20 Beginner Friendly Flowers That Are Super Easy to Grow
Introduction: New to Gardening? Start Here!
So, you’re dreaming of a blooming garden but worried you don’t have a green thumb? Trust me, we’ve all been there, accidentally turning a cactus into a crisp. But don’t sweat it—this guide on 20 Beginner Friendly Flowers That Are Super Easy to Grow is exactly what you need. Whether your backyard is a sprawling oasis or just a sunny balcony, you’ll find gardening flowers here that are foolproof and fabulous. Let’s get your hands dirty—in a good way!
1. Marigold: The Sunshine Specialist
If flowers could win awards for cheerfulness, marigolds would take the crown. These golden beauties are your best friend if you’re a forgetful waterer (no judgment!).
Why You’ll Love Them:
- Plant Type: Annual
- Bloom Time: Early summer to frost
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Height/Spread: 6–36 inches tall, depending on the variety
- Maintenance: Low
- Water Needs: Moderate
Bonus Tip: Marigolds are like bouncers for your garden. They repel pests naturally. Talk about flower power!
2. Zinnia: The Color Carnival
Want a party in your flower bed? Zinnias are like confetti in bloom form. And guess what? They’re almost impossible to mess up.
Fast Facts:
- Plant Type: Annual
- Bloom Time: Spring to frost
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Height/Spread: 1–4 feet tall
- Maintenance: Easy-peasy
- Water Needs: Moderate
They come in every color except blue. Sorry, blue lovers!
3. Nasturtiums: Edible and Elegant
These guys aren’t just pretty—they’re practical. Nasturtiums are edible! Perfect for those who like their salad to have a little style.
Flower Profile:
- Plant Type: Annual
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Height/Spread: 12–18 inches
- Maintenance: Low
- Water Needs: Low
Use them in salads or as garnish. Your guests will think you’re fancy. (You are!)
4. Cosmos: The Wildflower Wonder
Cosmos look like they’ve come straight out of a whimsical children’s book. Perfect for that “wild and free” flowers aesthetic.
Flower Facts:
- Plant Type: Annual
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Height/Spread: Up to 6 feet tall
- Maintenance: Low
- Water Needs: Low to moderate
They reseed themselves, so next year’s garden plans? Done.
5. Pansies: The Friendly Face
Who can resist that sweet little face? Pansies are charming, colorful, and tough cookies in cool weather.
Plant Overview:
- Plant Type: Annual or biennial
- Bloom Time: Spring and fall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Height/Spread: 6–9 inches
- Maintenance: Low
- Water Needs: Moderate
Mix and match colors for that perfect Instagram moment.
6. Calendula: Nature’s Little Healer
Nicknamed pot marigold, calendula is not only pretty—it’s got medicinal properties!
Garden Details:
- Plant Type: Annual
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Height/Spread: 12–24 inches
- Maintenance: Easy
- Water Needs: Moderate
Dry the petals for DIY salves and teas. Fancy AND functional.
7. Sunflowers: The Garden Giants
Sunflowers are the golden retrievers of the flower world—friendly, warm, and always turning their face to the sun.
What to Know:
- Plant Type: Annual
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Height/Spread: 3–12 feet tall
- Maintenance: Low
- Water Needs: Moderate
Perfect for kids’ gardens or a cheerful pick-me-up.
8. Snapdragons: The Dragon’s Breath
With their quirky blooms that kids love to pinch open, snapdragons are pure garden fun.
Grower’s Guide:
- Plant Type: Annual or perennial (depending on zone)
- Bloom Time: Spring and fall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Height/Spread: 6–36 inches
- Maintenance: Moderate
- Water Needs: Moderate
They attract pollinators, so your garden becomes a buzzing buffet.
9. Impatiens: The Shade Dwellers
Got more shade than sunshine? No worries—impatiens thrive in darker corners and still bring the drama.
At a Glance:
- Plant Type: Annual
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread: 8–24 inches
- Maintenance: Easy
- Water Needs: High
Best paired with ferns for a woodland vibe.
10. Petunias: The Hanging Basket Heroes
If you want cascading colors from your hanging baskets or window boxes, petunias are your go-to guys.
Flower Snapshot:
- Plant Type: Annual
- Bloom Time: Spring to frost
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Height/Spread: 6–18 inches tall, spreads up to 3 feet
- Maintenance: Low
- Water Needs: Moderate
They come in nearly every color—yes, even stripes!
11. Dianthus: The Fragrant Fringe
Dianthus, also known as “pinks,” offer a delightful clove-like scent and are absolute charmers.
Specs:
- Plant Type: Perennial or biennial
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Height/Spread: 6–18 inches
- Maintenance: Easy
- Water Needs: Moderate
Perfect for cottage gardens and nostalgic vibes.
12. Alyssum: The Ground-Hugger
Sweet and subtle, alyssum is like a flowery carpet under your taller blooms.
Ground Coverage:
- Plant Type: Annual
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Height/Spread: 3–6 inches tall
- Maintenance: Low
- Water Needs: Low
They smell like honey and are bee magnets.
13. Geraniums: The Balcony Favorites
Geraniums are tough, colorful, and ideal for balconies or windowsills. Their blooms just don’t quit.
Quick Look:
- Plant Type: Perennial (commonly grown as annual)
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Height/Spread: 12–24 inches
- Maintenance: Easy
- Water Needs: Moderate
Bonus: They’re drought-tolerant and smell great, too.
14. Begonias: The Shady Beauties
No sun? No problem. Begonias love low light and still deliver big color.
Plant Notes:
- Plant Type: Annual or perennial
- Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
- Height/Spread: 6–18 inches
- Maintenance: Low
- Water Needs: Moderate to high
Great for indoor pots or shaded patios.
15. Black eyed Susan’s: The Golden Glow
Black-eyed Susans brighten up gardens with their sunny color and reliable growth.
Highlights:
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Height/Spread: 18–36 inches
- Maintenance: Easy
- Water Needs: Moderate
They attract butterflies and are great cut flowers.
16. Lantana: The Color Explosion
Lantana bursts with clusters of tiny blooms in multiple colors—perfect for hot, dry spots.
Details:
- Plant Type: Perennial in warm climates, annual elsewhere
- Bloom Time: Late spring to frost
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Height/Spread: 12–36 inches
- Maintenance: Very low
- Water Needs: Low
They’re tough, pretty, and drought-resistant.
17. Sweet Peas: The Fragrant Climbers
Sweet peas climb gracefully and smell divine—perfect for trellises.
Plant Basics:
- Plant Type: Annual
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Height/Spread: 4–6 feet
- Maintenance: Moderate
- Water Needs: Regular
Pinch the tops to encourage bushier growth.
18. Morning Glories: The Dawn Bloomers
Morning glories pop open early and climb just about anything.
Essentials:
- Plant Type: Annual
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Height/Spread: 6–12 feet
- Maintenance: Low
- Water Needs: Moderate
They close up by midday—like introverts at a party.
19. Coreopsis: The Golden Child
Coreopsis is sunshine in flower form and incredibly low maintenance.
Flower Facts:
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Bloom Time: Early summer to fall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Height/Spread: 18–24 inches
- Maintenance: Low
- Water Needs: Low to moderate
Great for xeriscaping or dry gardens.
20. Verbena: The Pollinator Magnet
Verbena adds long-lasting color and attracts all the good bugs.
Snapshot:
- Plant Type: Annual or perennial
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Height/Spread: 6–12 inches tall, spreads 12–24 inches
- Maintenance: Low
- Water Needs: Moderate
Perfect for flower borders and containers.
Conclusion: Time to Grow!
There you have it—20 beginner friendly flowers that are super easy to grow and packed with beauty, personality, and color. You don’t need to be a pro gardener to get started. With the right flowers and a dash of love, your garden can bloom into something magical.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those seeds, toss on your gardening gloves, and start building your very own paradise. Remember—flowers don’t judge. Even if your watering schedule is more wishful thinking than routine, these plants have got your back!
Happy planting, flower warrior! 🌿
Want more beginner gardening tips? Check out the University of Minnesota Extension’s beginner gardening guide for practical advice from experts.
Want more color in your garden? Don’t miss our guide on Top 15 Red Flowers to Grow for a Gorgeous Garden.
