Blooming Delights in July: Top 10 Flowers to Cultivate
July is the perfect time to infuse your garden with a riot of colours and scents as various flowering plants begin to bloom. Here's a selection of the best options for July planting, along with their specific care instructions:
## Best Flowering Plants to Grow in July
### 1. **Sunflowers** - **Growing Conditions**: Sunny locations and well-draining soil are essential for these towering beauties. - **Care Instructions**: Plant sunflower seeds about 1 inch deep and a foot apart. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Deadhead faded flowers to encourage more blooms.
### 2. **Marigolds** - **Growing Conditions**: Marigolds thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. - **Care Instructions**: Plant marigold seeds about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. These are easy to grow alongside tomatoes. Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooms.
### 3. **Calendula** - **Growing Conditions**: Calendula prefers full sun or partial afternoon shade, and tolerates poor to average soil. - **Care Instructions**: Sow calendula seeds about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Add compost or fertilizer to poor soil. Pinch out stalks to prevent spindly growth and deadhead to promote more blooms.
### 4. **Lantana** - **Growing Conditions**: Lantana is a sun-loving plant that prefers well-draining soil. - **Care Instructions**: Plant lantana in pots for easy care. They thrive in heat and can cope with drought but perform better with regular watering. Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms.
### 5. **Forget-me-nots** - **Growing Conditions**: Shady spots and moist, well-drained soil are ideal for forget-me-nots. - **Care Instructions**: Sow forget-me-not seeds on the surface. They prefer cooler, moist conditions. Ensure soil is evenly moist and space seedlings about 6 inches apart to prevent overcrowding.
### 6. **Sweet William (Dianthus)** - **Growing Conditions**: Sunny locations and well-draining soil are perfect for Sweet William. - **Care Instructions**: Sow Sweet William seeds in June or July. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Transplant seedlings once they are sturdy enough. This biennial is ideal for borders and rock gardens.
## Additional Tips: - **Soil Preparation**: Ensure all soils are well-draining to prevent root rot. - **Watering**: Water plants regularly, especially during hot weather, but avoid overwatering. - **Pest Control**: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and use organic pest control methods if necessary.
These plants will provide vibrant colours throughout the late summer and into the fall, adding beauty and life to your garden. Happy planting!
Other plants like geraniums, zinnias, hydrangeas, California poppies, cosmos, cornflowers, and cleomes also do well in July, with their specific care instructions detailed elsewhere. July is an ideal time for planting a variety of flowering plants that will continue to bloom through the late summer and into the fall.
Including these plants in your home-and-garden lifestyle will bring a beautiful array of colors and scents to your outdoor space. By growing sunflowers, marigolds, calendula, lantana, forget-me-nots, Sweet William (Dianthus), and more, you can create a stunning home-and-garden display while enjoying a rewarding gardening experience.
