Discover the best annuals, perennials and bulbs to grow in your first garden

Think you have a brown thumb? These easy-care flowers will help you gain confidence in the garden. Annuals such as sunflowers and zinnias are easy to start from seed, perennials require little care and return each year, and bulbs are practically foolproof when planted properly. Start with just one, or select a few and get growing!

Sunflowers
Zones: Annual
Colors: Yellows, browns, and mixed
Height: 3-16 feet
Blooms during summer
Most varieties are drought and heat tolerant
Attracts bees, birds, and butterflies
Thrives in full sun
Tolerates most soil types (except water-logged)
May require support to prevent breakage

Zinnias
Zones: Annual
Colors: Shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and white
Height: 20-24 inches
Blooms during summer
Offers varieties in shape (daisies, dahlias, spiders, poms)
Attracts butterflies
Likes rich, well-drained soil
Has moderate water requirements
Grows best in full sun

Marigolds
Zones: Annual
Colors: Shades of yellow, red, gold, and mixed
Height: 6-36 inches
Blooms spring, summer and fall
Grows quickly from seed
Helps repel mosquitoes (See 12 Mosquito Repellent Plants)
Prefers well-drained soil, grows well in dry or sandy gardens
Water well, allow to dry between waterings
Should be grown in full sun

Cosmos
Zones: Annual Colors: Orange, pink, white Height: Varieties 18-60 inches
Blooms spring, summer and fall
Grows quickly from seed
Helps repel mosquitoes
Prefers well-drained soil, grows well in dry or sandy gardens
Water well, allow to dry between waterings
Should be grown in full sun

Morning Glories
Zones: Annual Colors: White, purple, pink, red, blue varieties Height: 6 to 15 feet
Blooms appear in late summer or early fall
Readily self-sowing — be careful where you plant
Use to cover walls/trellises
Attracts birds and butterflies
Seeds are highly toxic if ingested
Give them moderately fertile, well-drained soil
Water weekly during dry periods
Plant morning glories in full sun

Sweet Peas
Zones: Annual Colors: Blue, pink, purple, red, white Height: 3 to 8 feet
Highly fragrant flowers
Bloom spring through early summer in hot climates, into fall in cooler areas
Seeds resemble edible sweet peas but are toxic if eaten
Prefer loamy, well-drained soil
Keep moist, water at the base
Grow in full sun
Needs supportive fence or trellis
If grown from seed, soak seeds the night before planting to soften tough outer shell

Nasturtium
Zones: Annual
Colors: Shades of orange, red, yellow, cream
Height: 8-10 feet
Quick growing and colorful
Blooms from May until September
Edible leaves and flowers (recipe: Pan-Seared Halibut with Nasturtium Butter)
Needs well-drained soil
Water regularly, but don’t over-water
Plant in full sun

Pansies
Zones: Grown as annuals (can be perennial/biennial in Zones 6-10) Colors: Variety of colors Height: 6-9 inches
In warmer climates pansies will bloom throughout winter and early spring
Are widely available at nurseries in six packs
Attract butterflies
Like rich, well-drained soil
Need regular watering
Will bloom in sun or partial shade
Grow best in temperatures 45-75 degrees F

Snapdragons
Zones: Grown as annuals (can be perennial in Zones 5-10) Colors: White, yellow, pink, red, orange, peach, purple, and violet Height: 6-15 inches
Bloom from spring through fall in cool summer growing conditions
Attract butterflies
Popular in cottage-style gardens
Prefer well-drained soil
Water regularly at the base of the plant
Best when grown in full sun

Impatiens
Zones: Grown as annuals (can be perennial in Zones 10-11) Colors: Variety Height: 6-24 inches
Bloom non-stop from June until frost
Attract birds
Are great for growing along the edges of a path
Prefer loamy soil
Keep them moist, but not waterlogged
Do best in part or full shade
Will grow taller if planted closer together

Wax Begonias
Zones: Grown as annuals (can be perennial in Zones 10-11) Colors: Orange, pink, white, yellow Height: 6-12 inches
Bloom summer and fall
Good for hanging baskets, containers, or beds
Varieties produce single or double blooms with ruffled or smooth petals
Require fertile, amended soil