10 Self-Seeding Annuals for Effortless Garden Colour
These amazing self-seeding plants save time and money. Self-seeding annuals saves money and provides a colourful environment. Let self-seeding plants seed for easy seeding. Don't pull such plants before their seed capsules discharge seeds.
1. Cosmos
Cosmos are beautiful, multipurpose flowers. They attract pollinators and butterflies flock to their sweet nectar. These colourful blooms bloom from early summer to the first frost and require little care.
2. Morning Glory
Morning glories thrive in cool mornings and die in hot ones. Morning glory glows on cloudy days because it stays open all day without sun. ‘Heavenly Blue’ boasts cornflower blue trumpet-like blooms with a frosty white throat.
3. Poppy
Most poppy varieties self-seed and produce bright, beautiful flowers. They're drought- and deer-resistant and produce wonderful cut flowers. Plant poppies in full light and healthy, well-drained soil for optimal results.
4. Coreopsis
Coreopsis blooms brightly all summer into winter. They bloom into winter in warmer climates. Deadheading keeps plants blooming for pollinators. Dry stem flowers to seed.
5. Alyssum
Sweet alyssum makes a wonderful groundcover. This annual grows in most climates, but zones 5-9 reseed reliably. The Mediterranean plant Alyssum blooms from spring till frost. Summer blossoming is possible by planting them in midday shade.
6. China Aster
China asters grow swiftly and flower late spring–fall. Most blooms are purple or blue, but others are pink or white. To protect shallow root systems, plant seeds a week or two after the last expected frost and cover them.
7. Bachelor’s Button
Bachelor's buttons, often known as cornflowers, survive in a variety of temperatures and soil types. Their drought tolerance is not limited to blue, the most prevalent colour. Purple, pink, and white flowers are available.
8. Calendula
The lovely orange and yellow petals of calendula attract a variety of beneficial insects to the yard. A common name is pot marigold. However, they are unrelated. The leaves and blossoms are edible and used in salads as garnishes.
9. Celosia
Some types of celosia are called Cock's Comb due to their look. Other celosia have flame-like or fuzzy-finger blooms. These amaranth relatives stand out in the flower garden.
10. Dianthus
Though short-lived, Dianthus, which includes the carnation, is perennial in zones 6-9. In other places, spicy-scented dianthus can self-seed if its blossoms are left on.