Best Flowers to Sow in July

In July, you can sow seeds for both annuals and perennials to enjoy late summer and fall blooms. Popular choices include zinnias, marigolds, cosmos and calendula for quick-growing annuals, as well as biennials like foxgloves, sweet Williams, and forget-me-nots for flowers next year. You can also start spring-flowering perennials like aquilegia and delphinium indoors for planting next year.

Annuals for Late Summer Blooms:

Sunflowers: These sun-loving flowers can still be planted in July for a late-season show.
Zinnias: A great choice for vibrant colors, zinnias can bloom in just a few weeks from sowing.
Marigolds: These offer beautiful colors and can also help deter pests in your garden.
Calendula: Calendula flowers are edible and can be harvested for adding to dishes, and they also deter some garden pests.
Sweet Alyssum: This fragrant flower is great for borders and containers, and can be sown in July.
Sweet Pea: For a late summer display, sweet peas can be sown in July.
Cosmos: Fast-growing and colorful, some cosmos varieties can bloom in as little as 45 days.
Poppies: You can sow poppies directly into the ground in July for late summer and fall blooms.
Nasturtiums: These can be sown in late July for autumn blooming.
Morning Glories: These colorful climbers can be sown in July for a late summer display.

Biennials for Next Year’s Blooms:

Foxglove: Sow foxgloves in July for flowers next year.
Sweet William: Start sweet William in July for a show of color in the following year.
Forget-Me-Nots: These are also best started in July for a spring display the following year.

Perennials for Next Year’s Blooms:

Aquilegia: Sow these in trays indoors in July for planting out next year.
Bellis: Start bellis indoors in July for blooms the following spring.
Delphinium: Sow delphinium seeds indoors in July for planting out next year.
Echinacea: Sow hardy geraniums like ‘Reflections’ indoors in July for planting out next year.
Hardy Geranium: Hardy geraniums like ‘Reflections’ can be started indoors in July for next year’s blooms.
Scabiosa: Sow scabiosa columbaria ‘Pincushion Pink’ indoors in July for next year.
Viola: Sow viola hybrida ‘Rose Shades’ indoors in July for winter containers.
Wallflowers: Sow wallflowers in July for flowers next spring.
Coneflowers: These are great for adding late season color, and can be started from seed indoors in July.

July Flower Seed Planting Guide

In July, you can still plant seeds for many annual and some perennial flowers, as well as some vegetables like green beans and radishes. Focus on quick-growing varieties for blooms this year, and consider starting some perennials for next year.

Quick-Blooming Flowers to Sow in July:

Annuals: Marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, nasturtiums, calendula, sweet alyssum, and poppies are great choices for late-season color. Consider an ornamental dwarf annual mix for easy variety.
Wildflowers: Cornflowers and California poppies are also excellent options for July planting.
Herbs: Basil, parsley, and other herbs can be started from seed as well.

Flowers to Start Indoors for Next Year:

Perennials: Aquilegia, bellis, delphinium and forget-me-nots can be started indoors now for blooms next year.
Biennials: Foxglove and sweet William are also good choices for fall planting and spring blooms.

Tips for Success:

Sunlight: Most flowers need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Soil: Ensure well-drained soil, and amend with compost if needed.
Watering: Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Direct Sowing: Many flowers can be sown directly into the garden bed, while others may need to be started indoors in trays or pots.
Succession Planting: To extend your bloom season, sow seeds every few weeks.

Specific Examples:

Marigolds: Choose a sunny spot and sow seeds directly into the soil. They typically germinate within 5-7 days.
Zinnias: Dwarf and smaller zinnias are excellent for July planting and will provide blooms before the first frost.
Green Beans: Sow seeds directly into the garden for a harvest in the fall.
Radishes: Plant radishes in late July for a sweet harvest as the temperatures drop in the fall.

Herbs Seeds to Plant in July

In July, you can plant a variety of herb seeds, including annuals like basil, cilantro, and dill, as well as perennials like rosemary, mint, and thyme. Consider planting herbs that thrive in the summer heat, such as basil, oregano, and sage. You can also sow parsley, coriander, and dill directly into the ground for a fall harvest, says the Daily Express.

Annual Herbs:

Basil: A fast-growing herb that can be planted throughout the summer.
Cilantro: Best sown directly into the ground, can be succession planted for baby greens and a fall harvest.
Dill: Thrives in cooler temperatures and can be sown in July for a harvest in about 60 days.
Parsley: Can be sown directly into the ground for a fall and winter harvest.
Oregano: Prefers dry heat and full sun, making July ideal.

Perennial Herbs:

Rosemary: A hardy herb that can be planted in July for warm summer days.
Mint: Can be sown outdoors from May to July and is known for being fairly rampant.
Thyme: Aromatic and spicy, thyme can be planted for a mid-June to mid-July harvest.

Other Herbs to Consider:

Chives: Can be sown in the spring, or last rainy season (September-October).
Sage: Can be sown from early spring to early autumn, but wait until early summer in areas with late frosts.
Lemon Balm: Thrives in moist soil and is great for making lemon balm tea.
Fennel: Some autumn varieties can be sown from July to August.
Arugula: Direct sow for salads and enjoy the peppery flavor

Tips for July Herbs Planting:

Water regularly: The summer heat can dry out soil quickly, so ensure consistent moisture.
Provide shade: Protect young seedlings from intense sun with some shade.
Weed control: Remove weeds to prevent competition for resources.
Thin seedlings: Thin out overcrowded seedlings to allow for healthy growth.
Succession plant: Sow new batches of some herbs (like cilantro) every few weeks to ensure a continuous harvest.

best flowers to sow in July: Planting Guide