The Ultimate Guide to Growing Summer Flowers

Fresh flowers don’t just look and smell beautiful—they also hold special meanings. That’s why people aim to keep them around as long as they can. Here’s nothing like walking out your back door and being greeted by a garden bursting with colorful summer flowers. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a first-time gardener, growing your own summer blooms is easier (and more rewarding) than you think.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to care of plants, and tips for creating a backyard full of vibrant, long-lasting blooms all summer long.

Why Summer is the Season of Flowers

Summer offers the ideal growing conditions for a wide variety of flowering plants. With long days, warm soil, and plenty of sunshine, it’s a season where color and fragrance come to life.

Benefits of growing summer flowers:

• Adds curb appeal and charm to your home
• Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
• Boosts your mood and encourages outdoor time
• Offers fresh-cut blooms for indoor arrangements

 

Best Summer Flowers to Grow in Your Backyard

1. Sunflowers

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Bloom time: Mid to late summer
• Why grow them: These golden giants are easy to grow and make a bold statement.

 

2. Zinnias

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Bloom time: Late spring to first frost
• Why grow them: Long-lasting, colorful, and perfect for cut flower arrangements.

 

3. Marigolds

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Bloom time: Early summer to frost
• Why grow them: Naturally pest-repelling and vibrant in orange and yellow hues.

 

4. Lavender

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Bloom time: Mid to late summer
• Why grow them: Beautiful, fragrant, and drought-tolerant—plus great for dried bouquets.

 

5. Coneflowers (Echinacea)

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Bloom time: Early to late summer
• Why grow them: Low maintenance and great for pollinators.

 

6. Dahlias

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Bloom time: Mid-summer to first frost
• Why grow them: Showy, dramatic blooms in a wide array of colors.

Summer Flower Gardening Tips

Want a backyard full of color and life? Keep theseflower gardening tips in mind:

✔️ Start with Healthy Soil

Use well-draining soil enriched with compost to give your plants a strong foundation.

✔️ Water Smart

Water early in the morning and deeply, so roots grow stronger and can handle summer heat.

✔️ Deadhead Regularly

Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season.

✔️ Mulch It Up

Mulching retains moisture, reduces weeds, and keeps roots cool during hot spells.

✔️ Choose Native Plants

Native summer flowers tend to be more resilient and attract local wildlife.

Attract Pollinators with Summer Flowers

Flowers like lavender, coneflowers, and zinnias are magnets forbees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Planting a pollinator-friendly garden not only enhances the beauty of your backyard, but also supports local ecosystems.

 

Grow Your Own Cutting Garden

There’s nothing like bringing a bit of the outdoors inside. Create your own backyard bouquet bar with easy-to-grow flowers perfect for cutting:

• Cosmos
• Snapdragons
• Sweet peas
• Black-eyed Susans
• Dahlias

Pro tip: Cut flowers in the early morning when they're most hydrated.