Grow your own bouquets — it’s easier than you think!

Do you love flowers? I do. Nothing brightens up a home quite like a fresh bouquet on the kitchen table. Each summer, I grow flowers just for cutting — and you can too! Whether you're a beginner or seasoned gardener, these 10 cut flower varieties are easy to grow and thrive right here in Alberta.

Growing Cut Flowers in Alberta: What to Know First

Years ago, I took a college course on field-grown cut flowers, and it completely opened my eyes. Alberta’s climate can grow so many beautiful varieties that do wonderfully in arrangements. You might think it’s too hard — but trust me, it’s not.

While many flowers benefit from a head start indoors or in a greenhouse, the flowers in this list can all be direct sown in your garden. That makes them perfect for new gardeners or anyone without indoor growing space.

Before you plant:
Know your local last frost date — this is key for timing! You can look it up online, ask your local greenhouse, or chat with fellow gardeners. Here in central Alberta, our last frost is typically around May 23.

I usually start my hardy seeds outdoors in late April, and my more tender flowers at the end of May or early June.

🌿 Hardy Annual Cut Flowers

These can handle cooler spring temps and can be planted early!

1. Chocolate Lace Flower (Daucus carota)

This one’s a showstopper with its delicate, dill-like flower heads in mauve, pale pink, and white. Start indoors for best results, but they’ll also grow well direct sown without covering the seeds. Germination takes 7–14 days.

Chocolate Lace Flower or False Queen Anne’s Lace - Daucus carota

2. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Bright, cheerful, and super productive — the more you cut, the more they bloom! Slightly sticky when handled, but well worth it. Sow directly with a light soil covering. Germinates in 10–14 days.

3. Bachelor Buttons (Centaurea cyanus)

A nostalgic classic — these popped up everywhere in my mom’s garden. Direct seed outdoors with a dusting of soil. They self-seed easily, but are simple to manage.

4. Larkspur (Delphinium consolida)

A shorter cousin of the classic delphinium, with a wild mix of colours. Great for drying, too! These prefer cool soil and should be direct sown for best success.

5. Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)

Fragrant and well-loved. You can start them indoors or sow directly outside. Cover seeds lightly — they’ll sprout in about a week.

6. Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis)

These are totally unique — tall, green spires with a fresh scent. Slow germinators (14–21 days) and like to be left uncovered. Be patient — they often surprise me by showing up after I’ve given up!

🌼 Warm Season Annual Cut Flowers

Plant these after all danger of frost has passed — typically late May or early June here.

7. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Easy and sunny! Try pollen-less varieties to keep your table clean. Harvest just as petals are opening for best vase life.

8. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

So bright and bold — I especially love ‘Benary’s Giant’ for its huge blooms. Cut when the flower head is firm and doesn’t wiggle on the stem.

9. Love-Lies-Bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus)

Dramatic and textured, with cascading or upright flower heads. Plant close together to keep them a manageable size. Heads can drop seeds, so clean up after bloom.

10. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Airy and delicate, with feathery foliage that’s just as pretty as the flowers. Choose taller varieties for cutting. Shelter them from strong wind to keep stems upright.

🌸 Bonus Picks for the Flower-Obsessed

Can’t stop at ten? Me neither! Here are more of my go-to cut flower varieties — some might need a head start indoors, but they’re all garden-worthy:

Queen Anne’s Lace (Ammi majus)
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) — start indoors
Strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum)
Nigella (Nigella damascena)
White Lace Flower (Orlaya grandiflora)
Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) — start indoors
Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa atropurpurea)
Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)
Wheat or Barley — great textural additions!

Happy Gardening

Heidi

10 Easy-to-Grow Cut Flowers for Alberta Gardens

Growing Cut Flowers in Alberta: What to Know First