11 Fast-Growing Flowers to Plant in Your Garden

Close up of the bright yellow and purple flowers of Viola Heartseas or Johnny Jump Up's with their happy faces. Background is blurred with focus on the foreground. Image captured in September, spring in Bundarra, NSW, Australia. — Photo:
Andrea Robinson

When it comes to designing a beautiful, luscious garden, patience is one of the most important skills to have. But if you simply can't wait any longer to see your landscape in full bloom, there are some flower varieties that will give you the quick gratification you crave. Ahead, we're sharing some of the fastest-growing flowers experts say to plant in your garden. These varieties will reach their full potential in just a few months, giving you fast, beautiful results.

01 of 11

Zinnia

Zinnias are showstoppers in the garden thanks to their colorful daisy-like blooms that are vigorous and easy to grow. "Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering and water regularly," says Carrie Spoonemore, co-creator of Park Seed's From Seed to Spoon app.

Zones: 2 to 11
Size: 40 inches tall x 4 to 5 inches wide
Days to maturity: 50 to 90
Care requirements: Full sun; nutrient-rich, well-drained soil

02 of 11

Marigold

Bright autumn flowers in red-orange colors — Getty Images

Marigolds (Tagetes Spp.) are beautiful annual flowers that come in a range of vibrant colors, from bright yellows and oranges to golds and whites. "They are prolific bloomers and are a great companion plant for many vegetable crops," says Spoonemore.

Zones: 2 to 11
Size: 6 to 36 inches tall x 6 to 24 inches wide
Days to maturity: 50 to 90
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

03 of 11

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are versatile plants with blooms that can be grown in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets. Their bright blooms are available in shades of red, yellow, cream, and jewel tones. "Nasturtiums thrive in full sun and slightly dry conditions, so it is best to water sparingly," says Spoonemore. "They can tolerate poor soil but will not thrive in overly wet or compacted soil the spring two weeks before the last spring frost."

Zones: 2 to 11
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide, depending on variety
Days to maturity: 50 to 60
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

04 of 11

Cosmos

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) will fill your garden with charm and whimsy. "They are available in a wide variety of colors and feature feathery foliage that adds delicate beauty to the garden," says Spoonemore. To get a head start on the spring season, start cosmo seeds indoors about four to six weeks before the last frost.

Zones: 10 to 11
Size: Up to 4 feet tall x 2.5 feet wide
Days to maturity: 50 to 60
Growing conditions: Full sun; average, well-drained soil

05 of 11

Morning Glory

Morning glories (Ipomoea) are an annual vining plant with trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors. "The blooms open in the morning and close by the afternoon, hence their name," says Spoonemore. "Morning glories have lush foliage and can be used to cover fences or trellises. They can also be used as dense ground covers." As a vining plant, morning glories will need a support structure to climb as they grow.

Zones: 2 to 11
Size: 6 to 10 feet tall x 3 to 6 feet wide
Days to maturity: 50 to 90
Growing Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil

06 of 11

Partridge Pea

Partridge pea boasts clusters of bright yellow, pea-like flowers and feathery foliage that resembles mimosa tree leaves or ferns, says Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy and certifications at the National Wildlife Federation. It is known for being drought-tolerant and pest-resistant, making it a great addition to any flower garden.

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 1 to 3 feet wide
Days to maturity: 60 to 70
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

07 of 11

Sunspot Sunflower

Close-up image of a single vibrant yellow, Sunflower also known as Helianthus annus — Jacky Parker Photography / Getty Images

Sunspot sunflower is a dwarf variety of the common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) that matures quickly and produces beautiful, classic yellow blooms. "As a single-stem variety, additional support may be needed if growing in containers or in a region that experiences high winds," says Parker Garlitz, managing partner at True Leaf Market.

Zones: 2 to 10
Size: 30 to 36 inches tall x 8 to 10 inches wide
Days to maturity: 65 to 80
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

08 of 11

Canna Lily

Canna lilies have lush tropical foliage and long-lasting, vibrant blooms that come in an array of beautiful colors, like pink, orange, and cream. "They are show-stopping plants that bloom continuously from mid-summer to frost," says Peggy Anne Montgomery, a horticulturist representing Flowerbulbs.com. "They do well in borders and larger containers."

Growing zone: 9 to 11
Size: 3 to 5 feet tall x 2 to 4 feet wide
Days to maturity: 40 to 60
Care requirements: Full sun; moist, well-draining soil

09 of 11

Alyssum

Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a fast-growing plant that's great for planting as a ground cover, accent, border, or in hanging baskets, says Garlitz. For a particularly fast-growing variety, try Easter Bonnet Alyssum, which is available in a mix of pink, rose, violet, and white petite blooms.

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 6 to 10 inches tall x 12 to 14 inches wide
Days to maturity: 63 to 77
Care requirements: Part shade; well-draining soil

10 of 11

Petunia

Petunias are one of the most popular flowering annuals due to their dainty flowers that bloom from spring until the first frost. They are known for being very easy to grow and perform best when planted in an area with full sun.

Zones: 9 to 11
Size: 6 to 18 inches tall x 12 to 36 inches wide
Days to maturity: 40 to 60 days
Care requirements: Full sun to part shade; well-draining soil

11 of 11

Pansies

Pansies (Viola tricolor) will bring charming color to your landscape with their beautiful blooms that are available in shades of purple, pink, yellow, white, and beyond. They prefer milder temperatures and produce their best flowers during the cooler days of spring.