of drought. 
• Favorite varieties – Carpet of Snow, Summer Romance, Summer Peaches

Sweet alyssum is a fast growing flower that is also attractive to bees and beneficial insects.

8) Love in a mist (One of the lesser known fast growing flowers)

Also called Nigella, Love in a mist is a fast growing annual plant that offers several seasons of interest. It’s the dainty flowers, which are surrounded by delicate ferny foliage, that start the show. Soon, the flowers fade and the striped, lantern-shaped seed pods develop. Enjoy these in the garden or clip and dry them for everlasting bouquets. Expect masses of flowers in sky blue, purple, white, and pink. 

• How to plant – The seeds of this speedy plant should be direct sown outdoors in early spring in a sunny garden bed. Cover seeds with a thin layer of soil; don’t bury them deeply as light is needed for good germination. 
• Expert growing tip – For the longest flowering season, succession plant more seeds outdoors every 3 to 4 weeks. 
• Favorite varieties – Mulberry Rose, Miss Jekyll, Persian Violet, Love in a mist Mixture

Love in a mist, also called Nigella, is a stunning annual plant with pretty blooms and decorative seed pods.

9) Sunflowers

Sunflowers are the botanical equivalent of joy. The large showy blooms last for weeks, but they also attract pollinators like bumblebees and butterflies to the garden. Sunflower plants may be branching or non-branching. Branching varieties produce blooms for months, although the flowers are typically smaller than non-branching types. It’s non-branching sunflowers that are grown by cut flower farmers for their large beautiful blossoms. Flip through any seed catalog and you’ll notice a wide range of flower shapes, sizes, and colors. Try a variety of sunflowers for the longest season of color. Plant the tallest varieties at the back of the garden or along fences to create natural screening. 

• How to plant – Direct seeding is the best way to grow sunflowers. Plant after the last frost date in spring, sowing seeds a half inch deep. If you want an extra early crop of flowers, start sunflower seeds inside 3 weeks before you plan on moving them outside. Start them in 4 inch diameter pots as they don’t like their roots disturbed. 
• Expert growing tip – Sow additional sunflower seeds every 3 to 4 weeks for months of brilliant blooms. 
• Favorite varieties – The ProCut Series (ProCut Plum, ProCut Orange, ProCut White Nite, etc.) is extremely fast to grow with the blooming season beginning about 50 to 55 days from seedling. Also Chocolate, Soraya, Sunrich Summer Provence, and Valentine

Sunflowers, like ProCut Orange, are very quick to grow from seed to bloom and there are so many flower shapes and colors to grow.

10) Scarlet runner bean

Fast, easy, and beautiful Scarlet runner bean flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds – and gardeners! This vigorous grower quickly climbs a trellis, fence, or arbor and blooms from early summer through frost. Harvest the beans when young for the most tender pods.

• How to plant – Direct sow runner bean seeds after the last frost; early spring in warmer climates, late spring in colder climates. Plant them an inch deep and 3 inches apart. Thin to 4 to 5 inches apart once the seedlings have sprouted and are growing well. 
• Expert growing tip – Pick the beans often because letting seed pods form slows flower production. 
• Favorite varieties – Scarlet Runner is exceptional, but other standout options include Painted Lady and Sunset.

Runner beans, like Scarlet Runner, are beloved by gardeners for their bright red flowers and ability to attract hummingbirds.

Other fast growing flowers to plant

Other excellent fast growing annuals to plant from seed include marigolds, corn poppies, orlaya, morning glories, and phlox. 

Now that I’ve shared 10 of my favourite fast growing plants, here are some other articles to help you grow annual plants: