Every year I trial new things on farm and in my personal garden, but there’s a core group of varieties I always come back to. I call them my Bouquet Essentials—the dependable favorites I reach for again and again when building bouquets in late spring and early summer. They add the texture, color, and movement that make arrangements feel alive.
My Top 10 "Grow Every Season" Flowers
- Coreopsis Cinnamon
- Coreopsis Romance Mix
- Coreopsis Seashells Gold
- Feverfew Magic Single
- Forget Me Not Firmament Blue
- Margeurite Yellow Daisy
- Monarda lambada
- Strawflower Apricot Peach
- Strawflower Berry Bowl
- Strawflower Purple Red
What Makes These Varieties Essential?
All ten belong to the group commonly known as hardy annuals, or “cool flowers.” These plants don’t mind chilly weather—in fact, they prefer it. Given a head start, they reward you with sturdy plants, long stems, and earlier blooms.
For many growers, planting before your predicted last frost can feel a little scary. But rest assured: these varieties are built for it. They come from generations of plants that have toughened up through many chilly Vermont springs. Hardiness is in their DNA.
When to Start Your Cool Flowers
Timing is everything with hardy annuals. Here’s a simple guide to help you schedule your seed starting and transplanting:
If You're in Zones 5–7
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Zone 5: Start seeds in early March, transplant mid–late April
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Zones 6–7: Start seeds in February, transplant in March
Not Sure About Your Zone? Or Gardening in a Warmer Climate?
All you need is your last frost date. Once you know that, follow this formula:
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Transplant: 4–6 weeks before your last frost
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Start seeds: 10–12 weeks before your last frost
It’s simple math—and it works anywhere.
Your Turn: Have You Tried Cool Flowers?
Getting the hang of the timing for hardy annuals was a complete game changer for me and my ability to make unique, abundant bouquets. Have you tried planting hardy annuals in early spring or fall? I’d love to hear about your experience—or help you troubleshoot if you have questions about it!
Grab the Bouquet Essentials Bundle
If you want to grow along with me this season, I wrapped up my ten favorite hardy annuals into one easy Bouquet Essentials Bundle. These are the varieties I’d choose if I could only grow a handful for spring bouquets