Each season comes with its own unique joys and challenges when it comes to gardening. While some flowers thrive in the cooler temperatures of spring, summer is a time of vibrant color and growth. With the right choices, you can create a stunning display of flowers that will bring joy and beauty to your outdoor space.

As the weather warms up, many annual flowers begin to bloom, providing a riot of color and texture to the garden. However, if you’re looking to add a splash of summer color to your garden, it’s essential to plant the right flowers at the right time. Fortunately, there are many species that can be introduced to your garden in April that will be ready to put on a show in just a couple of months.

Choosing the Right Flowers for Your Garden

When deciding what plants to include in your garden, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to filter by which plants will thrive in your specific conditions, including weather and soil type. Next, you’ll want to assess which plants are already at root in the garden and which species will complement them. Many gardeners like to incorporate a mix of heights and textures to create visual interest, while others may prefer to stick to a single color scheme or family.

Another factor to consider is whether you’ll be using perennial or annual plants. Perennials can be a great choice for consistency, as they have a longer lifespan and will flower again next year. However, annuals can be a great way to change things up year to year, and they’re often a lower risk investment for gardeners who are new to planting.

7 Annual Flowers to Sow in April

1. Snapdragons

Visually exciting both from a distance and up close, snapdragons are an easy way to add both color and dimension to your garden. Characterized by long spikes of mostly monochromatic flowers, this plant comes in several different shades and can therefore suit various color schemes. Snapdragons are hardy plants that are great for gardeners at all levels of experience.

They prefer well-draining soil and full sun, but can withstand cold temperatures and are generally quite hardy. To plant, sow seeds directly outdoors and keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. You can expect blooms in 60-90 days; deadhead old blooms to promote continuous flowering.

2. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums come in both annual and perennial varieties, but annuals are perfect for a pop of summer color as the blooms are brighter, with smaller foliage. The flowers are known for their mass of densely packed petals that slowly unfurl to reveal layers of pretty color.

They come in saturated warmer hues and if you live in southern regions, you may even get to enjoy two rounds of blooms in late spring and fall. To plant, wait until the last frosts have passed and then direct sow the seeds into well-prepared soil. Colder climate gardeners may want to sow their seeds indoors in April, to transplant in May when the weather is more consistently warm.

3. Nasturtiums

If you’re searching for flowers with dual purpose, nasturtiums are a great choice: Not only are they pretty to look at, but you can eat both the flowers and the leaves. This plant is known for its brightly colored blooms, often in striking shades of orange and yellow, which feature a few wide petals around a small center.

Nasturtiums grow quickly and can be planted outdoors as soon as the soil temperature reaches 68 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also begin the seeds indoors if your April temperatures are a bit colder, which some gardeners prefer as it gives better pest protection to delicate young shoots.

4. Zinnias

Zinnias are a vibrant addition to any garden, with their long stalks topped by a small profusion of colorful petals. They look quite similar to daisies, except they come in vivid hues like fuschia, coral and crimson.

They are available in single, double, and semi-double flowered varieties, which refers to the number of petals they have and the corresponding visibility of their centers. Zinnias can be enjoyed both in the soil bed and then as cut flowers in a vase, since they have minimal foliage.

5. Marigolds

Similar to nasturtiums in that they provide both color and sustenance, marigolds are a beloved flower that have an entire color named after them: marigold yellow. In fact, marigolds also come in shades of orange and red, but they are most recognized in their rich golden yellow variety.

The blooms are large and rounded, with several layers of saturated petals that create a substantial crown on the top of deep green foliage. Not only do they attract people, but also popular summer pollinators like bees and butterflies. Marigolds are easy and fast to grow, and they can be planted with children.

6. Pansies

Pansies have a very signature look that people often describe as looking like a face; children might recognize them from the film of Alice in Wonderland. Their brightly colored petals and contrasting centers make for a fun and whimsical garden flower, while their smaller height can provide balance to larger varieties.

Pansies flower earlier than many other summer plants, which means you can enjoy them earlier – and longer. To help them thrive, sow the seeds in well-draining soil in areas with partial sunlight.

7. African Daisies

African daisies come in a range of vivid colors and can grow as large as 3 feet tall. While there are several pretty colors available, perhaps the most original variety is the Whirlygig style of African daisy, which has spoon-like petals that create an almost alien-like effect.

This flower is especially playful and pretty, adding extra dimension and originality to any summer garden, but all of the varieties will add vibrancy in as little as 2 months after planting. To grow African daisies, you’ll want to choose a spot with full sun that will encourage the maximum number of flowers to bloom.

They prefer fairly moist, rich soil but are drought-tolerant, so err on the side of underwatering if you’re not sure. If you plant in April, you should be able to enjoy flowers in late spring and then again in late summer.

With these 7 annual flowers, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning summer garden that will bring joy and beauty to your outdoor space.