How to Fill Your Garden with Blooms in No Time: The Ultimate Guide to Fast Growing Flowers

Key Takeaways

• Fast growing flowers are flowers that can bloom quickly in a garden or a pot
• They are popular for their ease of growth, color, fragrance, and versatility
• Some of the best types of fast growing flowers are zinnias, sweet peas, marigolds, sunflowers, etc.
• Fast growing flowers can be grown from seeds, in pots and containers, or for cuttings and bouquets
• This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to choose, plant, care for, and enjoy fast growing flowers

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Best Types of Fast Growing Flowers for Your Garden
• How to Grow Fast Growing Flowers from Seeds
• How to Grow Fast Growing Flowers in Pots and Containers
• How to Grow Fast-Growing Flowers for Cuttings and Bouquets
• Conclusion

Introduction

Do you love flowers but hate waiting for them to bloom? Do you want to fill your garden with colorful and fragrant blossoms in no time? Do you want to know which flowers are easy to grow, fast to flower, and suitable for your zone?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are in the right place. In this article, we will show you the ultimate guide to fast growing flowers. You will learn what fast growing flowers are, why they are popular, and which ones are the best for your garden. You will also learn how to grow fast growing flowers from seeds, in pots and containers, or for cuttings and bouquets. By the end of this article, you will be able to fill your garden with blooms in no time.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

The Best Types of Fast Growing Flowers for Your Garden

Fast growing flowers are flowers that can bloom quickly in a garden or a pot. They usually take less than two months from sowing to flowering, and some can even bloom in as little as four weeks. Fast growing flowers are ideal for gardeners who want instant gratification, who have limited space or time, or who want to add some color and fragrance to their garden.

There are many types of fast growing flowers that you can choose from, depending on your preferences and needs. Here are some criteria that you can use to select the best fast growing flowers for your garden:

• Bloom time: How long do you want your flowers to last? Some fast growing flowers have a short bloom time, while others can last for several weeks or months. For example, zinnias can bloom from summer to frost, while cosmos can bloom from midsummer to fall.
• Flower color: What colors do you like or want to match with your garden theme? Fast growing flowers come in a variety of colors, from white to yellow to pink to purple. You can mix and match different colors or choose a monochromatic scheme. For example, marigolds come in shades of yellow, orange, and red, while petunias come in shades of purple, pink, and white.
• Flower size: How big do you want your flowers to be? Fast growing flowers can range from small and delicate to large and showy. You can choose the size that suits your space and style. For example, sweet peas have small and fragrant flowers that climb on trellises or fences, while sunflowers have large and bright flowers that stand tall on sturdy stems.
• Flower shape: What shape do you prefer or find interesting? Fast growing flowers can have different shapes, from round and fluffy to flat and spiky. You can choose the shape that adds some texture and contrast to your garden. For example, larkspur has spiky clusters of blue or purple flowers that look like rockets, while nasturtiums have flat and round flowers that look like coins.
• Flower scent: Do you want your flowers to smell good or not? Fast growing flowers can have different scents, from sweet and pleasant to strong and pungent. You can choose the scent that appeals to your senses or attracts pollinators. For example, snapdragons have a mild and sweet scent that attracts bees and butterflies, while nicotiana has a strong and spicy scent that attracts hummingbirds and moths.

Based on these criteria, here is a table of some of the best types of fast growing flowers for your garden:

For each type of fast growing flower, here are some tips and tricks for planting and caring for them:

• Zinnia: Zinnias are one of the easiest and most versatile fast growing flowers. They can grow in any soil type and condition, as long as they get full sun and regular water. They can also tolerate heat and drought. To plant zinnias, you can sow the seeds directly in the ground after the last frost or start them indoors six weeks before. You can thin the seedlings to 6 to 18 inches apart, depending on the variety. To care for zinnias, you can deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent diseases. You can also fertilize them once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
• Sweet pea: Sweet peas are one of the most fragrant and charming fast growing flowers. They can grow in any soil type and condition, as long as they get full sun and regular water. They can also tolerate cool weather and frost. To plant sweet peas, you can sow the seeds directly in the ground in early spring or fall or start them indoors six weeks before. You can soak the seeds overnight or nick them with a knife to speed up germination. You can thin the seedlings to 6 to 12 inches apart. To care for sweet peas, you can provide them with a trellis or a fence to climb on and support them with twine or netting. You can also mulch them to keep the soil moist and cool and fertilize them every two weeks with a high phosphorus fertilizer.
• Marigold: Marigolds are one of the most colorful and cheerful fast growing flowers. They can grow in any soil type and condition, as long as they get full sun and regular water. They can also tolerate heat and drought. To plant marigolds, you can sow the seeds directly in the ground after the last frost or start them indoors six weeks before. You can thin the seedlings to 6 to 18 inches apart, depending on the variety. To care for marigolds, you can deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent diseases. You can also fertilize them once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

How to Grow Fast Growing Flowers from Seeds

Growing fast growing flowers from seeds is a rewarding and economical way to fill your garden with blooms. You can start your seeds indoors or outdoors, depending on the type of flower and the climate. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of growing fast growing flowers from seeds:

• Advantages:
  • You can choose from a wider variety of flowers and colors than what is available in nurseries or garden centers
  • You can save money by buying seeds in bulk or collecting them from your own plants
  • You can enjoy the satisfaction of watching your seeds sprout, grow, and flower
• Disadvantages:
  • You may have to wait longer for your flowers to bloom than if you buy transplants or cuttings
  • You may have to deal with pests, diseases, or weeds that can affect your seedlings
  • You may have to provide extra care and protection for your seedlings, such as watering, fertilizing, thinning, transplanting, hardening off, etc.

To grow fast growing flowers from seeds, you need to follow these steps:

• Sow: Sowing is the process of placing the seeds in the soil or a growing medium. You can sow your seeds directly in the ground or in pots or trays. The best time to sow your seeds depends on the type of flower and the climate. Some flowers, such as sweet peas, larkspur, and snapdragons, prefer cool weather and can be sown in early spring or fall. Other flowers, such as zinnias, marigolds, and sunflowers, prefer warm weather and can be sown after the last frost. To sow your seeds, you need to prepare the soil or the growing medium by loosening it, removing any weeds or debris, and adding some compost or fertilizer. Then, you need to make shallow holes or furrows according to the recommended spacing and depth for each type of flower. You can use a ruler or a stick to measure the distance and depth. Next, you need to place one or two seeds in each hole or furrow and cover them lightly with soil or vermiculite. Finally, you need to water the seeds gently and label them with their name and date of sowing.
• Germinate: Germination is the process of sprouting from the seeds. The time it takes for your seeds to germinate depends on the type of flower and the temperature. Some seeds may germinate in a few days, while others may take a few weeks. To help your seeds germinate faster, you can soak them overnight or nick them with a knife before sowing. This will soften the seed coat and allow water and air to enter. You can also use a heat mat or a sunny window sill to provide warmth for your seeds. To check if your seeds have germinated, you can look for signs of green shoots emerging from the soil or the growing medium. You can also gently dig up a few seeds and see if they have swollen or split.
• Transplant: Transplanting is the process of moving your seedlings from their original place to their final destination. You may need to transplant your seedlings if you started them indoors or in pots or trays and want to move them to the ground or larger containers. The best time to transplant your seedlings is when they have developed two or more true leaves (the leaves that look like the adult plant) and are strong enough to survive outside. To transplant your seedlings, you need to prepare the new location by digging holes or filling containers with soil or potting mix. Then, you need to carefully remove your seedlings from their original place by loosening the soil or the growing medium around them and lifting them gently by their leaves (not their stems). Next, you need to place your seedlings in their new location at the same depth as they were before and press the soil or potting mix around them firmly. Finally, you need to water your seedlings well and protect them from direct sun, wind, frost, or pests until they are established.
• Harden off: Hardening off is the process of acclimatizing your seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting them. You may need to harden off your seedlings if you started them indoors or in a protected environment and want to move them outside. The best time to harden off your seedlings is one or two weeks before transplanting them. To harden off your seedlings, you need to gradually expose them to outdoor conditions by placing them in a shady spot for a few hours a day and increasing the time and sun exposure each day. You also need to reduce watering and fertilizing during this period. This will help your seedlings adapt to temperature changes, sunlight intensity, wind speed, humidity levels, etc.

Here is a table of some common fast growing flowers that can be grown from seeds and their sowing, germination, and transplanting times:

How to Grow Fast Growing Flowers in Pots and Containers

Growing fast growing flowers in pots and containers is a great way to add some color and beauty to your balcony, patio, or windowsill. You can also move your pots and containers around to create different looks and effects. Here are some benefits and challenges of growing fast growing flowers in pots and containers:

• Benefits:
  • You can grow fast growing flowers in any space, no matter how small or limited
  • You can control the soil quality, moisture level, and drainage of your pots and containers
  • You can protect your fast growing flowers from pests, diseases, or weather extremes by moving them indoors or outdoors as needed
• Challenges:
  • You may have to water and fertilize your fast growing flowers more often than if you grow them in the ground
  • You may have to repot your fast growing flowers if they outgrow their pots and containers
  • You may have to provide extra support and pruning for your fast growing flowers if they become too tall or leggy

To grow fast growing flowers in pots and containers, you need to follow these steps:

• Choose: Choosing the right pots and containers for your fast growing flowers is important for their health and growth. You need to consider the size, shape, material, and drainage of your pots and containers. The size of your pots and containers should match the size of your fast growing flowers. You don’t want to use pots and containers that are too small or too large for your plants. The shape of your pots and containers should suit the shape of your fast growing flowers. You can use round, square, rectangular, or oval pots and containers depending on the type of flower. The material of your pots and containers should be durable, lightweight, and breathable. You can use plastic, metal, ceramic, or terracotta pots and containers depending on your budget and preference. The drainage of your pots and containers should be adequate, but not excessive. You can use pots and containers that have holes at the bottom or place some gravel or pebbles at the bottom to improve drainage.
• Prepare: Preparing the soil or potting mix for your fast growing flowers is essential for their nutrition and growth. You need to use a good quality soil or potting mix that is rich in organic matter, well-drained, and slightly acidic. You can buy a ready-made soil or potting mix from a nursery or garden center or make your own by mixing some compost, perlite, vermiculite, sand, peat moss, etc. You also need to add some slow-release fertilizer to your soil or potting mix to provide your fast growing flowers with enough nutrients throughout the season.
• Plant: Planting your fast growing flowers in pots and containers is similar to planting them in the ground. You need to fill your pots and containers with soil or potting mix up to two-thirds full. Then, you need to make holes or furrows according to the recommended spacing and depth for each type of flower. Next, you need to place one or two seeds or seedlings in each hole or furrow and cover them lightly with soil or potting mix. Finally, you need to water your fast growing flowers gently and label them with their name and date of planting.
• Care: Caring for your fast growing flowers in pots and containers is different from caring for them in the ground. You need to provide them with more water, fertilizer, support, and pruning than if you grow them in the ground. To water your fast growing flowers, you need to check the soil or potting mix regularly by inserting your finger an inch deep. If it feels dry, you need to water your plants thoroughly until water drains out of the holes. You also need to avoid overwatering or underwatering your plants as this can cause root rot or wilting. To fertilize your fast growing flowers, you need to apply a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the flowering season. You can use a balanced fertilizer or a high phosphorus fertilizer depending on the type of flower. To support your fast-growing flowers, you need to provide them with stakes, cages, trellises, or netting if they are tall or climbing. This will help them grow upright and prevent them from falling over or breaking. To prune your fast-growing flowers, you need to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged parts of your plants regularly. This will help them look neat and healthy and encourage more blooms.

Here is a table of some common fast-growing flowers that can be grown in pots and containers and their recommended pot size:

Here are some creative ideas and examples of how to arrange and display your fast-growing flowers in pots and containers:

• Mix and match: You can mix and match different types, colors, and sizes of fast-growing flowers in one pot or container to create a stunning and diverse display. For example, you can plant zinnias, marigolds, and petunias in a large round pot or container to create a bright and cheerful arrangement. You can also plant sweet peas, larkspur, and snapdragons in a long rectangular pot or container to create a vertical and elegant arrangement.
• Group and cluster: You can group and cluster the same type, color, or size of fast-growing flowers in several pots or containers to create a uniform and harmonious display. For example, you can plant sunflowers in several medium-sized round pots or containers and place them in a sunny spot to create a sunny and radiant display. You can also plant cosmos in several small-sized square pots or containers and place them along a fence or a wall to create a whimsical and airy display.
• Hang and suspend: You can hang and suspend your fast-growing flowers in hanging baskets, window boxes, or wall planters to create a dynamic and eye-catching display. For example, you can plant nasturtiums in hanging baskets and hang them from your balcony or patio to create a colorful and edible display. You can also plant nicotiana in window boxes or wall planters and hang them from your windows or walls to create a fragrant and nocturnal display.

How to Grow Fast-Growing Flowers for Cuttings and Bouquets

Growing fast-growing flowers for cuttings and bouquets is a wonderful way to enjoy your flowers indoors or share them with others. You can use your fast-growing flowers to make beautiful and fragrant arrangements for your home, office, or gifts. Here are some reasons and occasions for growing fast-growing flowers for cuttings and bouquets:

• Reasons:
  • You can extend the life and freshness of your flowers by cutting them and placing them in water
  • You can create your own unique and personalized designs and styles with your flowers
  • You can express your emotions and sentiments with your flowers, such as love, gratitude, sympathy, etc.
• Occasions:
  • You can grow fast-growing flowers for cuttings and bouquets for any occasion, such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, holidays, etc.
  • You can also grow fast-growing flowers for cuttings and bouquets for no occasion at all, just to brighten up your day or someone else’s

There are many types of fast-growing flowers that are ideal for cuttings and bouquets. Here are some criteria that you can use to select the best fast-growing flowers for cuttings and bouquets:

• Longevity: How long do you want your flowers to last in a vase or a bouquet? Some fast-growing flowers have a long vase life, while others have a short vase life. For example, zinnias can last up to two weeks in a vase, while cosmos can last up to a week.
• Sturdiness: How sturdy are your flowers’ stems and petals? Some fast-growing flowers have strong and rigid stems and petals, while others have weak and fragile stems and petals. For example, sunflowers have thick and sturdy stems and petals, while sweet peas have thin and delicate stems and petals.
• Compatibility: How well do your flowers mix and match with other flowers? Some fast-growing flowers have a versatile and harmonious appearance, while others have a distinctive and contrasting appearance. For example, snapdragons have a simple and elegant appearance that can blend with any other flower, while nicotiana has a striking and exotic appearance that can stand out from any other flower.

Based on these criteria, here is a table of some of the best types of fast-growing flowers for cuttings and bouquets:

For each type of fast-growing flower, here are some tips and tricks for harvesting, conditioning, arranging, and preserving them for cuttings and bouquets:

• Harvesting: Harvesting is the process of cutting your flowers from the plant. The best time to harvest your flowers is in the early morning or evening when they are fully hydrated and fresh. You also need to choose the right stage of development for each type of flower. Some flowers, such as zinnias, marigolds, and sunflowers, should be harvested when they are fully open. Other flowers, such as sweet peas, cosmos, and snapdragons, should be harvested when they are partially open. To harvest your flowers, you need to use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the stem at an angle about an inch below the flower head. You also need to remove any leaves or thorns that will be below the water level in the vase or bouquet.
• Conditioning: Conditioning is the process of preparing your flowers for a longer vase life. The best way to condition your flowers is to place them in a bucket of lukewarm water mixed with some floral preservatives or sugar and vinegar. This will help your flowers absorb water and nutrients and prevent bacterial growth. You also need to keep your flowers in a cool and dark place away from direct sun, heat, or drafts for a few hours or overnight before arranging them.
• Arranging: Arranging is the process of creating a design or style with your flowers. The best way to arrange your flowers is to use a clean vase or container filled with fresh water mixed with some floral preservatives or sugar and vinegar. You also need to trim the stems of your flowers again at an angle before placing them in the vase or container. You can arrange your flowers according to your preference or occasion. You can use one type, color, or flower size for a simple and elegant arrangement. You can also use different types, colors, or sizes of flowers for a complex and diverse arrangement. You can also add some filler, foliage, or accessories to your arrangement to enhance its appearance and texture.
• Preserving: Preserving is the process of keeping your flowers fresh and beautiful for longer. The best way to preserve your flowers is to change the water in the vase or container every two or three days and add some floral preservatives or sugar and vinegar. You also need to remove any wilted or dead flowers and leaves from the arrangement. You also need to keep your flowers in a cool and bright place away from direct sun, heat, or drafts.

Conclusion

Fast-growing flowers are flowers that can bloom quickly in a garden or a pot. Grab some seeds, pots, or scissors, and start growing your fast-growing flowers today. You will be amazed by how much joy and beauty they can bring to your life.

Thank you for reading this article and we hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you and see your fast-growing flowers. Happy gardening! 

About The Author

Samantha

I’m Samantha, a plant enthusiast who has been growing plants for years. I believe that plants can make our lives better, both physically and mentally. I started growit.wiki to share my knowledge about how to grow plants. I want to help others enjoy the beauty and benefits of plants.

See author's posts