Spring is just around the corner, which means it's time for gardeners of all skill levels to start planning their outdoor oases. And according to leading horticulture experts, there are a few standout plants that practically "grow themselves" this time of year.
What this really means is that even the most novice green thumbs can enjoy a lush, vibrant garden with minimal effort. From cheerful annuals to low-maintenance perennials, here are the top plant picks that are practically foolproof, according to the pros.
Violas: A Burst of Early Spring Color
One of the experts' top recommendations for easy-to-grow spring flowers is the humble viola. "Violas may look dainty, but they are surprisingly resilient and are one of my favorite flowers for extending color into early spring," says Rebecca Sears, gardening expert and CMO at Ferry-Morse.
Sears explains that violas are perfect for beginner gardeners because they grow readily from seed and thrive in garden beds, borders, and containers. To get a head start, she recommends starting viola seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last expected frost, then transplanting them outdoors in early spring.
Sunflowers: A Classic Cheerful Bloom
Another spring staple that's a cinch to grow? The iconic sunflower. "There isn't a seed that could be easier!" raves Melissa Spencer, a flower farmer. "The majestic, sun-faced sunflowers are one of the most important and oldest native flowers of North America."
Spencer says sunflowers are a great choice for new gardeners because the seeds practically sprout themselves. Just direct sow them in the ground after the threat of frost has passed, and watch them burst into bloom. With their deep taproots, sunflowers can also help aerate and enrich the soil.
Zinnias: A Nonstop Display of Color
Looking to fill your garden with a rainbow of vibrant hues? Zinnias are another annual that the experts swear by. "We love to grow zinnias at the flower farm because of their 'true' blue color," say Jennifer and Adam O'Neal, owners of PepperHarrow Farm. "They're great for drying, and they're also a pollinator magnet."
Zinnias thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a hardy, low-maintenance choice. The O'Neals recommend direct sowing zinnia seeds in the ground once the danger of frost has passed.
The bigger picture here is that the key to gardening success, especially for beginners, is choosing plants that are known to be easy and resilient. By focusing on these foolproof options, new green thumbs can enjoy the satisfaction of a beautiful, thriving garden with minimal fuss. And as the experts have shown, there are plenty of spring-blooming plants that practically grow themselves.