9 Annual Flowers to Sow in May for Summer Cutting

Nasturtiums

These joyful flowers come in red, orange, and yellow hues, adding color to any garden. They're also edible, with a peppery taste that enhances salads. Nasturtiums are excellent companions for repelling pests from vegetable gardens.

Snapdragons

Resilient and available in various colors, snapdragons bloom from spring to fall in USDA planting zones 6-11. They're known for their distinctive flower faces resembling snarling dragons and can be grown as short-lived perennials in suitable climates.

Zinnias

With their vibrant jewel tones, zinnias are easy to grow and bloom from spring through fall. They're perfect for cutting gardens, attracting pollinators, and adding a splash of color to any landscape.

Petunias

Old-fashioned favorites, petunias have been hybridized to produce varieties with larger blooms and striking color combinations. They're low-maintenance and continue to bloom even without deadheading. Pollinators are attracted to these cheerful flowers.

Begonias

Shade-loving tuberous begonias are ideal for brightening up dark corners in gardens. They can be grown as annuals or dug up and stored for the next season. Begonias thrive in moist, well-draining soil and require dappled light.

Calibrachoa (Million Bells)

These compact plants produce miniature petunia-like flowers in various hues and are favorites of hummingbirds. Calibrachoa blooms from spring through fall, making it perfect for hanging baskets and containers.

Lantana

Known for its continuous blooms in shades of pink, orange, white, and yellow, lantana is hardy and fast-growing. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it an excellent choice for summer landscapes.

Marigolds

Aromatic marigolds come in orange, yellow, or red and repel pests, making them ideal companion plants for vegetable gardens. They're easy to grow from seed, heat and humidity tolerant, and deer resistant.

Impatiens

Perfect for shady areas, impatiens produce colorful blooms from spring to fall. They prefer moist, rich soil and come in various shades of purple, pink, white, and orange.