Starting a garden in the summer can feel overwhelming for beginners, but choosing the right plants makes all the difference. Summer is a vibrant season for gardening, with warm temperatures and long days creating ideal conditions for many plants to thrive. This guide focuses on summer plants for beginners, highlighting 20 easy-to-grow options that require minimal experience and effort. Each plant comes with a description, ideal growing conditions, and basic care tips to help you cultivate a flourishing garden. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a small balcony, these plants are forgiving, resilient, and perfect for new gardeners.
Why Choose Summer Plants for Beginners?
Summer offers plenty of sunlight and warmth, which many plants love. For beginners, selecting plants that thrive in these conditions reduces the learning curve and boosts confidence. The plants in this list are low-maintenance, tolerate common beginner mistakes, and deliver colorful blooms, lush foliage, or even edible harvests. By following simple care tips, you can enjoy a thriving garden all summer long.
Key Considerations for Beginner Gardeners
Before diving into the list, here are a few tips to set you up for success:
- Start small: Choose a few plants to focus on rather than overwhelming yourself with too many.
- Check your climate: Most of these plants thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3–10, but confirm what works in your area.
- Use quality soil: Well-draining soil is essential for most summer plants.
- Water wisely: Overwatering is a common mistake. Stick to the watering guidelines for each plant.
- Have fun: Gardening is a learning process, so don’t worry about perfection.
Now, let’s explore the 20 best summer plants for beginners, organized with clear details to help you get started.
20 Easy-to-Grow Summer Plants for Beginners
1. Zinnia
Description: Zinnias are vibrant, daisy-like flowers that come in a rainbow of colors, including pink, red, yellow, and orange. They bloom profusely throughout summer, attracting butterflies and pollinators.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily).
- Watering: Moderate; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil; tolerates average soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
- Plant in beds or containers for versatility.
2. Sunflower
Description: Sunflowers are iconic for their large, cheerful blooms that follow the sun. Dwarf varieties are perfect for small spaces.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Regular, deep watering; keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Stake taller varieties to prevent them from toppling.
- Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost.
- Watch for birds that may eat seeds; netting can help.
3. Marigold
Description: Marigolds are hardy annuals with bright yellow, orange, or red flowers. They’re pest-repellent and easy to grow.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Moderate; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Soil: Average, well-draining soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Pinch off faded blooms to promote new flowers.
- Plant near vegetables to deter pests naturally.
- Thrives in containers or garden beds.
4. Cosmos
Description: Cosmos produce delicate, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple. They’re drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Low to moderate; water sparingly once established.
- Soil: Average to poor soil; well-draining. Basic Care Tips:
- Deadhead to extend blooming.
- Taller varieties may need staking.
- Sow seeds directly in spring for quick growth.
5. Nasturtium
Description: Nasturtiums offer bright, edible flowers and round leaves. They’re perfect for adding color and flavor to salads.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
- Watering: Moderate; water when soil is dry.
- Soil: Poor to average, well-draining soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as it reduces blooms.
- Great for hanging baskets or ground cover.
- Harvest flowers and leaves for culinary use.
6. Petunia
Description: Petunias are prolific bloomers with trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors. They’re ideal for hanging baskets or borders.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Regular; keep soil consistently moist.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Deadhead regularly for continuous blooms.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushiness.
7. Morning Glory
Description: Morning glories produce stunning blue, purple, or white trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the morning.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Moderate; water when soil is dry.
- Soil: Average, well-draining soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Provide a trellis or fence for climbing.
- Soak seeds before planting to speed germination.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
8. Lavender
Description: Lavender is a fragrant, drought-tolerant herb with purple flower spikes. It’s great for borders or containers.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Low; water sparingly once established.
- Soil: Sandy, well-draining soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape.
- Avoid heavy, wet soils.
- Harvest flowers for sachets or crafts.
9. Basil
Description: Basil is an easy-to-grow herb with flavorful leaves, perfect for cooking. It thrives in warm summer weather.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Regular; keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Pinch off flower buds to encourage leaf growth.
- Harvest leaves regularly to promote bushiness.
- Grow in pots for easy indoor access.
10. Cherry Tomato
Description: Cherry tomatoes are sweet, bite-sized fruits that are beginner-friendly and productive.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Consistent; water deeply once or twice a week.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Use cages or stakes to support plants.
- Fertilize every two weeks with a tomato-specific fertilizer.
- Harvest when fruits are fully colored.
11. Salvia
Description: Salvia produces tall spikes of vibrant flowers in red, blue, or purple, attracting pollinators.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Moderate; water when soil is dry.
- Soil: Well-draining, average soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Deadhead to prolong blooming.
- Cut back after flowering to encourage new growth.
- Tolerates heat and drought well.
12. Black-Eyed Susan
Description: Black-eyed Susans are hardy perennials with golden-yellow petals and dark centers. They bloom all summer.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
- Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established.
- Soil: Average, well-draining soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
- Deadhead to encourage more blooms.
- Great for wildflower gardens.
13. Geranium
Description: Geraniums are versatile plants with colorful blooms in red, pink, or white. They’re perfect for containers.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
- Watering: Moderate; allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Remove faded flowers to promote blooming.
- Pinch back stems for fuller plants.
- Protect from frost in cooler climates.
14. Portulaca (Moss Rose)
Description: Portulaca is a low-growing plant with bright, jewel-toned flowers that thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Low; water sparingly.
- Soil: Sandy, well-draining soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Ideal for rock gardens or borders.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
- Flowers close up at night or on cloudy days.
15. Sweet Alyssum
Description: Sweet alyssum forms low mounds of tiny, fragrant flowers in white, pink, or purple.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
- Watering: Moderate; keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Soil: Average, well-draining soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Trim back after blooming to encourage new flowers.
- Great as a ground cover or in hanging baskets.
- Attracts beneficial insects.
16. Coneflower (Echinacea)
Description: Coneflowers are sturdy perennials with daisy-like flowers in purple, pink, or white. They attract pollinators.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established.
- Soil: Well-draining, average soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Deadhead to extend blooming season.
- Leave some seed heads for birds in fall.
- Divide every 3–4 years.
17. Lantana
Description: Lantana produces clusters of multicolored flowers that change hues, attracting butterflies.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established.
- Soil: Well-draining, average soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Prune to maintain shape and encourage blooms.
- Thrives in containers or as a ground cover.
- Avoid overwatering.
18. Impatiens
Description: Impatiens are shade-loving annuals with bright blooms in pink, red, white, or orange.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Partial to full shade.
- Watering: Regular; keep soil consistently moist.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Perfect for shady spots or under trees.
- Pinch back for bushier growth.
- Avoid waterlogging to prevent rot.
19. Coreopsis
Description: Coreopsis, or tickseed, produces cheerful yellow or pink flowers that bloom all summer.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established.
- Soil: Well-draining, average soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Deadhead to promote continuous blooming.
- Divide every few years to maintain health.
- Great for borders or wildflower gardens.
20. Allium
Description: Alliums are ornamental onions with globe-shaped flower heads in purple or white. For more details, check out this guide on the Allium Plant Looking Like Tulip Leave 2 Seasons.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun.
- Watering: Moderate; allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil. Basic Care Tips:
- Plant bulbs in spring for summer blooms.
- Leave foliage to die back naturally.
- Resistant to pests and deer.
Quick Reference Table for Summer Plants
| Plant Name | Sunlight | Watering | Soil Type | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinnia | Full sun | Moderate | Well-draining | Easy |
| Sunflower | Full sun | Regular | Loamy | Easy |
| Marigold | Full sun | Moderate | Average | Easy |
| Cosmos | Full sun | Low-Moderate | Average | Easy |
| Nasturtium | Full sun/Partial | Moderate | Poor-Average | Easy |
| Petunia | Full sun | Regular | Rich | Easy |
| Morning Glory | Full sun | Moderate | Average | Easy |
| Lavender | Full sun | Low | Sandy | Easy |
| Basil | Full sun | Regular | Rich | Easy |
| Cherry Tomato | Full sun | Regular | Rich | Moderate |
| Salvia | Full sun | Moderate | Average | Easy |
| Black-Eyed Susan | Full sun/Partial | Moderate | Average | Easy |
| Geranium | Full sun/Partial | Moderate | Fertile | Easy |
| Portulaca | Full sun | Low | Sandy | Easy |
| Sweet Alyssum | Full sun/Partial | Moderate | Average | Easy |
| Coneflower | Full sun | Moderate | Average | Easy |
| Lantana | Full sun | Moderate | Average | Easy |
| Impatiens | Partial/Full shade | Regular | Rich | Easy |
| Coreopsis | Full sun | Moderate | Average | Easy |
| Allium | Full sun | Moderate | Fertile | Easy |
Tips for Success with Summer Plants
To ensure your summer garden thrives, follow these beginner-friendly tips:
- Mulch: Add a layer of organic mulch (like bark or straw) to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Containers: Many of these plants grow well in pots, making them ideal for small spaces. Ensure pots have drainage holes.
- Pest control: Check plants regularly for pests like aphids. A gentle spray of water or insecticidal soap can help.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4–6 weeks for most plants, but avoid over-fertilizing.
- Learn your zone: Visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to confirm which plants suit your region.
For more gardening tips, check out resources like The Old Farmer’s Almanac, a trusted guide for beginner gardeners.
FAQ: Common Questions About Summer Plants for Beginners
Zinnias, marigolds, and sunflowers are among the easiest due to their tolerance for varied conditions and minimal care needs. They thrive in full sun, require moderate watering, and bloom reliably.
Yes! Most plants on this list, like petunias, nasturtiums, and basil, do well in containers. Choose pots with drainage holes and use high-quality potting soil.
Watering needs vary, but most summer plants prefer soil that’s kept moist but not soggy. Check the top inch of soil; if it’s dry, water thoroughly. Drought-tolerant plants like lavender and portulaca need less frequent watering.
Impatiens and sweet alyssum thrive in partial shade, making them great choices for shady balconies or gardens. Nasturtiums and geraniums also tolerate some shade.
Inspect plants regularly and remove pests by hand or with a gentle water spray. Planting marigolds or nasturtiums near other crops can naturally deter pests.
Conclusion
Starting a summer garden is an exciting journey, and with these summer plants for beginners, you’re set for success. From vibrant zinnias to fragrant lavender, these 20 plants are forgiving, beautiful, and easy to grow. By following the care tips and choosing plants suited to your space and sunlight, you’ll enjoy a thriving garden all summer long. Happy gardening!