July is a great time to see flowering plants because the weather is warm and the days are long. This provides plenty of sunlight that flowers need to grow well. Many flowering plants thrive in warm temperatures, making July an ideal time for planting. That also means garden centers and nurseries are often well-stocked during this time, offering a rich selection of blooms. This gives you the opportunity to choose flowers that will not only beautify your garden but also suit your specific climate and soil conditions.

Planting in July allows the plants to establish their roots before the cooler months arrive. This head start helps them develop a strong root system, which is crucial for their survival and growth. When the roots are well-established, plants can absorb water and nutrients more efficiently, leading to healthier and more vibrant flowers.

What Flowering Plants to Grow in July

Planting flowering plants in July is a smart choice because of the favorable weather conditions, the availability of diverse plant options, the establishment of strong root systems, the attraction of beneficial insects, and the personal benefits of gardening. But what plants to sow? Here are our recommendations:

Cosmos

Cosmos are known for their vibrant flowers and ability to thrive in warm weather, making them perfect for midsummer planting in July. Cosmos flowers need full sunlight for at least six hours a day. They grow best in well-drained soil, so ensure the area has good drainage. You can improve drainage by adding compost or organic matter to the soil before planting.

Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out if necessary, ensuring that each plant has enough space to grow. This helps prevent overcrowding and allows the plants to receive adequate sunlight and air circulation.

Cosmos flowers are relatively low-maintenance, but regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. Water the plants deeply once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist. Avoid overwatering, as cosmos prefer slightly dry conditions.

Marigolds

Marigolds, with their cheery golden blooms, love the full sun, so they will handle July’s intense light and heat. In fact, marigolds need full sunlight for at least six hours a day to grow healthy. They prefer well-drained soil, so make sure the area allows water to drain easily. You can improve the soil by mixing in some compost or organic matter.

If you are planting seedlings, dig small holes just big enough for the roots and space them about 8 to 10 inches apart for smaller varieties and 10 to 12 inches apart for larger ones. Gently place the seedlings in the holes and cover the roots with soil, pressing it down lightly.

Water the marigolds immediately after planting to help them settle in. Marigolds need regular watering, especially on a hot day. Water them deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Early morning or late evening is the best time to water to avoid evaporation during the heat of the day.

Marigolds generally do not need much fertilizer. But if your soil is poor, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once at the beginning of the growing season. Over-fertilizing can lead to fewer flowers, so use it sparingly.

California Poppies

Add vibrant pops of color to your summer garden with California poppies. California poppies need full sunlight and well-drained soil to grow well. Make sure the area has good drainage. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage.

You can sow the seeds directly into the gardens. The seeds need constant, continuous light to germinate. Space the seeds about 6 to 8 inches apart to give the plants room to grow. Water the area gently after sowing the seeds. Keep the soil slightly moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 10 to 15 days. Once the seedlings appear, reduce watering. California poppies are drought-tolerant and do not need a lot of water. Water them deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, is not necessary for California poppies. They will naturally drop their petals and form seed pods. You can gently pinch off the spent flowers if you want to encourage more blooms. However, letting some seed pods remain will allow the plants to reseed naturally for the next season.

Cleomes

Cleomes’ tall, elegant flowers will add a striking touch to your outdoor space. They are one of the most low-maintenance plants to grow in the summer. Cleomes are quite drought-tolerant and prefer slightly dry conditions. Water them deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

You can sow cleome seeds directly into the garden. Scatter the seeds over the soil surface and lightly press them into the soil without covering them too much. Cleome seeds need light to germinate. Space the seeds about 12 to 18 inches apart to give the plants room to grow.

Cleomes grow well in average soil; too much fertilizer can lead to fewer flowers. If desired, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer sparingly at the beginning of the growing season.

Cornflowers

Also known as bachelor’s buttons, cornflowers thrive in warm weather and add a touch of blue to your garden.

Cornflowers need at least half a day of full sunlight to grow well, so pick a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They prefer well-drained soil, so ensure the area allows water to drain easily. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage.

You can sow cornflower seeds directly into the garden. Cornflower seeds do not need to be deeply buried; a light covering of soil is sufficient. Space the seeds about 6 to 12 inches apart to give the plants enough room to grow.

Water the area gently after sowing the seeds. Keep the soil slightly moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings appear, reduce watering. Cornflowers are drought-tolerant and do not need a lot of water. Water them deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

While cornflowers are resistant to most pests, keep an eye out for any issues. If you notice pests like aphids, treat the plants with insecticidal soap or spray them with water to remove the insects.

Sunflower

How about a garden full of striking sunflowers in the summer? Sounds like a plan! Sunflowers’ tall, vibrant blooms will brighten your outdoor space and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

If you’re growing from seed, you can plant sunflower seeds directly into the garden. Dig small holes about 1 to 2 inches deep and space them about 12 to 18 inches apart. Place one seed in each hole, cover it with soil, and gently pat it down. Water the area thoroughly after planting to help the seeds settle in.

Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 7 to 10 days. Once the seedlings appear, water them regularly. Sunflowers need about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. Water them deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

As sunflowers grow, they may need support, especially if you live in a windy area. To help keep the tall stems upright, use stakes or a garden trellis. Tie the stems loosely to the stakes with soft garden twine.

Zinnias

Zinnias are rewarding to plant in a summer garden because once established in one season, they’ll always come back for a charming display of bright, beautiful flowers.

Zinnias need full sunlight to grow their best, so pick a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. These flowering plants prefer well-drained soil, so ensure the area has good drainage. They grow well in average soil but if the soil is poor, you can add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when the plants are about 6 inches tall. Just make sure to avoid going overboard on the fertilizer because this can lead to fewer flowers.

Dig small holes about 1/4 inch deep and space them about 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Place one or two seeds in each hole, cover them with soil, and gently pat it down. Water the area thoroughly after planting to help the seeds settle in.

Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 5 to 10 days. Once the seedlings appear, water them regularly. Zinnias need consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Water them deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.

Geraniums

Geraniums produce colorful flowers and are a popular summer flowering plant because they can thrive in various conditions.

Like most flowering plants, geraniums prefer full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade, so find a spot that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, as geraniums do not like to sit in water.

When planting geraniums, dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil and gently pat it down to remove any air pockets. Water the newly planted geranium thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots.

Geraniums require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilize geraniums every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and methods.

Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases that can affect geraniums, such as aphids, whiteflies, and powdery mildew. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or fungicides to prevent them from spreading.

Lilies

Lilies, with its elegant flowers, are surprisingly easy to care for! They prefer well-drained soil and a sunny spot to grow.

Plant lily bulbs in early summer. Dig holes that are about three times the depth of the bulbs. For most lilies, this means digging a hole about 6 to 8 inches deep. Space the bulbs 8 to 12 inches apart to give them room to grow. Place each bulb in a hole with the pointed end facing up, then cover it with soil and gently pat it down.

Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly to help them settle in. Lilies need consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Water them deeply once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

Lilies generally do not need much fertilizer. However, applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early summer can promote healthy growth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount and method.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas may not be as low-maintenance as the others on this list, but the effort is worth it once you see your garden teeming with stunning, colorful blooms.

Plant hydrangeas in early summer if possible, but they can still thrive if planted in July. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil and gently pat it down to remove any air pockets. Water the newly planted hydrangea thoroughly to help it settle in.

Hydrangeas require regular watering, especially in July’s heat. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool.

Fertilize hydrangeas in early summer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount and method. Over-fertilizing can harm the plant, so apply it sparingly.

Tips for Successful July Planting

• Focus on gardening during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler, minimizing heat stress. Cloudy days are also ideal for gardening activities.
• During intense July heat, use floating row covers or shade cloths to shield young plants from direct sunlight.
• Ensure seedlings and young plants remain consistently moist and avoid letting seedbeds dry out.
• If your initial plants or seeds don’t survive, opt for drought-resistant succulents. They require at least partial sunlight and can be potted to thrive indoors before colder weather arrives.
• Apply a layer of weed-free straw or shredded leaves as mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
• If garden space is limited, use containers or window boxes for planting. This also allows for the flexibility to move plants into the shade if necessary.
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Simply snip off the faded flowers with pruning shears. This helps the plant focus its energy on producing more flowers. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.

If you’ve prepared your garden before July, your garden should be bursting with colors by the time midsummer rolls in. With these tips, you’ll know exactly what flowering plants grow best in a moderately hot month like July and how to care for your beautiful blooms all season long.