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As July temperatures rise, it may feel like the best planting days are behind us—but there are still plenty of beautiful flowers you can grow. Many blooms started in mid-summer will thrive in the heat and continue to brighten your garden well into fall.
Some flowers can be sown directly from seed, while others are better planted as young transplants. The key is selecting varieties that match your local climate and growing conditions.
If you’re ready to add color to your garden this season, here are some great flowers you can still plant in July.
Calendula
Sow calendula seeds directly in the garden in July, and you can expect cheerful blooms from late summer to the first frosts of winter.
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Sunflowers
Sunflowers will grow quickly in warm weather, producing tall, cheerful blooms from late summer to fall. Sow the seeds directly in well-drained soil in a sunny location. These majestic plants grow quickly, reaching for the sky, offering seeds for birds and beauty for your yard.
Spider Flower (Cleome hassleriana)
Spider flower, also known as cleome, is a fast-growing plant that won’t crowd your garden. Spider flowers typically bloom 8–12 weeks after germination and reach a mature height of 3 to 5 feet. They thrive in full sun, requiring approximately 6–8 hours of daily sunlight, and perform best in well-drained soil. For optimal growth, plant them in USDA zones 9–11.
Marigolds
Marigolds are highly beneficial in the vegetable garden, attracting a variety of insects that help pollinate crops and deter garden pests. Sow
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Zinnias
Plant
Cosmos
Cosmos is another great mid-summer addition to ornamental flower borders, producing delicate, daisy-like blooms. They tolerate summer heat well and add height and movement to garden beds, attracting pollinators with their delicate, daisy-like flowers.
Cosmos seeds can be sown directly in the ground and will thrive in full sun and poor soil. The variety of colors—pink, white, red, orange, and purple—ensures a match for any garden theme.
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Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are known for their trailing growth and bright green leaves complemented by orange, yellow, and red flowers. Sow nasturtiums directly in the ground in well-drained soil and full sun for a stunning display of blooms from mid-summer to the first frost. Nasturtiums make a good trap crop for pests such as aphids and caterpillars.
Morning Glory
Morning glories need full sun and can tolerate heat well. Sow the seeds directly in the ground in July for beautiful, climbing blooms from mid-summer to late fall.
Snapdragons
Sow
Alyssum
Alyssum produces clusters of tiny fragrant blooms from late summer to frost that attract beneficial insects to your garden. Sow the seeds directly in the ground, in full sun or partial shade, and water regularly until germination occurs.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
With its brilliant red spikes, the cardinal flower is a striking choice for shaded gardens. This moisture-loving perennial grows up to four feet tall and remains disease-resistant throughout the season. Zones 3-9.
Autumn Crocus
The autumn crocus, also known as colchicum or meadow saffron, is a stunning bulb plant that graces gardens with its blooms in late summer or early fall. Its delicate, goblet-shaped flowers come in shades of purple, pink, or white. Suitable for Zones 3-8.
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