The Cutest Flower Seeds to Start Your First Flower Garden

You don’t need a perfect yard, fancy tools, or years of experience to grow flowers. You just need a little soil, some sunshine, and the right seeds.

I’ve been gardening for years—but when I first started growing flowers, I was low-key intimidated. Vegetables felt practical. Flowers felt…extra. I thought I’d have to spend hours pruning and maintaining my flowers. And I wasn’t sure why should I spend my precious garden space on something I couldn’t even eat.

But here’s the thing. Besides the obvious benefit of bringing all the pollinators to the yard—cue the tiny buzzing entourage—flowers bring joy. And they’re not nearly as high-maintenance as they look.

If you’re a beginner and want to dip your toes into a more colorful garden life, here are some flower seeds I’ve had real success with—and I think you will too.

🌼 Zinnias

If you want a flower that grows fast and blooms like it’s got something to prove, zinnias are your girl. I toss the seeds in a bit of ground, water them inconsistently, and they still show off all summer. And you can keep cutting them for bouquets and they keep coming back!

🧡 Marigolds

These are cheerful, smell kind of funky in a good way, and they help repel bugs (like mosquitoes!). What’s not to love? Great for container gardens or tucked next to your tomatoes.

🌸 Cosmos

Cosmos feel like fairy garden flowers. They grow tall and wispy with delicate blooms, and they reseed themselves if you let them. A dreamy little commitment.

💖 Calendula

Pretty and useful. Calendula can be dried for teas or salves, but it’s also just a gorgeous sunny bloom. Also? It thrives on a little neglect. (It’s often confused with the marigold on the list. If you plant them both and get them confused- take a sniff. Marigolds smell stronger)

🩷 Nasturtiums

They’re edible, beautiful, and almost unkillable. I plant them around the edge of a container or trailing down my patio wall for a little drama.

🌻 Sunflowers

Honestly, what’s more cheerful than a sunflower? They grow tall, turn their faces to the sun, and just radiate joy. If you’ve got a sunny spot or a big pot, give them a try—just plant a few extras, because the birds and squirrels (the greedy little things) will absolutely help themselves

🌿 Want to grow a few veggies too?

If you’ve got a little extra space and want to try growing food along with your flowers, check out my post on The Easiest Vegetables to Grow (Even for Total Beginners).

No yard? No problem. You can absolutely grow a garden without one—here’s how I started a garden without a yard.

And if you’re ready to stop thinking about gardening and actually do the thing, grab my 7-Step Salad Garden Kit. It’s beginner-friendly, low-pressure, and will have you growing greens in no time.