Rapidly Expanding Flower and Vegetable Seeds for Swift Development and Cultivation
Speedy Plants: Discover the Rapidly-Growing Flowers and Vegetables
Few things are more satisfying than watching your garden flourish, especially after a long, barren winter. But if you're a patient gardener at heart, you're probably eager to see those tiny seeds sprout and grow as quickly as possible. Thankfully, there are speedier options for both flowers and vegetables that can make your wait a little less agonizing.
Flashy Blossoms:
For fast-growing flowers, you'll want to focus on annuals, as they have a shorter lifespan and are typically quicker to bloom. Here's a list of some top contenders to get your garden brimming with color in no time:
- Annual Phlox: With vibrant, pink blossoms appearing just 50 days after planting, this wildflower is a speedster. Sow seeds four weeks before your last frost date or in the fall for a quick start in the spring.
- Bachelor Button: If you're itching to get your hands dirty as soon as the soil is workable, go for these classic blue blooms. They'll be flowering 65 days after sowing.
- Calendula: Also known as "pot marigold," calendula shines in our yards as a medicinal flower and companion plant for vegetables. Expect flowers in just 6 weeks after germination.
- California Poppy: These sunny yellows will brighten your garden in less than 2 months. They'll emerge quickly in the spring and start showing off their feathery, sunny petals soon after.
- Cosmos: These tall, daisy-like flowers will grace your garden within 50 days, making them a wonderful addition to any garden.
- Nigella: Also known as love-in-a-mist, nigella is a rapidly-growing plant that will be ready to charm your garden in as little as 65 days after sowing.
- Marigold: Not only are these sunflowers hated by many pests, but they'll also lift your spirit in just 60 days.
- Nasturtium: Vining and vibrant, nasturtiums are excellent companion plants that will bloom within 60 days of being planted.
- Sunflowers: Ginormous and cheery, sunflowers will certainly bring a smile to your face. They'll be ready to tower over your garden in 70 days.
- Sweet Alyssum: Low-growing and cool season, sweet allysum is perfect for edging paths or as ground cover. It will show off its delicate white flowers in about 60 days after sowing.
- Zinnia: As a cut-and-come-again beauty, zinnias will give you plenty of flowers over a considerable time. Depending on the variety, you can expect to see blooms in 60 to 80 days.
Swift-Growing Bites:
In search of fast-growing vegetables? Check out the list below for a selection of cool-season crops that will give you a head start on your bountiful harvest:
- Radishes: With a diverse collection of flavors, sizes, and colors, radishes are a great low-hassle veggie to sow. You can start enjoying these crisp roots in just 25 to 30 days.
- Lettuce: This versatile salad green has variations like Black-Seeded Susan that matures in approximately 30 days, making it a perfect candidate for impatient gardeners.
- Green Onions: As a cut-and-come-again option, you can start harvesting green onions in just 7 to 10 days. Simply cut the greens an inch above the soil, and allow them to regrow.
- Peas: With multiple varieties available, including bush and pole beans, peas will be ready to snap in around 60 days. They flourish in cooler temperatures, so be sure to sow them as soon as the soil is workable in spring.
To guarantee the fastest growth possible for your new seedlings, stick to the following strategies:
- Plant at the right time: Look up your last frost date and sow seeds accordingly to ensure optimal growth conditions.
- Soak seeds before planting: Give your seeds a little pre-plant boost by soaking them in water overnight before planting.
- Thin seedlings: Allow space for your plants to grow by thinning seedlings as they emerge, giving them room to develop strong roots and stems.
- Harvest frequently: Regularly harvesting greens like lettuce and spinach will promote continual growth, preventing the plants from bolting and going to seed prematurely.
For even more speedy seed-starting tips and inspiration, feel free to explore some additional resources:
- Expert-Curated Seed Collections: Enhance your garden with a carefully-selected crop of fast-growing seeds, available in our store. Choose between collections focused on containers, butterfly-friendly plants, or other themes to cater to your preferences.
- DIY Seedling Trays: Start sowing seeds indoors without emptying your wallet by crafting your own seedling trays using egg cartons. These reusable and biodegradable trays will help you create the perfect environment for your seedlings to grow and thrive before transferring them to your garden.
- Watering Schedule: Ensure a healthy start for your seedlings by mastering the art of watering. Discover the ideal schedule for maintaining consistently damp soil without drowning your sprouts.
- Seed-Starting Workshop: No need to feel disappointed by failed seedlings - learn the ins and outs of seed-starting from the comfort of your own home. Attend our free seed-starting workshop hosted by master gardener Geoffrey Johnson, and set your garden off to a flying start.
In the realm of flowering plants, annuals such as Calendula, California Poppy, Cosmos, Nigella, Marigold, Nasturtium, Sunflowers, Sweet Alyssum, and Zinnia are known for their rapid growth, often blooming within 2 months or less after sowing.
Patient gardeners seeking speedy vegetable growth can consider cool-season crops like Radishes, Lettuce, Green Onions, and Peas, which mature in 25 to 80 days, providing a quick and bountiful harvest.
