10 Easiest Plants to Grow from Seeds (Guide + Tips)

#10 – Cosmos: Drought-Tolerant Winner

Let me tell you about the summer that turned me into a cosmos convert! During our worst drought in years, when everything else in my teaching garden was struggling, these magnificent flowers kept blooming like they were living their best life. Since then, they’ve become my go-to flower for anyone who claims they can’t grow anything!

The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Champion

Here’s why cosmos are my favorite lazy gardener plant:

• Thrives on neglect
• Reseeds itself naturally
• No fertilizer needed
• Drought resistant
• Disease resistant

Height Options for Every Space

After years of growing, here’s my perfect height guide:

1. Dwarf Varieties (12-18 inches):

• ‘Sonata Series’
• ‘Cosmic Series’
• Perfect for containers

1. Medium Height (24-36 inches):

• ‘Sensation Mix’
• ‘Seashells’
• Border beauties

1. Tall Varieties (36-60 inches):

• ‘Double Click’
• ‘Psyche Mix’
• Back of border stunners

Creating a Butterfly Paradise

My students love watching the butterfly show:

• Attracts monarch butterflies
• Perfect landing platforms
• Natural nectar source
• Long blooming period
• Pairs with milkweed

Cutting Garden Success

Here’s my strategy for endless bouquets:

1. Harvesting Tips:

• Cut early morning
• Remove lower leaves
• Fresh water daily
• Clean cuts at angles

1. Vase Life Secrets:

• Add flower food
• Change water regularly
• Remove spent blooms
• Keep away from fruit

Extended Blooming Techniques

Want flowers until frost? Here’s my proven method:

1. Regular Maintenance:

• Deadhead consistently
• Remove spent stems
• Cut back by 1/3 mid-season
• Keep soil lean

1. Season Extension:

• Direct sow in waves
• Protect from early frost
• Use row covers
• Save seeds for next year

Pro Growing Tips

These tricks ensure maximum blooms:

1. Planting Success:

• Direct sow after frost
• Thin to 12-18 inches
• Don’t amend soil
• Press seeds lightly

1. Care Routine:

• Water until established
• No fertilizer needed
• Stake tall varieties
• Remove volunteers selectively

Ready to tackle common gardening challenges? Click that next button to discover my tried-and-true troubleshooting guide! After 15 years of teaching gardening, I’ve seen (and solved) every seed starting problem imaginable. I can’t wait to share how to fix leggy seedlings, prevent damping off, and ensure your plants thrive from day one!

Want to become a seed-starting expert? The next section will help you avoid and fix the most common growing problems!