9 Fast-Growing Flowers to Plant in Early Spring for a Vibrant Garden in Record Time

Zinnia

Zinnias come in a wide range of sizes and colors, and they're easy to start from seed—just throw a handful into a garden bed or container.

"Taller types are best for cut flowers, while shorter varieties like Profusion and Zahara do well in the landscape," says Charlotte Glen, a horticulturist and master gardener at North Carolina State University.

Some of Glen's favorites include the Zinnia haageana varieties, like Persian Carpet, Jazzy, and Aztec Sunset. "They have a more relaxed growing habit and multi-colored blooms that fit well in country or cottage gardens," she says. "And they're great for pollinators."

• Zones: 2 to 11
• Size: 2 feet
• Days to Maturity: 65 Days
• Care Requirements: Partial to full sun, fertile soil
  

Globe Amaranth

Globe amaranth (Gomphrena) comes in yellows, reds, oranges, pinks, and purples—you name it. Each head is actually multiple flowers, according to David Hillock, a consumer horticulturist at Oklahoma State University—which explains the plant's globe-like shape.

"I've really come to appreciate this durable, heat and drought-tolerant annual, which blooms all summer and fall in central North Carolina," says Glen. "It's a heat lover and will grow slowly until temperatures warm up. I usually wait for seedlings to pop up in my garden and move them where I want them."

Globe amaranth is also a perfect addition to any pollinator garden.

• Zones: 2 to 11
• Size: 1 to 2 feet
• Days to Maturity: 85 days
• Care Requirements: Full sun; well-drained, fertile soil
  

Marigold

Marigolds are incredibly easy to grow from seed. They can even be started inside before moving them outdoors once the threat of frost is gone. "I like to grow the single-flowered Tagetes tenuifolia varieties, such as Lemon Gem, which form small, cushion-like plants with dainty foliage—and they have a citrusy smell," says Glen.

There are so many varieties of marigolds, and all of them are easy to grow—plus, they can reseed themselves. "The only drawback is that they can have spider mite problems, depending on where you live," says Hillock.

• Zones: 2 to 11
• Size: 6 inches to 4 feet
• Days to Maturity: 45 days
• Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil
  

Sunflowers

Native to North and Central America, sunflowers are iconic, easy to grow from seed, and can even be directly seeded in the garden—just ask anyone with a bird feeder to tell you what happens with spilled sunflower seeds!

"There are many varieties, ranging from short to giant, so be sure to choose the right one for your space," says Glen. "Deer love them, so if deer visit your yard, be sure to only plant these in protected areas."

Sunflower seedlings also need a fair amount of water (but can be more drought tolerant when established), so keep that in mind where you plant them.

• Zones: 4 to 9
• Size: 3 to 9 feet
• Days to Maturity: 70 to 100 days
• Care Requirements: Full sun, well-draining fertile soil, moderate watering
  

Borage

"Borage (Borago officinalis) is a fast-growing annual that pollinators love!" says Brooke Edmunds, associate professor and horticulturist at Oregon State University. "It quickly produces blue or white flowers that will be covered with honey bees."

Like marigolds, borage is also prolific when it comes to self-seeding, so you may see lots of these plants pop up in your garden—even in places that you may not want them. "Luckily, it's easy to recognize them and pull them out," says Edmunds.

• Zones: 2 to 11
• Size: 1 to 3 feet
• Days to Maturity: 50 days
• Care Requirements: Partial to full sun, well-draining soil
  

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are very quick to germinate and start flowering, though they may not hold up all summer depending on where you live.

"They can't survive the heat of our southern summers, but I always grow some because their blooms are so cheerful in early summer," says Glen.

You can start nasturtium in 3 to 4-inch containers with a few seeds per pot before the last frost, to make sure blooms show up early. Just make sure to plant the seedlings in full sun for the best blooms.

And if you're willing to add a flavorful kick to your meals, both Glen and Edmunds recommend trying the edible flowers in salads and the like, as they have a distinct, peppery flavor.

• Zones: 3 to 11
• Size: 1 to 3 feet
• Days to Maturity: 60 days
• Care Requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil
  

Cockscomb

Cockscomb (Celosia) is in the amaranth family and has very distinct flowers—some varieties resemble a rooster's comb.

"The flowers are almost crepe paper-ish, and when the sun hits them, they kind of glow," says Hillock. "They add a nice texture to a garden." Cockscombs are fairly easy to grow from seed, and come in several colors. Plus, there are several cultivars that don't have the comb-like shape, if you're not into that.

• Zones: 2 to 11
• Size: 1 to 3 feet
• Days to Maturity: 90 days
• Care Requirements: Full sun; fertile, moist soil
  

Petunias

Petunias have a long flowering season, and will continue to thrive for most of the summer. One thing to keep in mind, though, is to always deadhead their spent blooms, which will encourage further growth. Edmunds suggests placing them so they cascade over a wall, or planting them in hanging baskets.

They also come in a wide variety of colors, so if grown in a container, you can be strategic about color choice and placement.

• Zones: 3 to 11; perennial in 9 to 11
• Size: 1 foot
• Days to Maturity: 90 days
• Care Requirements: Partial to full sun, moderate watering, well-draining soil
  

Spider Flower

Named for their long, thin, thread-like stamen that pop out just below the main flower, spider flowers are well-loved by pollinators and can have a musky, sweet scent (though some varieties may not be as fragrant).

"They're easy to grow from seed, and are very interesting flowers," says Hillock. They also hold up well as cut flowers, with blooms that can grow 6 to 8 inches.

• Zones: 3 to 8; perennial in 9 to 10
• Size: 2 to 4 feet
• Days to Maturity: 75 days
• Care Requirements: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil