Having fresh blooms in your home and office is always a treat. If you want to have the pleasure year-round—without having to visit your local florist—you can grow your own flowers suitable for cutting. How long does it take to grow your own flowers at home? What are the best ways to plant your garden? Read on to learn how you can turn your yard into a florist’s paradise.
How can I grow flowers at home?
When starting a flower garden, think about your overall goal first. Are you exclusively looking for flowers that’ll be suitable to cut? Do you want your garden to be part of your landscaping—that is, make your yard look nicer overall—or will it be tucked away in a less visible area?
You should also think about maintenance, how often you’re willing to replant and whether you want fresh flowers year-round. This will help you decide which varieties are best for your needs and lifestyle.
Location and soil type
The next step is to find out which zone you live in, and what kind of soil you have in your yard. The San Francisco Bay Area is in Zone 10a, and parts of San Francisco itself are in Zone 10b. When you shop for seeds, they’ll tell you the zones in which the plants thrive. Look for Zone 10a/10b plants for best results.
Your soil type will also make a difference. Is your soil made from clay or sand, or is it rocky? You can buy a soil test kit or have a local garden center test your soil. This will tell you what you’re dealing with, and how to make adjustments, if necessary.
Finally, check the growing tips to find out how much sun your plants need. Some thrive in full sun, while others require partial shade or other growing conditions.
Beginner-friendly flowers
How long it takes to grow your own flowers depends on the variety you choose. Here are some beginner-friendly choices that might work in your yard:
- Sunflowers: Bright and cheerful, these hardy flowers grow rapidly and can reach over six feet tall. They do best in bright sunlight, and are drought-tolerant.
- Zinnias: Zinnias reach about two feet tall and have blooms in shades of pink, red, orange, white and yellow. They like full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
- Marigolds: Marigolds are some of the easiest flowers to grow. These relatively short plants usually boast blooms in shades of orange and yellow.
- Cosmos: These big, open flowers resemble daisies, but have orange, pink and white petals. They require full sun and do well in sandy soil—and they repel mosquitoes, too.
Talk to your local garden center about which plants might be right for your specific garden. With some regular maintenance and good conditions, your cut flower garden should thrive.
If a cut flower garden isn’t on your to-do list, our florists can help. Call or stop by The Delicate Daisy – House of Flowers today to order your next custom arrangement.