A Florist’s Guide: The Easiest Focal Flowers to Grow from Seeds
Growing focal flowers from seeds can be both rewarding and cost-effective, especially for florists looking to source fresh blooms for arrangements. Here's a flower delivery guide to some of the easiest and most reliable focal flowers to cultivate, along with tips for success.
1. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
Why Grow Them?
Sunflowers are iconic focal flowers that add height, brightness, and cheer to any arrangement. They’re easy to grow and come in various sizes and colors, from classic yellow to deep burgundy.
Growing Tips:
Sowing: Direct sow in well-draining soil after the last frost.
Care: Full sun and minimal watering once established.
Time to Bloom: 60-90 days.
Popular Varieties:
‘Moulin Rouge’ (deep red petals)
‘Sunrich Orange’ (classic yellow)
2. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
Why Grow Them?
Zinnias are bold, vibrant flowers with a long vase life. They come in various shapes and sizes, perfect for diverse arrangements.
Growing Tips:
Sowing: Start indoors or direct sow after frost.
Care: Provide full sun and deadhead to promote continuous blooming.
Time to Bloom: 60-70 days.
Popular Varieties:
‘Benary’s Giant’ (large blooms, ideal for arrangements)
‘Queen Lime’ series (unique green and blush tones)
3. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus and Cosmos sulphureus)
Why Grow Them?
With delicate, daisy-like blooms, cosmos add a touch of whimsy and elegance. They're incredibly hardy and thrive in poor soil conditions.
Growing Tips:
Sowing: Direct sow or start indoors 4-6 weeks before frost ends.
Care: Thrive in full sun; tolerate drought.
Time to Bloom: 70-80 days.
Popular Varieties:
‘Double Click’ (ruffled petals)
‘Rubenza’ (deep red blooms)
4. Dahlias (Dahlia variabilis)
Why Grow Them?
While dahlias are traditionally grown from tubers, seed-grown varieties like Dahlia variabilis are easy and still produce show-stopping blooms.
Growing Tips:
Sowing: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
Care: Provide full sun and rich, well-draining soil.
Time to Bloom: 80-120 days.
Popular Varieties:
‘Figaro Mix’ (compact, colorful blooms)
‘Bishop’s Children’ (dark foliage, vibrant flowers)
5. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Why Grow Them?
Snapdragons are versatile focal flowers with tall, spiky blooms. They bring texture and height to floral designs.
Growing Tips:
Sowing: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost.
Care: Thrive in cool weather; pinch back for bushier plants.
Time to Bloom: 80-100 days.
Popular Varieties:
‘Rocket’ series (tall, vibrant spikes)
‘Madame Butterfly’ (double blooms)
6. Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)
Why Grow Them?
Amaranth’s striking, cascading flowers (e.g., Love-Lies-Bleeding) or upright plumes add drama to bouquets.
Growing Tips:
Sowing: Direct sow or start indoors 4-6 weeks before frost ends.
Care: Full sun and moderate watering.
Time to Bloom: 60-80 days.
Popular Varieties:
‘Love-Lies-Bleeding’ (cascading red blooms)
‘Hot Biscuits’ (warm orange plumes)
7. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Why Grow Them?
Marigolds are not only vibrant focal flowers but also repel pests, making them excellent companions in the garden.
Growing Tips:
Sowing: Direct sow after frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier.
Care: Full sun and moderate watering.
Time to Bloom: 50-60 days.
Popular Varieties:
‘Crackerjack’ (large, double blooms in orange and yellow)
‘Vanilla’ (creamy white blooms)
8. Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)
Why Grow Them?
Known for their delicate, fragrant blooms, sweet peas make for romantic focal flowers, especially in spring arrangements.
Growing Tips:
Sowing: Direct sow in early spring or late winter. Soak seeds overnight for better germination.
Care: Provide a trellis and cool temperatures.
Time to Bloom: 90-120 days.
Popular Varieties:
‘Mammoth’ series (large flowers)
‘Old Spice’ mix (intensely fragrant blooms)
9. Poppies (Papaver spp.)
Why Grow Them?
Poppies offer delicate, papery petals in vivid colors, perfect as statement blooms.
Growing Tips:
Sowing: Direct sow in late fall or early spring.
Care: Prefer full sun and minimal watering.
Time to Bloom: 60-90 days.
Popular Varieties:
‘Shirley’ (pastel shades)
‘Lauren’s Grape’ (deep purple)
By selecting these reliable, easy-to-grow focal flowers, florists can ensure a steady supply of stunning blooms for their arrangements while enjoying the process of nurturing them from seed to centerpiece.
