10 Quick Cut Flowers You Can Grow from Seed
If you've ever wanted to grow your own bouquets but thought it was too late in the season, good news: there's still time! These 10 fast-growing cut flowers can be direct-seeded (planted straight into your garden soil) and will reward you with blooms in about 60 days or less. Whether you’re brand new to cut flower gardening or just want to squeeze in a few more blooms, these are excellent choices.
1. Zinnias (50–60 days)
Bright, bold, and beginner-friendly, zinnias are a cut flower classic. They come in almost every colour, attract pollinators, and last beautifully in the vase. The more you cut them, the more they bloom.
2. Calendula (50–60 days)
These cheerful orange and yellow flowers bloom quickly and are great for cutting or adding to a pollinator patch. Plus, calendula petals are edible and soothing for the skin.
Sunflowers
3. Sunflowers (ProCut or dwarf types) (50–60 days)
Choose single-stem or dwarf varieties for a quicker bloom time. These sunny favourites are easy to grow and make a bold statement in bouquets.
4. Cosmos (55–60 days)
Light, airy, and great for filling out arrangements, cosmos bring a soft, romantic feel to any bouquet. Cut them often to keep the blooms coming.
5. Clarkia (55–60 days)
Clarkia is elegant and a bit old-fashioned in the best way. Its upright, spiked blooms are perfect for hand-tied bouquets, and it grows well in cooler climates.
Nigella
6. Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) (60 days)
Whimsical flowers followed by funky seed pods make nigella a dual-purpose wonder for both fresh and dried arrangements.
7. Basil (Aromatto, Cinnamon) (50–60 days)
Yes, basil! Certain varieties produce beautiful flowers and add scent, structure, and colour to mixed bouquets. Harvest just before full bloom for best vase life.
8. Feverfew (55–65 days)
Tiny daisy-like flowers on branching stems make feverfew a must-have filler in mixed bouquets. It thrives in cool weather and starts blooming fast.
Poppy Seed Pods
9. Poppies (55–65 days)
Poppies are a fleeting beauty in the garden—their petals don’t last long in the vase, but their decorative seed pods are stunning in fresh and dried arrangements. Grow them for texture, variety, and a touch of wild charm.
10. Gypsophila (Annual Baby’s Breath) (50–60 days)
This airy filler is a classic in floral work. The annual variety blooms fast and pairs beautifully with almost anything.
Tips for Success
Direct sow after your last frost when the soil is warm.
Keep soil moist during germination (the first 7–10 days).
Thin seedlings for airflow and stronger plants.
Cut regularly to encourage more blooms!
Growing cut flowers from seed is one of the most rewarding ways to fill your home with colour and joy. Whether you're growing for your own kitchen table or dreaming of bouquets to share, these quick blooms are the perfect place to start.
Happy gardening!
Heidi
