When you're eager to see a burst of color in your garden without the long wait, choosing quick-blooming flowers is a smart move. These plants grow rapidly from seed, making them perfect for beginners, children, or anyone craving instant results. Whether you're working with a garden bed, container, or balcony space, there are many easy options that offer beauty in just weeks. Here are some beautiful bloomers that grow quickly from seed and bring vibrant color to your garden in no time.
1. California Poppy
California poppies are bright and cheerful flowers that grow quickly from seed. These plants love sunny spots and can handle poor soil, making them a great choice for beginners. They usually bloom within 45 to 60 days and produce orange, yellow, or cream-colored flowers. California poppies also reseed easily, so they can return year after year with little effort. Their delicate, fern-like leaves add soft texture to garden beds. They prefer dry conditions and need very little water once they are established.
2. Zinnia
Zinnias are fast-growing flowers that bring bold color to any garden. They sprout quickly from seed and bloom in as little as 60 days. Zinnias grow well in full sun and thrive in warm weather. These flowers come in many shapes and colors, including red, pink, orange, and white. Zinnias are also known for attracting butterflies, which helps support pollinators in your yard. They grow best in well-drained soil and benefit from regular deadheading to keep blooms coming.
3. Cosmos
Cosmos are airy, daisy-like flowers that grow easily from seed. They typically bloom within 50 to 60 days and add a soft, whimsical feel to garden spaces. These flowers love full sun and can grow in poor soil, making them perfect for low-maintenance gardens. Cosmos come in shades of pink, white, and purple. They can grow quite tall, often reaching 3 to 5 feet, and sway beautifully in the breeze. Once they start blooming, they keep going until frost.
4. Marigold
Marigolds are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed. They germinate quickly and bloom in about 45 to 50 days. Marigolds love full sun and warm temperatures. They come in bright shades of yellow, orange, and gold, and have a light, spicy scent. These flowers are also known to help keep pests away from vegetable gardens. Marigolds work well in borders, containers, or mixed beds and are a great choice for new gardeners.
5. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are colorful flowers that grow quickly and easily from seed. They usually bloom in about 50 to 60 days. Nasturtiums have round leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers in red, orange, and yellow tones. They prefer full sun and poor soil, and too much fertilizer can reduce blooms. These plants are also edible, with a peppery taste in both the leaves and flowers. Nasturtiums grow well in containers, garden beds, or even hanging baskets.
6. Sunflower (Dwarf Varieties)
Dwarf sunflowers grow fast and bloom in as little as 60 days. Unlike their taller cousins, these varieties stay short, usually between 1 to 3 feet tall. They are great for containers, borders, or small garden spaces. Dwarf sunflowers love full sun and well-drained soil. Their large, cheerful blooms attract bees and birds. These sunflowers are easy to grow and bring a bright, sunny look to any outdoor space.
7. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum grows quickly and blooms in as little as 40 to 50 days. It produces tiny, fragrant flowers in white, pink, or purple. These low-growing plants work well as ground cover or edging along pathways. Sweet alyssum likes full sun to part shade and grows best in cooler weather. It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies and can reseed itself in the garden. This flower is a gentle, charming addition to any space.
8. Calendula
Calendula, also called pot marigold, is a fast-growing flower with bright orange or yellow petals. It blooms within 45 to 60 days from seed. Calendula grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. It can handle cooler temperatures better than many other flowers. Calendula petals are edible and often used in teas or as natural colorants. These flowers also help attract beneficial insects to the garden.
9. Bachelor’s Button (Cornflower)
Bachelor’s buttons are hardy, easy-to-grow flowers that bloom about 60 days after planting. They produce bright blue, purple, pink, or white blooms that look like small pompoms. These flowers enjoy full sun and grow well in average soil. Bachelor’s buttons are great for cutting and often used in wildflower mixes. They attract bees and other pollinators, making them a helpful addition to any eco-friendly garden.
10. Phlox (Annual)
Annual phlox blooms quickly, usually within 50 to 60 days of seed. It grows in clumps and produces clusters of star-shaped flowers in many colors, including red, pink, white, and purple. Annual phlox prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It stays fairly low to the ground, which makes it perfect for borders and containers. With proper care, these flowers attract butterflies and bloom over a long season.
11. Clarkia
Clarkia is a cool-season annual that blooms about 60 days after sowing. It has upright stems and delicate, cup-shaped flowers in pink, purple, or white. Clarkia grows well in full sun or light shade and prefers cooler climates. Once established, it does not need much water and thrives in well-drained soil. This flower adds soft color and vertical interest to the garden and can be sown directly in place.
12. Godetia
Godetia, also called farewell-to-spring, grows quickly and blooms in about 60 days. A member of the Clarkia family, Godetia is sometimes grouped under the same botanical name but offers distinct colors and forms. Its satiny flowers come in pink, coral, red, and white. Godetia grows best in cool weather and well-drained soil. It prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. These plants are good for borders or cutting gardens and bring a fresh look to early summer beds. Godetia is native to the western United States and works well in cottage-style gardens.
13. Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist)
Nigella, also known as love-in-a-mist, is a unique flower that blooms around 60 days after planting. It has ferny foliage and delicate blue, white, or pink blooms surrounded by soft, airy bracts. Nigella prefers full sun and cooler weather. It grows well in well-drained soil and often reseeds itself. The dried seed pods are also attractive and can be used in floral arrangements. Nigella adds charm and texture to flower beds.
14. Morning Glory
Morning glories are fast-growing vines that bloom within 60 to 70 days. They produce large, trumpet-shaped flowers in colors like blue, purple, pink, and white. Morning glories love full sun and warm weather. They need support to climb, such as a trellis or fence. The flowers open in the morning and close by afternoon. Morning glories grow quickly and can cover a space with lush, blooming vines in no time.
15. Balsam (Touch-Me-Not)
Balsam, also known as touch-me-not, is a fast-growing flower that blooms in 60 to 70 days. This plant, Impatiens balsamina, is sometimes called touch-me-not but is different from the wild Impatiens capensis. It produces bright pink, red, or white blooms that grow close to the stem. Balsam prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is easy to grow and adds a tropical feel to garden beds. Balsam can self-seed and return each year in mild climates. Its unusual seed pods pop open when touched, making it fun for kids.
16. Petunia
Petunias are popular annuals that grow and bloom quickly, usually within 60 to 80 days. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Petunias grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. They work well in containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds. Regular watering and deadheading will keep them blooming all season long. Petunias attract pollinators and provide a steady splash of color.
17. Cleome (Spider Flower)
Cleome, or spider flower, grows quickly and blooms about 60 to 70 days after sowing. It produces tall stems with spiky flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Cleome grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It attracts pollinators and can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet. The flowers have long stamens that give them a spidery appearance. Cleome adds height and drama to flower beds.
18. Larkspur
Larkspur is a cool-season annual that blooms within 70 to 80 days. It produces tall spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers. Larkspur grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. It prefers cooler weather and often reseeds itself. Larkspur is excellent for cut flower arrangements and adds vertical color to garden borders. It should be sown directly into the ground, as it does not transplant well.
19. Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower)
Tithonia, also known as Mexican sunflower, is a bold, fast-growing plant that blooms in 60 to 80 days. It produces large, orange-red flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Tithonia grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. These plants can grow 4 to 6 feet tall and make a strong statement in the garden. They tolerate heat and drought well, making them a great choice for summer gardens.
20. Dianthus (Annual Varieties)
Annual dianthus blooms within 50 to 60 days and produces small, clove-scented flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and works well in borders, containers, and cottage gardens. The flowers are great for cutting and attract butterflies. Regular deadheading helps dianthus bloom longer through the season.
21. Portulaca (Moss Rose)
Portulaca, or moss rose, grows quickly and blooms in about 45 to 60 days. It has small, succulent leaves and vibrant, rose-like flowers in many colors. Portulaca loves full sun and hot, dry conditions. It grows well in sandy or rocky soil and does not need much water. These low-growing plants are great for ground cover, edging, or containers. Portulaca opens its blooms during the day and closes them at night.
22. Impatiens
Impatiens are shade-loving flowers that bloom quickly, usually within 60 to 70 days. They come in many colors, including pink, red, white, and purple. Impatiens prefer moist, rich soil and do best in part to full shade. They are popular for hanging baskets, window boxes, and shady garden beds. These flowers bloom nonstop throughout the growing season and bring color to darker areas of the garden.
23. Linaria (Toadflax)
Linaria, or toadflax, is a delicate flower that blooms in about 50 to 60 days. It has small, snapdragon-like blooms in soft pastels. Linaria prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is easy to grow from seed and adds a light, airy look to flower beds. These flowers attract pollinators and reseed easily, making them a low-maintenance choice for natural-looking gardens.
24. Eschscholzia (Tulip Poppy)
Eschscholzia, sometimes called tulip poppy, is a quick-blooming flower that opens in about 50 to 60 days. Also known as California poppy, this variety features a tulip-like bloom shape that inspired its lesser-known nickname. It has bright orange or yellow petals with a cup shape. These flowers prefer full sun and dry, sandy soil. Eschscholzia is drought-tolerant and ideal for xeriscape gardens. It reseeds readily and blooms over a long season. The plant’s soft, blue-green leaves add texture to garden beds.
25. Verbena (Annual Varieties)
Annual verbena grows and blooms in about 60 to 70 days. It produces small clusters of brightly colored flowers in red, pink, purple, or white. Verbena prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It grows well in hanging baskets, containers, and ground cover areas. These flowers attract butterflies and bloom throughout the summer. Regular watering and trimming help keep the plant full and blooming.
A Blooming Garden in No Time
With so many fast-growing flowers to choose from, it’s easy to create a vibrant garden without waiting months for results. These quick bloomers are ideal for beginners, seasonal displays, or anyone looking to add color quickly. You can enjoy weeks of cheerful blossoms with minimal fuss by picking the right varieties for your space and growing conditions. From bold zinnias to delicate alyssum, each flower on this list offers something special to brighten your outdoor space.