Quick Growing Flower Seeds

Sunflowers

• Sunflowers come in many varieties, including the fluffy Teddy Bear, the large-centered Big Smile and the brilliant red Moulin Rouge. Sunflowers grow in a matter of weeks, and because they are so large, they appear to grow that much faster. Sunflowers thrive in areas with plenty of sunshine and limited wind. As they grow, tie their stems to garden stakes or a nearby fence or other structure.

Nasturtiums

• Nasturtiums are small, edible flowers that bloom in less than a month. The blooms and seeds can be included in a salad for a peppery accent. They grow best when ignored: If you feed and water them too much, the plant will grow large, but will not produce many flowers. Nasturtiums can grow in shady areas, but do best in full sunlight. Plant climbing varieties near a fence or wall to allow them to spread.

Zinnias

• Different varieties of zinnia can vary greatly in size and color, but all have fluffy, multi-petaled blooms. They can grow anywhere from 1 to 3 feet tall and bloom a few weeks after planting in ideal conditions. They thrive in full sun and are very drought tolerant, making them good choices in dry climates. Zinnias should be planted directly in a garden; they do not grow well indoors.

Sweet Alyssum

• Sweet Alyssum is native to Europe, but has made the move to the United States. These flowers germinate in two to three weeks when planted just under the surface of the soil. Their blooms grow in dense clusters of tiny white flowers, and if they are regularly trimmed, they will continue to bloom year-round. Their blooms emit a sweet odor, making them very pleasant to plant near open windows.