An effective cut flower garden requires more than simply planting different kinds of flowers; sunlight, soil quality and water play key roles in cultivating one successfully.
Beginning a cut flower garden requires starting seeds either directly in the spring, or growing seedlings indoors; this article can assist you in growing an abundant cut flower garden.
Location
Location is of utmost importance for a cut flower garden, since most flowering plants prefer sun over shade.
Next, determine what flowers to grow in your cutting garden. Are you after annuals that won’t return the following year, or perennials with extended bloom times? Additionally, think about which foliage and fillers would work well within this space.
Combine seeds with similar growth needs and plant them all at the same time for maximum effectiveness. If planting multiple flower varieties that will bloom at different times, organize them so the tallest (such as sunflowers or zinnias ) are at the back, followed by medium-sized plants in the middle, then shorter flowers such as sweet peas at the front.
Soil
Good quality soil is key for successful gardening. Amending garden beds with organic matter such as compost and manure will enhance its health while increasing flower production. Raised beds may also help with drainage as many cut flowers don’t fare well in damp soil.
Sunlight is essential in creating an ideal cutting flower garden. Annuals typically need direct sunlight in order to produce large blooms, so be sure to study your space during the day and mark off areas that receive partial or no sunlight.
Drawing up a plan for your cutting garden will allow you to visualize how its color, bloom time and heights will work in relation to your house and patio. Be sure to organize taller flowers such as sunflowers or zinnias towards the back while smaller-stature ones like pansies should be nearer the front; note any vineing ones which might need support such as trellises or netting.
Seeds
When starting your cut flower garden from seed, make sure you choose flowers with long stems that are easy to grow and provide continuous blooms throughout the growing season. Sunflowers, zinnias, dahlias, hydrangeas and sweet peas are popular selections; other popular choices could be dahlias, hydrangeas and sweet peas.
Starting your garden depends on your climate and whether or not you choose to start seeds indoors before sowing directly outdoors. For optimal cutting garden results, combine perennials and annuals when sowing directly.
Arrange the flowers according to their cultural needs, with tall varieties at the back and medium-sized plants in the center of your bed. Be mindful that certain plants such as sunflowers and climbing nasturtiums needing support like netting or trellises as they grow; cut-and-come-again varieties like cosmos or scabious will continue blooming long after you’ve picked them from blooming!
Water
Water is essential when cultivating a cut flower garden, whether you start seeds indoors or plant seedlings outdoors. Provide the plants with enough liquid so that they can develop strong stems to support flower heads and produce long-lasting blooms.
Group the flowers by their cultural needs so you can ensure each is receiving exactly what it requires and prevent any accidental over- or underwatering. This way you’ll ensure each species gets what it requires without accidentally over- or under-watering any one variety.
If you’re planting annual flowers that won’t return the following year, be sure to include cut-and-come-again varieties such as cosmos, larkspur and sweet peas in your bouquets for maximum impact throughout the growing season. To maintain vibrant blooms feed them with organic fertilizer every two to three weeks for best results during their growing period.