Easy-to-Grow Speedy Summer Blossoms for Late Start Gardeners

If you're feeling behind on your gardening plans for this year, or just want to fill in some gaps in your existing beds, don't despair. June is a fantastic month for getting plants in the ground. The key to late planting success is choosing the right varieties that can swiftly establish themselves during the warmer longer days June offers. With advice from horticulturalists, here are the top quick-blooming flowers to plant straight away.

Bearing long "legs" that bring spiders to mind, Spider flowers (Cleome) are a top choice thanks to their swift growth, according to horticulturist Jennifer Petritz. Especially partial to the Queen series - particularly the 'Violet Queen' - Petritz insists, "Seeds germinate quickly in warm temperatures. Plant them in June and by August, you'll see blossoms".

A choice flower for pollinators, the Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) is a vibrant addition for any summer garden. Petritz declares them, "like a shot of Vitamin C for your summer borders," adding that the flowers germinate swiftly in warm, sunny conditions. Petritz also praises their rich orange hue, which pairs perfectly with blue salvias for a breathtaking late summer floral display.

Petritz has another quick bloomer to suggest, the 'Kilimanjaro White' African Marigold (Tagetes erecta). Families of these marigolds stand taller than others and have fluffy, creamy white flowers that compliment any color in the garden. Petritz explains, "African marigold germinates in five days and can be planted in succession for continuous flowers until a frost."

Another crowd-pleaser is Zinnia (Zinnia spp.). Renowned for their vibrant colors, diverse shapes, and easy growth, they're a favorite of master gardener Angela Judd. "There's a zinnia for every taste," pledges Judd. Her advice? "Keep cutting, and they'll keep blooming."

On the taller side are Sunflowers (Helianthus), famous for their speedy blooming. Picking a type should depend on your gardening goals, states Judd, advising, "opt for the mammoth types for seeds or branching types for blooms and shade." Sunflowers can mature within a swift 50 days, depending on the variety.

With bell-shaped blooms and a variety of popping colors, Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum) are superstars, excellent for rapid growth and repelling pests at the same time. Some even climb trellises for an added summer spectacle.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is another quick bloomer in stunning autumn shades of gold, orange, and white. Some varieties can mature in just fifty days and will continue to bloom until a frost if properly deadheaded.

Bachelor's Button (Centaurea cyanus) adds charming purple flowers quickly, while Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) brings hardy and beautiful daisy-like blooms in a variety of colors. Lastly, Tickseed (Coreopsis), is easy to grow and low-maintenance, quickly filling your garden with color. Armed with these expert-recommended varieties, you'll have a lively, colorful garden before you know it.