Jenn Rych: The Easiest but Prettiest Flowers To Start From Seeds: Lazy Gardening for the Nuerodivergent Girlies

Chances are, you're either super busy or super scatterbrained. Or, if you're like me, both.

Buuut it's Spring, and you still want to add some color and cheer to your outdoor space and have dreams of twirling through your very own flower garden that you can snip stems from while birds sing and land on your shoulders and then watch on the window sill as you arrange them into a beautiful homegrown bouquet. (Okay, Snow White, I see you.) Yet you are without the time or the green thumb. And you also maybe, definitely have analysis paralysis.

Same, girl, same.

So...I did some digging (read: hyperfixating) so that we can explore the easiest and prettiest flowers to start from seeds. Ideally....we can all use this to have a beautiful garden without the hassle. Maybe. (Hopefully.)

The easiest and prettiest flowers to start from seeds for the lazy gardener. The photo features a corner of a cozy cottage garden with plenty of wildflowers.

First things first: let's talk about lazy gardening.

I can be lazy as hell. I certainly don't have time for fussy plants that require a lot of maintenance and I'd bet a thrifting trip on you not having the time, either. You want flowers that are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and can thrive in a variety of conditions. The good news is...there are plenty of flowers that fit the bill, apparently. (Many thanks, Googely Google.)

So let's peek at 'em.

Option 1: Marigolds

One of the easiest flowers to grow from seed is the marigold. These sunny, cheerful flowers come in shades of orange, yellow, and gold, and can be started from seed indoors or directly in the ground.

They bloom all summer long and are great for cutting and bringing indoors. Plus, they're a natural pest repellent, so they'll keep your garden healthy and happy.

I plant them around the perimeter of my garden and they really do help in a variety of ways. I rarely have insect issues, they attract pollinators, and they look super gorge from a distance.

I've started these from seeds in the past with great success! They sprouted easily and grew super well. They're not the most *exciting* flower out there...but if you want color and hardiness and something that multitasks in keeping your other gardens happy - this is a winner.

You can start them as seeds indoors RIGHT NOW in Zone 6 where I am (Buffalo, NY), or you can put them directly in the ground as soon as the last freeze threat passes. This is usually between Mother's Day and Memorial Day for us, but do a quick search to see what zone you're in and when that timing is for you! Marigolds do well planted directly in the ground, so no worries if you don't have time or space to start them indoors. (Another bonus to the lazy-friendly Marigold!)

Option 2: Zinnia

Another easy flower to grow from seed is the zinnia.

These bright, colorful flowers come in a variety of shades and shapes, from classic daisy-like blooms to pom-poms and doubles. They're perfect for cutting and adding to bouquets, and they attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. Best of all, they're virtually indestructible, so even if you forget to water them for a few days, they'll bounce back.

Ahem...I can attest to that personally.

There's also just so, so many colors that you can pick something that fits any vibe. I've grown them in pots and they do just as well there as they do in a garden bed. I can't say I ever saw a hummingbird near mine, but man that would be a sweet bonus! (I adore hummingbirds!)

Option 3: Cosmos

If you're looking for a flower that's a little more unusual, try growing cosmos from seed. These delicate, feathery flowers come in shades of pink, white, and purple, and they add a whimsical touch to any garden. They're also great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and they make a lovely cut flower.

I haven't grown these myself, but they are such a gorgeous, delicate flower and they remind me so much of a little English cottage garden! I might add these to my own list this year!

Option 4: Snapdragons

For a touch of nostalgia, consider growing snapdragons from seed.

These old-fashioned flowers come in a variety of colors and have a distinctive shape that kids love. They're great for adding height and texture to your garden, and they make a great cut flower for arrangements.

I've never actually grown these myself, or considered it, but I have no real reason why! They're gorgeous!! Maybe it's because they look more intimidatingly complicated, but apparently they're not. The article I linked below calls them "easy-to-grow, old-fashioned cottage garden plants, beloved by children and bees." (source below), and apparently they bloom all summer?! Like from June-October. That sounds like a big fat yes to me.

Option 5: Sunflowers

Ahhh, sunflowers. They're my August & September late-summer, early-fall symbol of transition.

They give me ALL the August & September feels. And if you're looking for a flower that's as easy to care for as it is beautiful, try growing sunflowers from seed. These towering beauties come in a variety of sizes and colors, from the classic yellow to burgundy, orange, and even bi-colors. They're perfect for cutting and adding to arrangements, and they attract birds to your garden.

My one issue/complaint: the wildlife in my yard go buck wild on them. Deer freaking LOVE sunflowers. So, unless you have them protected well or don't live where wildlife chills...plant them with caution! We've tried sunflowers many times and failed, but it's 100% the deer's fault - not the effort it takes to grow and care for them.