Top 10 Best Annual Flowers To Plant In Full Sun

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Top 10 Best Annual Flowers To Plant In Full Sun

Are you looking to add a vibrant touch to your garden or yard? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the top 10 best annual flowers that thrive in full sun. Whether you're new to gardening or an experienced green thumb, these colorful blooms will not disappoint.

• Marigolds
• Zinnias
• Petunias
• Cosmos
• Sunflowers
• Salvia
• Cleome
• Celosia
• Dianthus
• Nasturtiums

Read on to discover more about these delightful annuals.

1. Marigolds

Marigolds are one of the most popular annuals that grow well in sunny gardens. These easy-to-grow flowers come in shades of yellow, gold, and orange, and can reach up to three feet tall.

Marigold Benefits

Apart from adding a pop of color to your garden, marigolds have numerous benefits, making them highly desirable:

• They attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, that prey on harmful insects such as aphids, thrips, and whiteflies.
• The root secretions from the French marigold (Tagetes patula) can reduce soil nematodes.
• Marigold extract has antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it effective for treating skin infections and ulcers.

Types of Marigolds

There are two main types of marigolds that you can plant in your garden - the French marigold and the African marigold.

1. French Marigold (Tagetes patula)
   • Dwarf, bushy plants that grow up to 1 foot tall.
   • Come in a range of colors including gold, yellow, orange, and red.
2. African Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
   • Taller plants that grow up to 4 feet tall.
   • Flowers are larger than French marigolds and come in shades of yellow and orange.

How to Grow Marigolds

Here are some tips for growing marigolds:

• Choose a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil.
• Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost or directly sow them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.
• Water regularly, but do not overwater as marigolds do not like wet feet.
• Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming.

2. Zinnias

Zinnias are another popular annual flower that adds vibrant color to any garden. These cheery flowers bloom in pink, purple, red, orange, and white, and are ideal for cut flower arrangements.

Benefits of Planting Zinnias

Zinnia flowers have some amazing benefits that make them a great addition to your garden:

• They attract butterflies and bees, which help pollinate your garden and improve its overall health.
• A study published by the American Society for Horticultural Science showed that zinnias can remove toxins such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde from indoor air, making them a great option for indoor gardens.
• Zinnias are easy to grow from seed, making them an ideal choice for beginners.

Types of Zinnias

There are several types of zinnias that you can choose from:

1. Dwarf Zinnias
   • Compact, low-growing plants that reach a height of about 6 inches.
   • Ideal for edging borders or planting in pots.
2. Tall Zinnias
   • These plants can grow up to 4 feet tall.
   • Ideal for back borders of your garden.
3. Cactus Zinnias
   • These have quilled and twisted petals that resemble cactus flowers.
   • A striking addition to any garden.

How to Grow Zinnias

Here's how to grow zinnias:

• Choose a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil.
• Sow seeds directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
• Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous blooming.

3. Petunias

Petunias are a versatile annual flower that come in different colors like purple, red, yellow, and pink. They are also available in bi-color and tri-color varieties, making them a popular choice among gardeners.

Benefits of Planting Petunias

Here are some reasons why you should add petunias to your garden:

• They bloom all summer long, giving your garden consistent color and vibrancy.
• Petunias are easy to care for and maintain, making them a great option for beginner gardeners.
• They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden, making it healthier and more abundant.

Types of Petunias

There are four main types of petunias:

1. Grandiflora Petunias
   • These have large blossoms that come in various colors.
   • Grows best in sunny areas with well-drained soil.
2. Multiflora Petunias
   • These have smaller blossoms than grandifloras, but they bloom much more prolifically and are also more heat and cold tolerant.
   • Suitable for both containers and garden beds.
3. Wave Petunias
   • These have a spreading habit and can grow up to 4 feet wide.
   • Ideal for hanging baskets, raised planters, or cascading over walls.
4. Supertunias
   • These are hybrids of petunias and calibrachoa.
   • They have smaller flowers but more numerous blooms and are ideal for containers and garden beds.

How to Grow Petunias

Here's how to grow petunias:

• Choose a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil.
• Plant seedlings or transplants in spring, after the last frost has passed.
• Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering.

4. Cosmos

Cosmos flowers are easy-to-grow annuals with cheerful daisy-like blooms that come in shades of pink, white, yellow, and orange.

Benefits of Planting Cosmos Flowers

Here are some of the benefits of planting cosmos flowers in your garden:

• They attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that prey on harmful insects like aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
• Cosmos flower have a long flowering season, which can start in the summer and continue until the first frost.
• They are low-maintenance and require minimal watering and fertilization.

Types of Cosmos Flowers

There are two types of cosmos flowers that you can grow in your garden:

1. Sensation Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
   • These have pink or white daisy-like flowers that measure 3 to 4 inches across.
   • Grows up to 4 feet tall.
2. Mexican Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus)
   • These have yellow or orange blooms that measure 1 to 2 inches across.
   • Grows up to 4 feet tall.

How to Grow Cosmos Flowers

Here's how to grow cosmos flowers:

• Choose a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining soil.
• Sow seeds directly outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
• Water regularly, but avoid overwatering as cosmos prefers slightly dry soil.
• Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous blooming.

5. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are happy, iconic annual flowers that are known for their large yellow blooms that follow the sun's movement throughout the day. They also come in red, orange, and brown varieties.

Benefits of Planting Sunflowers

Sunflowers are one of the best annual flowers to plant in full sun for several reasons:

• They provide food and habitat for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Sunflower seeds are a healthy snack for humans too!
• They create natural walls or screens that can block unpleasant views or noise pollution.

Types of Sunflowers

There are four types of sunflowers that you can grow in your garden:

1. Giant sunflowers
   • These can reach up to 14 feet tall.
   • They have large blooms that measure around 10 inches across.
2. Dwarf sunflowers
   • These grow to only 1 to 2 feet tall.
   • Ideal for container gardens and borders.
3. Multi-stem sunflowers
   • These produce multiple heads on a single plant.
   • Ideal for cut flower arrangements.
4. Pollen-free sunflowers
   • These do not produce pollen, making them an ideal option if allergy sufferers want to enjoy this happy flower.

How to Grow Sunflowers

Here's how to grow sunflowers:

• Choose a spot with full sun exposure, and make sure the soil is well-drained.
• Sow seeds outdoors directly after the last spring frost.
• Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Provide support to taller sunflowers to protect them from high winds.

6. Salvia

Salvias are a popular annual flowering plant that produces striking spikes of violet-blue blooms. They also come in red, pink, white, and purple.

Benefits of Planting Salvia

Here are some of the benefits of planting salvia in your garden:

• Salvias are great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Certain varieties have medicinal properties and can be used to treat symptoms such as anxiety or digestive issues.
• These plants are relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in hot, dry conditions.

Types of Salvias

There are several types of salvias that you can plant in your garden, here are a few popular ones:

1. Salvia Farinacea
   • Known as mealy-cup sage, this plant produces tall spikes of violet or white blooms.
   • Grows up to 3 feet high and thrives in full sun exposure.
2. Salvia Splendens
   • Commonly called red salvia or scarlet sage, this plant has bright