Flowers for Beginners

Texas has a long list of native flowers that thrive under the sun and are easy to grow, especially for beginners.

Let's talk about why you should plant flowers native to your region as a beginner, what flowers are easier to grow in Texas, and some tips on how to start your gardening journey and enjoy your flowers while they're in bloom!

1. Why plant native flowers?

Planting seasonal and native flowers in the garden carries several important benefits. Let's talk about them!

Adaptability to Climate

Seasonal and native flowers are well adapted to the local climate and soil of the region. When you plant native flowers, you increase their chances of successful growth and reduce the need for excessive watering, fertilizing, and pest control.

Conservation of resources

Native flowers are adapted to the local ecosystem and often need less attention to thrive. 

Support pollinators and wildlife

Native flowers have co-evolved with local pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds, providing them with essential food sources that contribute to the ecosystem and the overall balance of the environment.

Aesthetics and grounding

Seasonal and native flowers bloom in the right place, providing a rest for your senses and a feeling of belonging and grounding.

2. Easy native flowers for beginners

Marigolds (Tagetes)

Marigolds are easy-to-grow annual flowers that thrive in the Texas heat. They come in various colors and sizes, and they can be started from seeds or transported from seedling trays into your garden bed. Marigolds have long blooming periods that typically last from late spring to fall.

Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias are another colorful and low-maintenance option for Texas gardens. They are drought-tolerant and can withstand the hot summer temperatures. Their long blooming seasons typically start in late spring or early summer and can continue until the first frost of fall. 

Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susans are native wildflowers with bright yellow or orange petals with a dark center that attract butterflies and pollinators. Black-eyed Susans have a blooming period from mid-summer to early fall.

Mexican Sunflowers (Tithonia diversifolia)

Mexican Sunflowers are tall annual plants with large, orange flowers. They are heat and drought-tolerant and are known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Mexican Sunflowers bloom from mid-summer to fall and lasts from weeks to months. 

Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)

Pentas are perennial flowers that thrive in the heat of Texas. They have clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in various colors, including pink, red, and white. They are known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The blooming period of Pentas lasts from late spring to fall with an extended blooming season, which can sometimes continue until the first frost in regions with mild winters. 

Lantanas (Lantana camara)

Lantanas are another great choice for your garden. They are heat-tolerant and produce clusters of small, brightly colored flowers that can bloom all summer. Lantanas come in yellow, orange, pink, and purple colors. Lantanas have a long blooming period, typically lasting from late spring to fall or even until the first frost. 

Celosia (Celosia spicata)

Celosias are easy to grow because they are heat and drought-tolerant. They are low maintenance, attract few pests or diseases, and don't require frequent fertilization. They come in various forms, including plume-like and crested or cockscomb flowers. Their blooming period lasts from late spring to fall, and are self-sustaining, meaning they drop seeds that can germinate and grow new plants without much intervention. 

3. Location

Choose your flowers first and then consider their growing recommendations to determine the location of the garden beds. You should also consider soil drainage, exposure to wind, and proximity to other plants. The advantage of raised garden beds is that you can move them around until you find the perfect spot for your flowers. 

4. Prepare your garden beds

Maintain a good ecosystem in your metal raised garden bed by using the Hugelkultur method.

This method traps moisture at the bottom of your raised bed and creates a water source that keeps the soil moist despite the hot temperatures.

Stary by covering the bottom of your garden bed with flattened cardboard boxes. Next, take rotting logs from hardwood trees such as oak, poplar, ash, acacia, apple, beech, alder and maple, then a layer of woodchips, sticks and smaller branches, followed by a layer of mulch, grass clippings, leaves and kitchen scraps, then organic and nutrient-rich compost and topsoil, and finally add your seeds!

5. Tips to succeed planting flowers

Tools

The right gardening tools will withstand the hardships of gardening and evolve with your skills.

For starters you'll need; hand shears, gardening gloves, a hand rake, a hand shovel, a ruler, a watering can or hose with a spray attachment, a sturdy garden bag that can carry it all, and a knife that can keep up with your gardening needs. We like the 10-in1 Hori Hori knife  from Vego Garden, which is perfect for all gardening levels. 

Weather

Choose flower varieties that thrive in full sun or partial shade, are heat tolerant, and adapt to temperature fluctuations in your location. Make sure the location you choose receives the right amount of sunlight for your flowers.

Watering 

Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth, but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. If you are not sure when to water your plants, get a soil meter, that will let you know when the soil needs watering until you learn to gauge your flowers’ needs. 

Fertilizer

Enhance soil fertility by incorporating organic matter like worm castings  into the soil before planting. Worm castings provide valuable nutrients and improve soil structure yielding healthy and organic flowers. 

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged parts, as well as any overcrowded branches or stems that may hinder airflow, to promote healthy growth and an abundance of fresh flowers. 

Pests and Disease

Native flowers tend to have fewer pest problems when planted in their natural habitat. Consider using organic pest control methods, such as bringing in beneficial insects, a Vego Garden Cover System, or using home remedies.

Raised Garden Beds

Raised garden beds are practical because the soil warms quickly and drains faster than normal garden beds, resulting in bountiful harvests and giving you the advantage of manipulating the growing conditions. When looking for a metal raised garden bed, it's important to make sure that it's 100% non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and has non-toxic USDA approved paint. 

Which flowers are you planting in your garden bed?