March is when the garden really begins to shift.
The cool-season flowers we started earlier are beginning to establish, but now it's time to start thinking about the blooms that will carry us through summer.
If you live in Zone 7b or 8a like I do here in Arkansas, March is the perfect time to start many warm-season flowers indoors so they're strong and ready to transplant once frost passes.
Starting flowers now means:
• earlier blooms
• longer harvest windows
• stronger plants before summer heat arrives
Here are the flowers I'm starting this month.
Zinnias
Zinnias are one of the most productive flowers you can grow in a cut garden.
They thrive in heat, bloom continuously, and the more you harvest them, the more they produce.
You can start these indoors in March or direct sow once soil temperatures warm.
Cosmos
Cosmos are one of the easiest flowers to grow and they add incredible movement to the garden.
Their delicate stems and soft blooms make them perfect for bouquets.
Cosmos grow quickly and thrive with very little fuss.
Celosia
Celosia thrives in warm climates and absolutely loves southern summers.
Their unique texture adds depth and interest to flower arrangements.
These benefit from starting indoors so they can establish before transplanting.
Gomphrena
Gomphrena is one of my favorite flowers for drying.
These small globe-shaped blooms are incredibly long lasting both fresh and dried.
They tolerate heat and drought extremely well.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are best direct sown once soil begins to warm.
Rather than planting them all at once, succession sow every 2–3 weeks to ensure continuous blooms.
Flowers You Can Direct Sow in March
Depending on weather conditions, you can also direct sow cool tolerant flowers including:
• Amaranth
• Sweet Peas
• Bachelor Buttons
• Nigella
These flowers thrive in the cool temperatures of early spring.
Start Small
One mistake I see new flower gardeners make is trying to grow everything.
Instead, start with three to five varieties you love and focus on growing them well.
A small garden filled with flowers you enjoy will always be more rewarding than an overwhelming one.
