8 Easy Flower Seeds to Start This Season

Not sure what to plant? These are our most forgiving, highest-sprouting seeds for home gardeners.

• Nasturtium — direct-sow, full sun, blooms in 45 days
• Sunflower — giant, fast and foolproof
• Marigold — hardy, pest-repelling, blooms all summer
• Zinnia — cut-and-come-again color
• Petunia — trailing color for baskets and beds
• Morning glory — fast climber for trellises
• California poppy — drought-tolerant wildflower
• Water lily / lotus — the star of any pond

Most of these sprout in 1–3 weeks if you follow the simple rule: read the packet, sow at the right depth, and keep seeds moist but not waterlogged.