Flowers suitable for ground planting in May: blooming summer beauties sans sowing hassle, effortlessly.

Late Spring Sowing: Unleashing Your Garden's Full Potential

April 29, 16:15Anastasia Konovalova

Welcome the spring revival with open arms! May signifies the moment when the earth finally warms up, making it the perfect time for direct sowing many varieties of flowers into the open ground. Avid gardeners and flower enthusiasts eagerly anticipate this annual interval – no fiddling with seedlings on windowsills required! The outcome? A kaleidoscope of lush, vibrant flowerbeds that enchant the senses throughout summer and even fall.

So, which frost-resilient flowers can be safely sown in May, without fretting over night frosts and erratic weather conditions? As it turns out, the selection is vast, featuring numerous species that boast impressive resilience and breathtaking beauty.

Annuals Worthy of Your Attention

Zinnias: Popular for their rapid growth, zinnias not only tolerate the cold but thrive in warm weather. These hardy annuals offer a wide array of colors (pink, red, orange, etc.) and resist light cold snaps once established after 5-7 days of germination. Plant ¼ inch deep in full sun, spacing 6–18 inches apart[1][4]. Bonus: they self-sow and bloom until frost, ensuring continuous color[1].
Sunflowers: These fast-growing annuals (germinate in 7–10 days) can thrive in most soils. Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep after the last frost date, maintaining a distance of 6–12 inches apart. The unique variety, Velvet Queen, offers bronze hues[1].
Cosmos: One of the most beloved flowers, cosmos germinates quickly and isn't deterred by cold temperatures. Delicate pink, white, and lavender blooms will adorn any plot when sown in May.
Marigolds: Marigolds not only beautify flowerbeds but also protect vegetable gardens from pests. They thrive in cooler conditions and reward gardeners with their bright yellow, orange, and brown blooms when sown in May.
Cornflower: This flower, often associated with the Russian countryside, is surprisingly hardy and drought-resistant. Its blue and purple blooms will grace the flowerbed with their enchanting presence.
Godetia: These bright, delicate, and unusual flowers germinate quickly, resembling small roses. Plant godetia in sunny spots with light soil for optimal results.
Poppies: Decorative poppies are a boon for lazy gardeners. They need no effort to germinate and bloom with captivating red spots on their own when sown directly into the ground in May.

Perennials Worth the Wait

Delphinium: Sow these majestic flowers in May to cultivate long, spike-like inflorescences that thrive in full sun and loose soil, blooming the following year.
Black-Eyed Susan: This bright "sunflower" with golden petals and a dark center is undemanding and thrives in various conditions. Plant seeds in May to produce strong seedlings that will bloom the following year.
Bellflower: May is the ideal time to sow bellflowers, as they flourish through winter and offer delicate blue, white, or purple blooms the following year.

Planting and Care Tips

Thoroughly dig and loosen the soil, and remove any stubborn weeds before sowing.
Sow seeds 1-2 cm deep, cover with soil, and gently press down to secure.
Water the site well after sowing to hasten germination.
Maintain soil moisture until seedlings appear, especially during dry spells.
Once seedlings emerge, thin them out to ensure they have enough space to grow.

Dare to Get Creative!

May is the opportune time to experiment with flower mixes. Combine different species and varieties, dream up vivid compositions, and mix annuals and perennials. Many flowers planted in May will bloom this summer, while others will promise delight the following year.

Sowing flowers in May is a breeze; no struggle with seedlings, just lush, healthy plants that will transform your garden and captivate your neighbors! The secret lies in selecting suitable varieties, providing a bit of TLC, and enjoying the fruits of your labor!

Expand Your Horizons

Calendula & Alyssum: Frost-tolerant annuals, suitable for sowing 1–2 weeks before the last frost, making late-May plantings a viable option in most regions[2].

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) and Catmint: Listed as spring-planted perennials, although planting details are less specified[5]. While direct sowing is not as common, it may still be an option for the adventurous gardener.

For shrubs, Lilacs (typically in bloom by May) are frost-hardy, but they are usually planted as established shrubs rather than sown from seed[4]. Stick to annuals like zinnias and sunflowers for reliable May sowing.

In May, anticipate the blooming beauties of late spring as you sow frost-resilient flowers such as zinnias, sunflowers, cosmos, marigolds, cornflower, godetia, and poppies directly into the open ground.
For those aiming to cultivate perennials, consider sowing delphinium, black-eyed Susan, and bellflower in May, which will bloom the following year.
To ensure healthy growth, prepare the soil by digging and loosening it before sowing seeds 1-2 cm deep, covering with soil, watering well, and maintaining soil moisture until seedlings appear.
After seedlings emerge, thin them out to provide space for growth and consider experimenting with flower mixes, combining annuals and perennials for a vibrant and unique garden aesthetic.