The summer season is for staying indoors and that’s what makes it comparatively boring. We have to think twice before stepping out of the home, thanks to the scorching heat, high temperatures, and dry air. But, have you thought of looking beyond a little, yes, there is a silver lining. Bright sun means the best time for many flowering plants to show their magic, to bloom wholeheartedly, and to turn your home into a magical place.
So, instead of getting bored this summer, let’s get creative ❤️ Let’s observe the nature around us and appreciate its beauty. Going a mile further, let’s add some more 🌼🌱🌼. Time to unleash your gardener-self.
And if you don’t know it already then let me tell you, the summers are best to stock up on Vitamin D, yes the early morning Sun does the deed. You do the gardening, water your plants, do the pruning, or take out the stubborn weeds while allowing the Sun God to bless you with a healthy dose of Vitamin D. Win-Win!!
These are the 5 resplendent plants to make your summers a colorful affair with their radiance and rich colors ❤️
Portulaca
🌺 Portulaca is one of the annual succulents. These plants love the sun and need little water to grow.
🌺 Portulaca blooms all summer long with little care. these are low-maintenance house plants that are considered symbols of good luck!
🌺 It has succulent leaves and colorful, showy flowers, growing well in containers.
🌺 It can be grown as a houseplant as well.
🌺 Portulaca loves sunlight. This plant does best in full sun or bright direct light
🌺 Portulacas demand well-drained soil. Grow in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight in a container or landscape.
🌺 The plants are very tolerant of high heat. Some close their flowers during the brightest part of the day. You’ll also notice the flowers close at night and on cloudy days.
🌺 This plant reproduces primarily from seed. Seeds germinate during the growing season from May through August and the portulaca growing season is from summer to the first frost.
Zinnia
🌻 Zinnias are one of the easiest flowers to grow as their seeds require only basic garden preparation to sprout and the plants start flowering in just a few weeks.
🌻 They can flourish well, with very little fertilizer, and still produce flowers.
🌻 Zinnias are annuals, so they’ll grow for one season to produce flowers and seeds, but the original plant will not come back in subsequent years.
🌻 They have bright, solitary, daisy-like flowerheads on a single, erect stem, which makes them great for use as vase flowers.
🌻 Zinnias prefer full sun and do best in well-drained soil.
🌻 Zinnias are highly attractive to pollinators, particularly butterflies.
🌻 Plant zinnias in spring once all the danger of frost has passed.
🌻 Zinnias are easy to grow when directly seeded into the garden. For sooner blooms, start seed germination indoors 4 to 6 weeks earlier.
Vinca
💐 Vinca is a popular choice for gardens, this plant offers sweet-smelling colorful flowers all summer long.
💐 They are perfect for hot, dry climates. Vincas are easy to grow and require little to no attention.
💐 Vinca can do very well in containers and pots too, provided that the drainage is good and the watering is regular.
💐 Vincas love full sun and well-draining soil. They are low maintenance in terms of pests, diseases, and fertilizing.
💐 This heat and drought-tolerant plant likes a warm humid climate and full sun for at least 6 hours a day.
💐 The best planting time for Vincas is from April to May. It is advisable to plant Vinca in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not directly shining on the area.
💐 Vinca’s blooming time is from May to October. Light pruning can be done anytime during the growing season.
💐 Vinca plants are heat and drought-tolerant. Once established, the flowers will need water typically every other week. Going by the general rule will help, that if the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch, then water the plant.
💐 Vinca is an annual flowering plant. It will often return in the following summers from self-sown seed.
💐 Vincas don’t just add beauty to it surrounding but they have been in use to treat diabetes, and high blood pressure and have been used as disinfectants.
Cosmos
🌸 Cosmos can make your garden look like a heavenly abode. You can get these plants from a nursery or can grow on your own from seeds.
🌸 Seeds germinate best at soil temperatures between 70-75°F and require 7 to 14 days to germinate. At temperatures above 80°F or below 60°F seed germination is reduced.
🌸 They can be grown indoors too, but mind it you will need to space plants at least 6 to 9 inches apart to give them room for growth.
🌸 Cosmos are sun-loving plants needing at least 8 hours of light, so they will grow best if planted in a sunny spot and when protected from wind.
🌸 Cosmos love well-drained, light soil. It is advisable to mulch the ground in order to conserve moisture
🌸 Any cosmos sown or grown in shade will have trouble flowering. Plants that have been overfed may also produce abundant foliage at the expense of flowers.
🌸 Cosmos is day-length sensitive and blooms best in late summer when days get shorter.
Mimulus
🌷 The Mimulus flower is known for its rich colors and charming pattern.
🌷 These are also known as MOnkey flowers because their flowers have a mouth-like shape, and to some extent, they resemble the face of a monkey.
🌷 Mimulus are best planted in a moist, poorly drained, humus-rich soil of sand, clay, or loam.
🌷 They give their best if planted in an area of full sun or partial shade.
🌷 Mimulus seed can be planted any time after May. As with most plants, make sure to grow plants undercover (preferably indoors) until they reach 8 to 10 cm in height and then they’re ready for replantation to garden/outdoor.
🌷 The flowering period for Mimulus is June to September
🌷 Mimulus will make your garden look appealing with its ability to render beauty to the environment.
Looking for more such content? You can definitely check out these related posts :
- 10 really useful tips for the beginner gardeners
- New to Home Gardening – 10 Gorgeous plants to try !
🌷🌼 So, why wait? Put on your gardener cap and sow some seeds 🌱. Happy gardening lovely souls ! 🌻🌺