Fresh flowers not only look stunning and smell delightful, but they also carry symbolic meanings. They can stir emotions, spark creativity, and, most importantly, contribute to better health. We all must be aware that nature plays a powerful role in supporting health and well-being. We’ve seen that spending time in peaceful, green spaces lowers cortisol levels.
To enjoy annual blooms throughout summer, you typically need to plant them earlier in the season, usually right after the final frost in spring. But if you didn’t get a head start this year, don’t worry. July still offers the chance to sow seeds of specific varieties. If you want to make the most of your garden now, explore this collection of the best flowers to grow in July. You’ll discover blooms in nearly every shade, from purples and pinks to vibrant oranges and sunny yellows.
Importance of Choosing the Right Plants For July
Selecting the right plants for your garden becomes especially important during the monsoon season. The right choices will flourish in the warm, humid climate, while unsuitable ones may struggle or wither. To ensure healthy growth, focus on plants matching your region’s weather patterns, soil conditions, and the sunlight your garden receives.
Flowers to Grow in July
Delphiniums
Bloom time: June to September
How to grow: July marks your last chance to sow delphiniums for a stunning display next summer. These classic cottage garden flowers add height and drama and attract bees, especially the single-flowered types.
Hydrangeas
Bloom time: July to September
How to grow: Plant hydrangeas in a spot with dappled shade and moist, well-draining soil. Compact varieties also thrive in large containers. If you buy one already in bloom, you’ll get instant color. Growing Hydrangeas is easy, just remember to keep it well-watered during the hotter months.
Buddleia
Bloom time: July to September
How to grow: Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for your buddleia. These hardy, fast-growing shrubs are easy to maintain and reward you with masses of flowers throughout summer. They are also a favorite of butterflies.
Bird of Paradise
Bloom time: February to May
How to grow: Looking to grow something more exotic? Sow strelitzia seeds throughout summer for bold, tropical blooms next year. These greenhouse or indoor perennials make striking cut flowers and conversation starters.
Pansies
Bloom time: November to May
How to grow: Sow pansies early in July to give them enough time to grow strong before planting them out in autumn. This timing sets them up perfectly to bloom in spring.
Forget-me-not (Myosotis)
Bloom time: April to June
How to grow: Sow forget-me-not seeds anytime from May to September, imitating their natural post-flowering seeding cycle. Scatter seeds in empty flower bed patches or start them in trays to transplant later.
Foxgloves
Bloom time: June to July
How to grow: Sow foxglove seeds in July to give them plenty of time to mature before next summer’s flowering season. Sprinkle the fine seeds over moist, peat-free compost and top with a light layer of vermiculite. You can also sow other biennials now, such as honesty (Lunaria annua), sweet rockets (Hesperis matronalis), and stocks (Matthiola incana).
Wallflowers
Bloom time: March to May
How to grow: Sow wallflowers in trays or small pots this summer, then plant them out in autumn. You’ll enjoy their bold yellow and orange blooms early next year — a cheerful start to spring.
Colchicums (Autumn Crocus)
Bloom time: September to October
How to grow: Plant colchicum bulbs in late July or August to enjoy their blooms in early autumn. Place the bulbs 8–10 cm deep and 15 cm apart in the ground, with the pointed end facing up. If you’re using containers, set them 5–10 cm apart in peat-free, multi-purpose compost. These autumn crocuses add a touch of elegance just as summer fades.
Tip: You can buy colchicum bulbs from online nurseries like Crocus and Farmer Gracy.
Dahlias
Bloom time: July to October
How to grow: Although dahlia tubers are best planted in spring, you can still add dahlias to your garden in July by using garden-ready, container-grown plants. While this method costs a bit more, it’s perfect for filling empty spaces in borders with a burst of late-season color. Dahlias bloom continuously into autumn, and compact varieties also thrive in pots.
FAQs
Can I plant flowers in July?
Yes! While spring is ideal for planting, July is not too late. You can still sow seeds of fast-growing annuals and biennials like pansies, foxgloves, and wallflowers. Opt for nursery-grown plants if you want quicker blooms.
Which flowers bloom best when planted in July?
Flowers like delphiniums, dahlias, and forget-me-nots do well when sown or planted in July. These can either bloom later in the season or establish well for the next year’s flowering cycle.
Do flowers need extra care in the hot weather of July?
Yes. July’s heat and dry conditions mean newly planted flowers need more frequent watering. Mulching around the base helps retain soil moisture and reduce stress from high temperatures.
