Cut Flower Garden: How to Get Started
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If you've ever dreamed of having a garden filled with beautiful flowers that you can cut and bring indoors, then starting a cut flower garden might be the perfect addition to your garden.
A cut flower garden is a designated space in your yard where you grow flowers specifically for cutting and enjoying in arrangements, bouquets, or simply placing in a vase on your kitchen table.
Growing your own cut flower garden offers so many benefits.
Not only does it provide a continuous supply of gorgeous flowers to brighten your home, but it also adds vibrant color and fragrance to your garden.
Plus, the process of planning, planting, and maintaining your cut flower garden can be incredibly rewarding.
In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know to start your very own cut flower garden.
From selecting the perfect location and preparing your soil, to choosing the best flowers, I've got you covered.
To learn more about growing your own flowers, check out my guides:
Choose a cut flower Garden Layout
When it comes to laying out your garden, organization is key.
Decide whether you prefer traditional garden beds, raised beds, or a combination of both.
A well-planned garden layout ensures you use the space efficiently and it will make maintenance easier.
Here are the 5 best garden layouts for cut flower gardens:
1. Traditional Row Layout
The traditional row layout is simple, efficient, and perfect for larger gardens and those who prefer a structured approach.
Here are some examples of flowers to include in each row to create a beautiful and productive cut flower garden.
Back Rows: Tall Flowers
Tall flowers create a striking backdrop and add height to your garden.
They also provide a structural framework for the rest of your garden.
Examples:
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus):
Tall and cheerful, sunflowers come in various sizes and colors, making them a great focal point.
Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.):
Known for their tall spikes of flowers, gladiolus come in a wide range of colors and are perfect for cutting.
Dahlias (Dahlia spp.):
With their large, showy blooms, dahlias add a dramatic touch to any garden.
Middle Rows: Medium-Height Flowers
Medium-height flowers add volume and fill the space between the tall back row and the shorter front row.
Examples:
Zinnias (Zinnia elegans):
Easy to grow and available in a rainbow of colors, zinnias are prolific bloomers that add a burst of color.
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus):
Cosmos are delicate, daisy-like flowers come in shades of pink, white, and purple and add a soft, airy feel to the garden.
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus):
With their unique, tubular flowers, snapdragons offer vertical interest and come in many vibrant colors.
Front Rows: Shorter Flowers
Shorter flowers in the front rows create a neat and tidy edge and are easily accessible for cutting.
Examples:
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.):
Marigolds are bright, cheerful flowers that are easy to grow and help repel pests, making them a great choice.
Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis):
Known for their charming "faces," pansies come in many colors and are great for cool-season blooms.
Check out my guide:
2. Raised Bed Layout
Raised beds are an excellent choice for a cut flower garden, especially if you have poor soil or want to reduce the amount of bending and kneeling.
To learn more about raised beds, check out my guide: What to Put on the Bottom of a Raised Garden Bed.
A raised bed layout optimizes space and simplifies maintenance.
Here are some examples of flowers to include in each raised bed:
Bed 1: Mix of Tall and Medium-Height Flowers for a Layered Look
This bed creates a visually appealing, layered effect with a combination of tall and medium-height flowers.
Tall Flowers:
Tall and bright, sunflowers make a bold statement.
Delphiniums:
These tall spikes add height and elegance.
Hollyhocks:
Known for their height and vibrant colors.
Medium-Height Flowers:
Available in a variety of colors, zinnias are easy to grow and provide continuous blooms.
Cosmos:
These airy, delicate flowers add a soft touch to the garden.
Snapdragons:
With their unique flower shapes, snapdragons offer a pop of color and texture.
Bed 2: Succession Planting of Quick-Blooming Flowers
This bed focuses on flowers that bloom quickly and can be planted in succession to ensure a continuous display of blooms.
First Planting:
Fragrant and colorful, sweet peas are great for early blooms.
Calendula:
Bright, daisy-like flowers that are easy to grow and quick to bloom.
Second Planting:
Cosmos:
These can be replanted for a second round of blooms later in the season.
Marigolds:
Fast-growing and vibrant, marigolds can be planted multiple times throughout the season.
Third Planting:
Bachelor’s Buttons (Cornflowers):
Quick to bloom and perfect for adding blue hues.
Edible flowers that grow quickly and add a splash of color.
Bed 3: Dedicated to Low-Growing, Ground Cover Flowers
This bed is dedicated to low-growing flowers that can serve as ground covers, filling in spaces and providing a lush carpet of blooms.
Ground Cover Flowers:
Pansies:
These charming flowers come in a variety of colors and are great for cooler weather.
Alyssum:
With its sweet fragrance and small, clustered flowers, alyssum is perfect for edging and ground cover.
Lobelia:
Known for its vibrant blue flowers, lobelia creates a beautiful, dense ground cover.
Creeping Thyme:
This herb not only adds greenery but also blooms with tiny, fragrant flowers.
3. Cottage Garden Layout
The cottage garden layout mimics the informal, natural look of an English cottage garden.
It includes a mix of perennials and annuals that create a lush, colorful display.
Here are some examples of flowers to include in each section to achieve that charming cottage garden aesthetic.
Center: Tall Focal Flowers
The center of your cottage garden should feature tall, eye-catching flowers that serve as a focal point.
Examples:
Delphiniums (Delphinium spp.):
Known for their tall spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers, delphiniums add vertical interest and elegance.
Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea):
With their tall spires of bell-shaped flowers, foxgloves provide excellent height.
They come in various shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow.
Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea):
These tall, old-fashioned flowers produce large, showy blooms in a variety of colors and are perfect for the center of a cottage garden.
Surrounding Area: Medium and Short Flowers
Surround the tall focal flowers with a mix of medium and short flowers to create a full, layered look.
Examples:
Roses (Rosa spp.):
Classic and fragrant, roses come in many colors and varieties, adding timeless beauty to your garden.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.):
Known for its soothing scent and purple blooms, lavender attracts pollinators and adds a soft texture.
Daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare):
These cheerful, white-petaled flowers with yellow centers bring a fresh, classic look to the garden.
Peonies (Paeonia spp.):
With their large, lush blooms, peonies add a romantic touch and are available in a range of colors.
Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum × superbum):
A robust and larger version of common daisies, perfect for the cottage garden look.
Border: Low-Growing Plants
Edge the garden with low-growing plants that add color and texture while keeping the garden looking neat and contained.
Examples:
Thyme (Thymus spp.):
This aromatic herb has small, pink or purple flowers and creates a lovely, fragrant ground cover.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata):
With its mat-forming habit and vibrant blooms, creeping phlox is perfect for borders and adds a splash of color in early spring.
Alyssum (Lobularia maritima):
Known for its sweet fragrance and clusters of small flowers, alyssum is excellent for edging and ground cover.
Catmint (Nepeta spp.):
This hardy perennial has blue or lavender flowers and fragrant foliage, making it a great border plant.
4. Square Foot Garden Layout
The square foot garden layout is ideal for small spaces and urban gardens, using a grid system to maximize planting density.
Each square foot is dedicated to a different type of flower, creating a vibrant mosaic of colors and heights.
Here are some examples of flowers to include in each section.
Outer Squares: Taller Flowers to Form a Natural Border
Plant taller flowers in the outer squares to create a natural border around your garden.
These flowers provide height and structure, framing the inner squares beautifully.
Examples:
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus):
Tall and cheerful, sunflowers make a striking border.
Delphiniums (Delphinium spp.):
These elegant, tall flowers add vertical interest with their spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white.
Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea):
Tall, old-fashioned flowers with large blooms that come in various colors.
Inner Squares: Shorter and Medium-Height Flowers for Easy Access
Plant shorter and medium-height flowers in the inner squares for easy access and to create a diverse, colorful display.
Examples:
Zinnias (Zinnia elegans):
Medium-height flowers available in many vibrant colors.
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus):
Delicate, daisy-like flowers that add a soft, airy feel.
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus):
Unique, tubular flowers in various bright colors.
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.):
Bright, cheerful flowers that are easy to grow and help repel pests.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.):
Lavender’s fragrant purple blooms that attract pollinators.
Roses (Rosa spp.):
Compact varieties of roses can fit well in a square foot garden.
5. Circular Garden Layout
The circular garden layout creates a striking effect by arranging plants in concentric circles.
This design is both beautiful and functional, making it easy to manage and harvest flowers.
Here are some examples of flowers to include in each section of your circular garden.
Center Circle: Tall Focal Flowers
The center of your circular garden should feature tall, eye-catching flowers that serve as a focal point.
Examples:
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus):
Tall, bright, and cheerful, sunflowers make a bold statement at the center.
Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea):
These tall flowers with large, colorful blooms add vertical interest and a touch of old-fashioned charm.
Delphiniums (Delphinium spp.):
With their tall spikes and elegant flowers, delphiniums provide height and sophistication.
Middle Circle: Medium-Height Flowers
Surround the center circle with medium-height flowers to create a layered, textured look.
Examples:
Zinnias (Zinnia elegans):
Zinnias come in a variety of colors and are perfect for adding a burst of color.
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus):
Delicate and airy, cosmos flowers add a soft touch and come in shades of pink, white, and purple.
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus):
With their unique, tubular flowers, snapdragons offer vertical interest and come in many bright colors.
Outer Circle: Short Flowers
The outer circle should be filled with shorter flowers that create a neat and colorful border.
Examples:
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.):
Bright, cheerful flowers that are easy to grow and help repel pests.
Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis):
Known for their charming "faces" and wide range of colors, pansies are great for cooler weather.
Alyssum (Lobularia maritima):
With its sweet fragrance and small, clustered flowers, alyssum is excellent for edging and ground cover.
Petunias (Petunia spp.):
Petunias are colorful, low-growing flowers are perfect for creating a vibrant border.
For more garden tips, check out my guides:
Choose a Location
Most cut flowers thrive in sunny conditions, so a bright location will give your plants the best chance to flourish.
Here are the factors to consider when choosing a location:
Full Sun:
Most cut flowers thrive in full sun, which means they need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Choose a spot in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
A south-facing, west-facing, or south-west facing garden location is going to be best.
Access to Water:
Ensure your garden is close to a water source for easy irrigation.
Consistent watering is crucial, especially during dry spells.
Protection from Wind:
If possible, select a location that offers some protection from strong winds, which can damage delicate flowers and reduce their vase life.
For more flower garden tips, check out my guides:
prepare the soil
Good soil is the foundation of a thriving cut flower garden.
Follow these steps to prepare your soil:
Test the Soil:
Conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels.
Most cut flowers prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Here is the easy soil pH tester I recommend using:
Amend the Soil:
Based on the soil test results, amend your soil to improve its structure and fertility.
Add organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold to enhance soil texture and provide essential nutrients.
Aim to incorporate 2-4 inches of organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil.
Compost tea is another great way to amend your soil.
Check out my guide: A Simple Recipe for Rich Compost Tea.
Improve Drainage:
Ensure your soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
If your soil is heavy clay, consider adding sand or fine gravel to improve drainage.
Raised beds can also help with drainage issues.
For more raised garden bed tips, check out my guides:
Install Irrigation
Consistent watering is crucial for the success of your cut flower garden.
Consider installing an irrigation system to simplify the process:
Drip Irrigation:
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the base of each plant, reducing water waste and minimizing the risk of disease.
Here is the drip irrigation system I recommend:
Soaker Hoses:
Soaker hoses are porous hoses that release water slowly along their length, providing even moisture to the soil.
Timers:
Use timers to automate your irrigation system, ensuring your plants receive regular watering even when you’re not at home.
Here is the soaker hose I recommend:
Choosing the Right Flowers
Selecting the right flowers for your cut flower garden is essential for creating beautiful, long-lasting arrangements.
Here are some tips and considerations to help you choose the best flowers for your cutting garden.
Consider Your Climate
Start by choosing flowers that are well-suited to your climate.
Check the hardiness zones for your area and select plants that thrive in those conditions.
Consult the USDA Hardiness Zone map to find your zone.
Focus on Flower Variety
Incorporate a variety of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the growing season.
This ensures you have continuous blooms from early spring to late fall.
Here are some popular choices categorized by their blooming periods:
Early Bloomers:
Sweet peas, anemones, and ranunculus are perfect for early-season color.
These flowers can often tolerate cooler temperatures and will start your garden off with vibrant hues.
Mid-Season Bloomers:
Zinnias, cosmos, and snapdragons hit their stride in the middle of the growing season.
These flowers are usually easy to grow and provide abundant blooms.
Late Bloomers:
Dahlias, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums extend the beauty of your garden into late summer and fall.
These flowers are excellent for adding rich colors as the season winds down.
Selecting for Vase Life
Choose flowers known for their longevity in vases.
Here are a few top picks for long-lasting cut flowers:
Dahlias:
Known for their stunning variety of shapes and colors, dahlias can last up to a week in a vase.
Zinnias:
These vibrant flowers can last up to 10 days after being cut.
Here are the seeds I recommend:
Sunflowers:
Their cheerful faces can brighten up any room for about a week.
Alstroemerias:
Also known as Peruvian lilies, they can last up to two weeks in a vase.
Easy-to-Grow Options
If you're new to gardening, start with easy-to-grow flowers that don't require much maintenance.
Here are a few reliable choices:
Cosmos:
These are hardy and bloom profusely with minimal care.
Here are the seeds I recommend:
Marigolds:
They are great for deterring pests and are very easy to grow.
Here are the seeds I recommend:
Calendula:
These bright, sunny flowers are not only easy to grow but also have medicinal properties.
Here are the seeds I recommend:
Companion Planting
Consider companion planting to improve growth and deter pests.
For example, planting marigolds alongside your cut flowers can help repel nematodes and other pests.
Herbs like basil and dill can attract beneficial insects that help pollinate your flowers and control harmful pests.
To learn more about companion planting, check out my guides:
For more flower garden inspiration, check out my guides:
The Perfect Partners: Echinacea Companion Planting Guide
Erigeron Karvinskianus: Growing Ground Cover for Pollinators
Creating a Planting Schedule
Creating a planting schedule is an essential step in ensuring your cut flower garden thrives throughout the growing season.
A well-planned schedule helps you keep track of when to start seeds, transplant seedlings, and directly sow seeds in your garden.
Here's a detailed guide to help you create an effective planting schedule.
Understanding Your Frost Dates
The first step in creating a planting schedule is to determine the average last frost date in spring and the first frost date in fall for your area.
This information is crucial because it defines your growing season and helps you plan when to start seeds indoors and transplant them outdoors.
Last Frost Date:
The average date in spring when the risk of frost is minimal. This date marks the beginning of the growing season.
First Frost Date:
The average date in fall when frost is likely to occur. This date indicates the end of the growing season.
You can find your last frost date online via the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Starting Seeds Indoors
For many flowers, starting seeds indoors is beneficial as it gives plants a head start on the growing season.
Generally, seeds should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
Example Schedule:
8 Weeks Before Last Frost:
Start seeds for slow-growing flowers like delphiniums and foxgloves.
6 Weeks Before Last Frost:
Start seeds for flowers like zinnias, cosmos, and snapdragons.
4 Weeks Before Last Frost:
Start seeds for quick-growing flowers like marigolds and sunflowers.
Label each seed tray with the planting date and flower type to keep track of what you've planted and when.
Hardening Off Seedlings
Before transplanting seedlings outdoors, they need to be acclimated to the outdoor environment through a process called hardening off.
Start this process about one to two weeks before the transplanting date.
Hardening Off Steps:
Place seedlings outside in a sheltered location for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time spent outdoors.
Gradually expose seedlings to more sunlight and outdoor conditions.
Reduce watering slightly to toughen up the seedlings.
Direct Sowing Seeds
Some flowers perform better when their seeds are sown directly into the garden.
Direct sowing is typically done after the last frost date when the soil has warmed up.
Example Schedule:
Immediately After Last Frost:
Direct sow seeds for hardy annuals like sweet peas and calendula.
2 Weeks After Last Frost:
Direct sow seeds for warm-season flowers like sunflowers and cosmos.
Succession Planting
To ensure a continuous supply of blooms throughout the season, practice succession planting.
This involves sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings at intervals, so new plants are always coming into bloom as others fade.
Example Schedule:
Every 2-3 Weeks:
Sow or transplant new batches of flowers like zinnias, cosmos, and marigolds to keep the garden in continuous bloom.
FAQs
What kind of soil is best for a flower garden?
Well-drained soil rich in organic matter is best for most cut flowers.
Consider adding compost or other organic materials to improve soil structure and fertility.
How do I care for my flowers to ensure they have a long vase life?
To ensure a long vase life, cut flowers in the morning, place them in water immediately, and change the water every couple of days.
Trim the stems at an angle to help them absorb water better.
what are the easiest cut flowers to grow?
The easiest cut flowers to grow include zinnias, marigolds, and sunflowers.
Zinnias are prolific bloomers with minimal care requirements, marigolds are hardy and deter pests, and sunflowers are robust plants that thrive in most conditions.
These flowers are ideal for beginners due to their resilience and low maintenance needs.
Wrap-Up
Starting a cut flower garden is a rewarding experience that brings joy and beauty to your home throughout the year.
By carefully selecting flower seeds and planting a mix of annual flowers, you can enjoy a continuous supply of beautiful blooms from spring to fall.
With a little planning and effort, your garden will flourish and provide you with stunning flowers that brighten your space and uplift your spirits all year long.
