Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers
Annual flowers are a simple way to attract pollinators, fill bare spots in the landscape, and add a bright spot of color to containers in the yard and garden. “Arizona Annual Flower Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low-Desert Flowers” provides information to help gardeners succeed at growing annuals in the low desert of Arizona.
With over sixty (61 in fact!) annual flowers listed in Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide, you are sure to find one to try.
Seasons in Arizona are short, and timing is critical when planting. Use this Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide to learn when to plant, and whether to plant seeds or transplants. When you plant at the correct time, seeds will sprout and transplants will become established in the optimal conditions for each plant.
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Click on a flower name to go directly to that flower:
Ageratum (Floss Flower)
How to grow Ageratum:
Grows best from transplant or seed
When to plant ageratum: October – early January
Days from seed to bloom: 180
Months in bloom: February – May
Good to know: Prefers rich soil. Needs regular water. Easy to grow. Comes in many colors. Attracts pollinators.
African Daisies
How to grow African Daisies:
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 120
When to plant African daisies: October – November
Months in bloom: January – April
Good to know: Reseeds readily, come consider invasive. When plants die back, shake seeds onto ground after pulling plants to encourage reseeding the following year.
Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)
How to grow Angelonia:
Grows best from transplant and divisions
When to plant angelonia: March – October
Months in bloom: Nearly all year if frost free
Good to know: Angelonia is a tough plant that provides excellent color in the heat of low desert Arizona summers. Needs regular water; let established plants dry out a little between watering. Cover if there is a freeze. If plants do not freeze they will provide year-round color. Divide established plants and plant in other areas of the yard.
Aster
How to grow Aster:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 180
When to plant aster: October – November
Months in bloom: March – April
Good to know: Good cut flower. Attracts butterflies. Can be difficult to grow from seed. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Bee Balm
How to grow Bee Balm:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 75
When to plant bee balm: February – March
Months in bloom: Late April – early July
Good to know: Difficult to grow. Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators. Considered a perennial flower, but often grown as an annual in the low desert of Arizona.
Begonia
How to grow Begonia:
Grows best from transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 180
When to plant begonias: September – November
Months in bloom: January – December
Good to know: Needs shade and regular water to grow well.
Bigelow’s Purple Aster
How to grow Bigelow’s Purple Aster:
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 150
When to plant Bigelow’s purple aster: October – November
Months in bloom: October – November and March – May
Good to know: Attracts butterflies. Wildflower, reseeds. Easy to grow.
Black Eyed-Susan (Rudbeckia)
How to grow Black Eyed-Susan (Rudbeckia):
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 120
When to plant rudbeckia: October – March
Months in bloom: July – September
Good to know: Good cut flower. Easy to grow. Wildflower, often reseeds. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Calendula
How to grow Calendula:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 100
When to plant calendula: Late September – November
Months in bloom: December – May
Good to know: Edible, medicinal uses. Reseeds easily. Early bloomer. Often grown as a trap crop for aphids. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Carnation
How to grow Carnations:
Grows best from transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 150
When to plant carnations: October – January
Months in bloom: October – April
Good to know: Easy to grow. Good cut flower. Considered perennial flower. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Considered a perennial flower but often grown as an annual in the low desert of Arizona.
Celosia (Cockscomb)
How to grow Celosia (Cockscomb):
Grows best from seed (started indoors if possible) or transplant (do not let transplants become root-bound)
Days from seed to bloom: 120
When to plant celosia: April – beginning of June
Months in bloom: July – November
Good to know: Attracts pollinators and birds. Comes in several colors. Can be tricky to grow.
Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)
Clarkia
How to grow Clarkia:
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 150
When to plant clarkia: Late September – November
Months in bloom: March – May
Good to know: Wildflower. Good cut flower. Easy to grow. Needs regular water. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Coleus
How to grow Coleus:
Grows best from transplant
When to plant coleus: March – early June
Months in bloom: July – November
Good to know: Easy to grow. Needs regular water and part sun or shady conditions to thrive.
Coreopsis
How to grow Coreopsis:
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
When to plant coreopsis: October – November and March – May
Months in bloom: April – September
Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds easily. Thin seedlings. Good cut flower.
Cornflower (Bachelor Buttons)
How to grow Cornflower (Bachelor Buttons):
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 120
When to plant bachelor buttons: late September – November
Months in bloom: February – June
Good to know: Reseeds easily. Good cut flower. Many colors available. Easy to grow. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Cosmos
How to grow Cosmos:
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 120
When to plant cosmos: March – June
Months in bloom: July – November
Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds easily. Good cut flower. Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Cosmos (Orange)
How to grow Sunset Orange Cosmos:
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 120
When to plant orange cosmos: May – July
Months in bloom: September – November
Good to know: Reseeds easily. Taller plants may need support. Needs regular water.
Dahlia
How to grow Dahlias:
Days from seed to bloom: 45
When to plant dahlias: March – April
Months in bloom: May – November
Good to know: Very difficult to grow in the low desert. Needs regular water and part sun to do well. Excellent cut flower.
Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)
Delphinium
How to grow Delphinium:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 150
When to plant delphinium: October – November
Months in bloom: March – May
Good to know: Can be tricky to grow in the low desert of Arizona.
Dianthus (Sweet William)
How to grow Dianthus (Sweet William):
Grows best from transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 180
When to plant dianthus: September – January
Months in bloom: October – April
Good to know: Easy to grow. Edible. Comes in many colors.
English Daisy
How to grow English Daisies:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 120
When to plant English daisy: October – March
Months in bloom: January – May
Good to know: The flower petals fold up at night and open again with the sun. Prefers shade. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Flax
How to grow Flax:
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 120
When to plant flax: October – November
Months in bloom: January – Early May
Good to know: Considered perennial flower. Scarlet and blue varieties. Wildflower, reseeds easily.
Forget-me-not
How to grow Forget-me-nots:
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 180
When to plant forget-me-nots: September – December
Months in bloom: March – May
Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds easily. Does best in part sun.
Four O'Clock
How to grow Four O'Clock:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 90
When to plant Four O’Clock: March – June
Months in bloom: July – November
Good to know: Poisonous. Flowers open mid-afternoon. Can be tricky to grow. Reseeds. Needs afternoon shade.
Foxglove
How to grow Foxglove:
Grows best from transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 150
When to plant foxglove: September – October
Months in bloom: March – May
Good to know: Difficult to grow. Poisonous. Needs regular water and part sun.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
How to grow Gaillardia (Blanket Flower):
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 150
When to plant gaillardia: Late September – April
Months in bloom: March – early November
Good to know: Easy to grow. Wildflower. Reseeds easily. Good cut flower. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Gazania
How to grow Gazanias:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
When to plant gazanias: October – November and February – April
Months in bloom: Late October – June
Good to know: Considered a perennial flower, but often grown as an annual in the low desert of Arizona. Reseeds. Propagates easily by seed, division, or cutting.
Geraniums
How to grow Geraniums:
Grows best from transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 150
When to plant geraniums: September – April
Months in bloom: February – June
Good to know: Remove flowers for first few weeks to allow plant to get established. Keep dead-headed for better blooms. Does best with regular water and 4-6 hours of sun. Considered a perennial flower, but often grown as an annual in the low desert of Arizona.
Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)
Globe Amaranth
How to grow Globe Amaranth:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 100
When to plant globe amaranth: March to early July
Months in bloom: April – September
Good to know: Different varieties: trailing and more compact types. Good cut flower. Excellent for drying. Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Heat tolerant. Easy to grow. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Globe Mallow
How to grow Globe Mallow:
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 120
When to plant globe mallow: October – November
Months in bloom: February – early July
Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds easily. Attracts birds and pollinators. Easy to grow.
Hollyhock
How to grow Hollyhocks:
Grows best from seed, can also be grown from transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 365 +
When to plant hollyhocks: September – October and February – March
Months in bloom: April – June
Good to know: Hollyhocks are biennials that grow strong root systems and foliage the first year. The second year they send up flowering shoots that produce seeds and then die.
Johnny-jump-up (Violet)
How to grow Johnny-jump-up (Violet):
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 120
When to plant violets: October – November
Months in bloom: March – May
Good to know: Edible. Reseeds. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Larkspur
How to grow Larkspur:
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 180
When to plant larkspur: Late September – November
Months in bloom: March – May
Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds heavily. Several colors. Easy to grow. Attracts hummingbirds.
Linaria (Toadflax)
How to grow Linaria (Toadflax):
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 180
When to plant linaria: Late September – November
Months in bloom: March – April
Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds. Easy to grow. Many colors.
Lisianthus
How to grow Lisianthus:
Grows best from transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 60-90
When to plant lisianthus: March – June
Months in bloom: May – November
Good to know: Good cut flower. Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Heat tolerant. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Lobelia
How to grow Lobelia:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 150
When to plant lobelia: Late September – December
Months in bloom: March – early June
Good to know: Prefers part sun. Needs regular water. Wait until hot temperatures subside to plant transplants. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Lupine
How to grow Lupine:
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 120
When to plant lupine: October – November
Months in bloom: Late February – April
Good to know: Can be tricky to grow. Once they find a spot they like, will often reseed each year.
Marigold
How to grow Marigolds:
Grows best from seed or transplants
Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
When to plant marigolds: September – October and February – early June
Months in bloom: Late September – December and March – June
Good to know: Good companion plant in the garden. Reseeds easily. Easy to grow. Needs regular water. Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Read this article for more information about how to grow wildflowers.
Mexican Hat (Ratibida Columnifera)
How to grow Mexican Hat:
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 180
When to plant Mexican hat: October- November
Months in bloom: April – Early September
Good to know: Wildflower, often reseeds. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Nasturtiums
How to grow Nasturtiums:
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 120
When to plant nasturtiums: October – January
Months in bloom: February – May
Good to know: Edible. Good companion and trap crop. Overly rich soil results in fewer blooms. Reseeds readily.
Ornamental Cabbage
How to grow Ornamental Cabbage:
Grows best from transplant
When to plant ornamental cabbage: Late September – early December
Months in bloom: Late September – March
Good to know: Easy to grow. Needs regular water. Tolerates part shade.
Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)
Painted Daisy
How to grow Painted Daisies:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 150
When to plant painted daisies: October – early November
Months in bloom: Late March – May
Good to know: Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Medium difficulty to grow. Needs regular water. Good cut flower.
Pansies
How to grow Pansies:
Grows best from transplant or seed (if started early in the season)
Days from seed to bloom: 30
When to plant pansies: Late October – early February
Months in bloom: Late November – early May
Good to know: Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Edible. Easy to grow. Needs part shade.
Petunias
How to grow Petunias:
Grows best from transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 30
When to plant petunias: Late September – March
Months in bloom: October – early May
Good to know: Pinch off flowers when first planted to encourage root development. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Easy to grow. Needs regular watering.
Phlox
How to grow Phlox:
Grows best from transplants or cuttings
Days from seed to bloom: 150
When to plant phlox: Late September – early October
Months in bloom: March – May
Good to know: Good cut flower. Needs regular water. Easy to grow. Cut back stems after flowering. Different varieties have varying heights and colors.
Pincushion Flower
How to grow Pincushion Flower:
Grows from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 180
When to plant pincushion flower: October – November
Months in bloom: April – August
Good to know: Can be tricky to grow from seed, start transplants if available. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Poppy
How to grow Poppies:
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 120-150
When to plant poppies: October – December
Months in bloom: March – early May
Good to know: Many different varieties (California, Shirley, Iceland). Reseeds easily. Seed pods are beautiful. Needs regular water. Easy to grow.
Portulaca (Purslane)
How to grow Portulaca (Purslane):
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 30
When to plant portulaca: February – July
Months in bloom: Late February – October
Good to know: Edible. Water the plant only when the top of the soil is dry. Needs well-drained soil. Good for containers or rock gardens. Pinch back to encourage new growth.
Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)
How to grow Purple Coneflower (Echinacea):
Grows best from transplant (Echinacea often blooms in second year, and seeds need cold weather to germinate)
Days from seed to bloom: 180
When to plant echinacea: October – November
Months in bloom: April – June
Good to know: Attracts wildlife. Needs regular water. Good cut flower. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Queen Anne's Lace
How to grow Queen Anne's Lace:
Grows best from seed
Days from seed to bloom: 65-90
When to plant Queen Anne’s lace: October – December
Months in bloom: March – early May
Good to know: Can be invasive. Will reseed readily. Deadhead before seeds form on flower. Good cut flower and vase filler.
Salvia (Red)
How to grow red Salvia:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 30
When to plant red salvia: October and March – May
Months in bloom: April – early December
Good to know: Reseeds. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Several colors and varieties. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Salvia (Blue)
How to grow blue Salvia:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 30
When to plant blue salvia: October and March – May
Months in bloom: April – early December
Good to know: Reseeds. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Several colors and varieties. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Shasta Daisy
How to grow Shasta Daisy:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 180
When to plant Shasta daisy: October – November
Months in bloom: April – July
Good to know: Needs regular water. Good cut flower. Attracts butterflies. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Snapdragon
How to grow Snapdragon:
Grows best from transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
When to plant snapdragons: October – early February
Months in bloom: November – early June
Good to know: Attracts bees and butterflies. One of the easiest cool-season flowers to grow. Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Stock
How to grow Stock:
Grows best from transplants or seeds
Days from seed to bloom: 150
When to plant stock: October – January
Months in bloom: March – May
Good to know: Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Needs regular water. Easy to grow. Fragrant.
Sunflowers
How to grow Sunflowers:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 90
When to plant sunflowers: February – July
Months in bloom: May – November
Good to know: Start seeds in trays if birds are a problem. Easy to grow. Try single stem and branching varieties. Good cut flower. Attracts birds and pollinators.
Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)
Sweet Alyssum
How to grow Sweet Alyssum:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 30
When to plant alyssum: October – March
Months in bloom: Late October – May
Good to know: If planted from seed, thin seedlings. Easy to grow. Grows well in sun or part shade. Reseeds easily.
Sweet Peas
How to grow Sweet Peas:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 120
When to plant sweet peas: October – February
Months in bloom: February to early May
Good to know: Doesn’t like being potbound; transplant as soon as possible. Prefers rich soil. Needs regular water. Provide support or trellis for growing plants.
Verbena
How to grow Verbena:
Grows best from transplants
Days from seed to bloom: 120
When to plant verbena: Late September – November
Months in bloom: March – September
Good to know: Easy to grow. Needs regular water. Wildflower types will often reseed. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Vinca (Periwinkle)
How to grow Vinca (Periwinkle):
Grows best from transplant or seeds
Days from seed to bloom: 30
When to plant vinca: March – July
Months in bloom: April – October
Good to know: Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Tolerates hot conditions. Needs regular watering. Often reseeds. Look for trailing varieties for containers. Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Easy to grow.
Zinnias
How to grow Zinnias:
Grows best from seed or transplant
Days from seed to bloom: 30
When to plant zinnias: March – June
Months in bloom: April – November
Good to know: Attracts butterflies. Good cut flower. Do not get leaves wet. Easy to grow. Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Grows well in full sun. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Want to learn more about how to grow annual flowers?
Flower Planting Guide for the Low Desert – This guide published by the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension office was a valuable resource as I’ve learned to grow flowers in the low desert. I also used it as a reference in this Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide.
Photos all by me. Most photographs taken in my yard and garden in Mesa, Arizona.
Wondering what to do in your Arizona garden each month?
I’ve learned about Coleus and Ornamental cabbage from “Garden Answer” on Youtube. They garden in Oregon, not AZ, but you should check them out if you haven’t already. You two are my gardening favs!
Laura from Garden Answer is great. She does a lot of fun things. Thank you for your kind words! Made my day.
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