It's July. What can I plant now to have lots of flowers by October?

July 7, 2023 9:07 PM

Some space has opened up in my garden, and I'd like to grow some annuals that will get big fast and flower this season. Obviously this is a little late for spring planting... but I am in the East Bay (SF Bay Area), where summer lasts through October (with the warmest days often late in the season, lots of sun, and no threat of frost). I know from experience that there's still enough time for sunflowers. What else might work?
posted by aws17576 to Home & Garden (9 answers total)

Zinnias should work. I assume full/ish sun, since you say sun flowers will have time to bloom?
posted by SaltySalticid at 9:16 PM on July 7, 2023 [3 favorites]

Cosmos can get huge! You should be able to still find starts at a local nursery.
posted by missmobtown at 10:49 PM on July 7, 2023 [1 favorite]

I’m not a CA person so I don’t know if this is out of your way but Annie’s Annuals is a pretty darn good nursery and they should be able to guide you in your selection.
posted by sciencegeek at 3:35 AM on July 8, 2023 [4 favorites]

Marigolds. Look for the short varieties not the tall ones.
posted by Jane the Brown at 5:55 AM on July 8, 2023 [1 favorite]

Nasturtiums
posted by Ideefixe at 8:35 AM on July 8, 2023 [1 favorite]

Seconding Annie's Annuals. They'll fix you right up!
posted by bluesky78987 at 8:55 AM on July 8, 2023

Salvia and Catmint would both do well, and will also come back much larger next year.
posted by nouvelle-personne at 12:27 PM on July 8, 2023 [1 favorite]

Dianthuses are rocket proof and come in many colour varieties. Agastache will last through the autumn and is gorgeous, also excellent for bees.
posted by freya_lamb at 10:45 PM on July 8, 2023

California poppies are lovely and colourful, and will self-seed for next year!
posted by Pallas Athena at 9:26 AM on July 9, 2023