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These vibrant varieties will give you near-instant results this spring
You don’t have to wait years for a beautiful garden. Some fast-growing flowers can transform a bare, lifeless patch into a colourful display in just a few weeks.
With warmer weather and longer days arriving, now is the perfect time to sow seeds that will quickly burst into bloom. 'March is such a great time to start sowing your garden flowers, especially varieties that quickly grow and thrive in the conditions of early spring,' says Alex Biggart, plant expert at 123 Flowers.
'Choosing reliable, quick-growing plants will allow gardeners to enjoy beautiful gardens in no time full of colour, texture and height from late spring onwards.'
Below, Alex shares his top recommendations for vibrant flowers to sow now.
'One of the most dependable flowers to sow in March is Calendula,' says Alex. The seeds prefer cooler soil, which makes now a great time to plant them. Sow in a sunny position with well-drained soil, and expect bright orange to yellow blooms in just six to eight weeks.
An expert tip? 'Throughout March and spring, trimming any leaves or petals that are dying or even faded is great for encouraging even more growth,' he adds.
These bright blue wildflowers are another variety that grows particularly well from March onwards, Alex tells us. Sow the seeds in a spot that receives full sunlight and water well. Your cornflowers should be blooming within eight to 10 weeks.
'These are a great option for beginner gardeners as they are easy to grow and need very little maintenance beyond occasional watering in dry conditions,' Alex adds.
'For anyone looking for more immediate gratification with quick growth, a cosmos is an ideal option,' says Alex. With their slender stems and paper-thin petals, cosmos are fairly delicate, so it’s best to start them indoors before planting out once the weather turns sunnier and warmer.
They sprout within five to 10 days and flower within eight to 10 weeks. Once established, they're relatively low maintenance – no heavy feeding required.
Another delicate-looking flower is nigella, promising, as the expert puts it, ‘effortless growth’. Scatter seeds directly into borders in March and watch them flower in eight to 10 weeks.
'With it preferring a sunny position and well-drained soil, it can be a bit tricky during a typical UK spring, but when the weather is right, the payoff is worth it for the fine, feathery foliage and star-like flowers add softness and movement to planting schemes,' Alex adds.
With its kaleidoscopic petals and fragrant scent, the sweet pea is another popular variety. Sow them now to reap the benefits in 10 to 12 weeks.
'For the best growth, sow them in deep pots or root trainers to allow space for their long roots, then plant out into a sunny position with sturdy support for climbing,' Alex advises. 'For the best results, regular picking encourages further flowers.'
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