Flowers for Long Blooming – Sow These Beauties in April!
It’s mid-April, the sun is reminding us of its power more boldly (even if it sometimes hides behind the clouds 😉), and you’re probably itching to get your hands in the soil, right? Do you dream of a garden exploding with colors, delighting not only in summer but dazzling with a riot of hues right up until the first autumn chills? I have fantastic news for you! NOW is the perfect moment to sow some absolute sure bets that are famous for their long and truly abundant blooming.
Forget complicated procedures and expensive seedlings. These flowers are pure joy – easy to grow, rewarding, and simply beautiful. All you need is a packet of seeds, some sun, and water. Ready for a real explosion of color in your garden, on your balcony, or terrace? Let’s get started!
1. Cosmos – The Delicate Giant Dancing in the Wind
Do you know those tall, airy flowers with lacy leaves and delicate petals in shades of pink, white, purple, and even sunny yellow? That’s cosmos! It grows quickly, forming beautiful, openwork clumps that sway wonderfully in the breeze.
Why you’ll love it
It’s incredibly easy to grow, blooms tirelessly from mid-summer until the frosts, and adds lightness to flower beds. Perfect for the back of borders, as a backdrop for lower plants, or as a ‘filler’ for empty spaces.
How to sow
Piece of cake! In April, sow the seeds directly into the ground in a sunny spot. Cover them with a very thin layer of soil (literally half a centimeter), water, and… wait for the green sprouts.
Bonus
Attracts butterflies and bees – your garden will be buzzing with life!
2. Zinnia – The True Queen of Summer Bouquets
If you love intense, almost neon colors, then zinnia is for you! From fiery reds, through juicy oranges, sunny yellows, candy pinks, to deep purples – zinnias have it all! Their flowers sit on stiff stems, making them perfect candidates for cut flowers. Imagine those colorful bouquets in your home!
Why you’ll love it
For the incredible palette of colors, long blooming period, and how great it looks in a vase.
How to sow
Zinnias love warmth. You can sow them directly into the ground in late April or early May, once the risk of frost has passed. If you’re impatient, prepare seedlings at home right now! Remember not to sow too densely, as they need some space to develop.
Requirements
Lots of sun – that’s the key to abundant flowering!
3. Marigold (Tagetes) – The Reliable, Fragrant Garden Guardian
Marigolds are an absolute classic and an “ironclad” player in any garden. Low, compact clumps or taller varieties – you can always count on them all. They bloom continuously and profusely until the first frosts, even if you happen to forget about them for a moment. What’s more, their characteristic scent has its advantages!
Why you’ll love it
For its reliability, length of flowering, and resilience. These are flowers that “grow themselves.”
How to sow
Sow directly into the ground from mid-April to May. They grow practically anywhere, but they bloom most beautifully in full sun.
Superpower
The scent of marigolds deters some soil pests, like nematodes. It’s like your little natural bodyguard for other plants!
4. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum) – Cascades of Color (and Flavor!)
Looking for something to quickly cover an empty spot on the flower bed, decorate a balcony box, or picturesquely trail over a wall or fence? Nasturtium is the answer! Its round, shield-like leaves and bright flowers in warm colors (orange, yellow, red) are pure joy for the eyes.
Why you’ll love it
For its fast growth, versatility (beds, pots, borders), and low demands.
How to sow
Sow the large seeds directly into the ground in April or May, preferably in their final location, as they don’t like being transplanted.
Surprise
Did you know that its flowers and young leaves are edible? They have an interesting, slightly peppery taste – perfect for summer salads! Just make sure you haven’t sprayed the plants with chemicals. 😉
A Few Golden Rules to Start
Sowing Depth
Remember the rule – cover seeds with a layer of soil equal to 2-3 times their thickness. Tiny seeds (like lobelia, if you’re sowing that too) often don’t need covering at all, just gently press them into the substrate.
Watering
The soil must be kept constantly slightly moist, especially when the seeds are germinating. Water with a gentle stream so you don’t wash away your newly sown treasures.
Location
Most summer flowers love the sun – the more sun, the more flowers.
And that’s basically the whole philosophy! Choose your favorites from this list (or maybe you’ll be tempted by all of them?), grab the colorful seed packets and get to work! You’ll see how little it takes for your garden, terrace, or balcony to transform into a vibrant, colorful paradise for long months. This little bit of work now in April is the best investment in your summer and autumn smile.
Don’t wait, sow joy and colors! Good luck!
