Easiest Flowers to Grow

The easiest flowers to grow do not need much care, can survive if you miss a watering or two and can take just about any type of soil. That does not mean they need no care, just less than others, but it would take a lot of neglect to have a big adverse effect on the flowers. The easiest flowers to grow are a good way to get children interested in gardening. They will not get discouraged and still will learn what it takes to be a good gardener.

Daylily

Daylilies come in a variety of colors--the only color they do not come in a shade of is blue--and can tolerate many different growing conditions. Each flower will only last one day, but each plant will produce many flowers, one after the other. Add compost to the soil to make it well drained and make sure they get about 6 hours of sunshine a day. Daylilies can grow from 8 inches to 5 feet in height and the flowers can be from 2 inches to 8 inches across. Daylilies can be planted in either the spring or fall and should be planted from 18 to 24 inches apart in holes that are slightly bigger than the root. Plant with the crown no more than 1 inch below the surface, firm the soil around the plant with the hands and give it a good watering. Remove deal flowers and leaves.

Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan plants do best in full sun. They come in shades of yellow and gold and grow from 18 inches to 72 inches high. Black-eyed Susan plants flower in late summer and early fall. They should be planted from 18 to 24 inches apart. They can tolerate poor soil conditions and drought, just be sure to water them if there is an extended dry period. Fertilizer is not necessary, but it will help produce larger flowers. Once the black-eyed Susan is established, it can be left to grow by itself.

Marigolds

Marigold flowers come in a wide variety of colors from while to red and flower from the middle of the summer up to first frost. Insects dislike the aroma of marigolds so much that marigolds are planted with other plants, including vegetables, as an natural insect repellent. Marigolds can be shorter than a foot to over 4 feet tall. It is a good idea to start marigolds indoors and then transplant outside in the spring.
If you want to plant directly in the garden, plant early in the spring and cover lightly with soil. Give a good watering and you will have flowers by mid-summer.

Cosmos

Cosmos are very drought tolerant. They will not mind if you skip a watering or two. Cosmos range from 2 to 6 feet in height and come in many colors including lavender, pink, white and yellow. Cosmos can be grown in the shade, but will not produce as many flowers as in full sunshine. All cosmos needs is a deep watering-- to the depth of 6 inches--if there is a long dry period. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch and the soil will stay good and moist.

Portulaca

Portulaca is a drought resistant annual that produces low growing cup shaped flowers. Portulaca is very adaptable, can survive in almost any type of soil and likes a hot and dry climate. Give them a well drained sunny spot. Portulaca will grow to be about 4 to 8 inches in height and spread out to 6 to 18 inches. They make an excellent flowering ground cover. Portulaca are one of the easiest flowers to plant. Just rake the soil and scatter the seeds. They do not need to be covered. Then give them a good soaking and let them grow.

References

• Portulaca
• Cosmos
• Marigolds

Resources

• Black Eyed Susans
• Daylillies