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.
Low desert includes elevations below 3500 ft in the Southwest, such as the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.
With nearly eighty annual flowers listed in the “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.
Flowers to Plant Outside & Seeds to Start Indoors Each Month in the Low Desert of Arizona.
• PLANTING GUIDE: Each month lists annual flowers and bulbs to plant outside & seeds to start indoors.
• BLOOMING GUIDE: Photos show what may be in bloom that month.
Seed Box Labels with planting dates for vegetables and flowers
Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information.
Click on a flower name to go directly to that flower:
Would you like the low-desert planting dates for vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a convenient calendar?
*PLANTING GUIDE: Each month has a planting guide (letter boards) for the vegetables, herbs, and flowers to plant in the low desert of Arizona.
*HARVEST GUIDE: Harvest guides are the photos of what it is possible to harvest each month.
African Daisy
When to plant African daisies in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
September 15 – November
*does best directly
sown in garden
How to grow African Daisies:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 120
- Months in bloom: January – April
- Good to know: Reseeds readily; some consider invasive. When plants die back, shake seeds onto the ground after pulling plants to encourage reseeding the following year.
Ageratum
When to plant in ageratum Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – December
Plant transplants outside:
October- January 15
How to grow Ageratum:
- Grows best from transplant
- 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.
(Sweet) Alyssum
When to plant alyssum in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – January
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
October – March
This article shares more information about how to grow alyssum.
How to grow Alyssum:
- Grows best from seed or transplant
- When to plant alyssum in Arizona: October – March
- Days from seed to bloom: 30
- 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.
Angelonia
When to plant angelonia in Arizona:
March – October
Grows best from transplant
How to grow Angelonia:
- 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
When to plant aster in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – September
Plant transplants outside:
October – November
How to grow Aster:
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 180
- 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.
Baby’s Breath
When to plant baby’s breath in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
July – October
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
September – December
How to grow Baby’s Breath:
- Grows best from seed or transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 160
- Months in bloom: March – May
- Good to know: Good cut flower. Dries well.
Bee Balm
When to plant Bee Balm in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
December – January
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
February – March
How to grow Bee Balm:
- Grows best from seed or transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 75
- 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
When to plant begonias in Arizona: September – November
Grows best from transplant
How to grow Begonia:
- Days from seed to bloom: 180
- Months in bloom: January – December
- Good to know: Needs shade and regular water to grow well.
Bells of Ireland
When to plant bells of Ireland in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
September – November
*does best directly
sown in garden
How to grow Bells of Ireland:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 180
- Months in bloom: March – May
- Good to know: Good cut flower. 18″-24″ high.
Bigelow’s Purple Aster
When to plant Bigelow’s purple aster in Arizona: October – November
Grows best from seed
How to grow Bigelow’s Purple Aster:
- Days from seed to bloom: 150
- Months in bloom: October – November and March – May
- Good to know: Attracts butterflies. Wildflower. Reseeds. Easy to grow.
Calendula
When to plant calendula in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – September
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
September 15 – November
Read this article for more information about how to grow calendula.
How to grow Calendula:
- Grows best from seed or transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 100
- 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
When to plant carnations in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – November
Plant transplants outside:
October – January
How to grow Carnations:
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 150
- Months in bloom: October – April
- Good to know: Easy to grow. Good cut flower. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Considered a perennial flower but is often grown as an annual in the low desert of Arizona.
Celosia
When to plant celosia in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
February – April
Plant transplants outside:
April – June 15
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
- Months in bloom: July – November
- Good to know: Attracts pollinators and birds. Comes in several colors. Can be tricky to grow.
Chamomile
When to plant chamomile in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
November – March
Plant transplants outside:
December – April
Read this article for more information about how to grow chamomile.
How to grow Chamomile:
- Grows best from transplant
- Keep flowers cut back to encourage more production.
- Chamomile grows well with most other herbs and vegetables.
Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)
Clarkia
When to plant clarkia in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – October
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – November
How to grow Clarkia:
- Grows best from transplants
- Days from seed to bloom: 150
- Months in bloom: March – May
- Good to know: Good cut flower. Easy to grow. Needs regular water. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Coleus
When to plant coleus in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
January – April
Plant transplants outside:
March – June 15
How to grow Coleus:
- Grows best from transplant
- Months in bloom: July – November
- Good to know: Easy to grow. Needs regular water and part sun or shady conditions to thrive.
Coreopsis
When to plant coreopsis in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
January – March
August – September
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
March – May
October – November
How to grow Coreopsis:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
- Months in bloom: April – September
- Good to know: Wildflower; reseeds easily. Thin seedlings. Good cut flower.
Cornflower (Bachelor Buttons)
When to plant cornflowers in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
September 15 – November
*does best directly
sown in garden
Read this article for more information about how to grow bachelor buttons.
How to grow Cornflower (Bachelor Buttons):
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 120
- Months in bloom: February – June
- Good to know: Reseeds easily. Good cut flower. Many colors are available. Easy to grow. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Cosmos
When to plant cosmos in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
March – June
*does best directly
sown in garden
How to grow Cosmos:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 120
- 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 (Yellow)
When to plant yellow cosmos in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
March – July
*does best directly
sown in garden
How to grow Yellow Cosmos:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 120
- Months in bloom: September – November
- Good to know: Reseeds easily. Taller plants may need support. Needs regular water.
Creeping Zinnia
When to plant creeping zinnia in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
January – March
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
March – May 15
How to grow Creeping Zinnia:
- Grows best from seed or transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 30
- Months in bloom: February – early May
- Good to know: Attracts butterflies. Reseeds.
Chrysanthemum (Garden Mum)
When to plant chrysanthemums in Arizona
Plant transplants from October – November
How to grow Chrysanthemums:
- Grows best from transplant.
- Purchase transplants that have not bloomed yet.
- After blooming, remove spent blooms to encourage a second flush of color.
- Make sure container or garden bed has good drainage; mums can rot easily.
Dahlia
When to plant dahlia tubers in Arizona: January – March
How to grow Dahlias:
- Days from planting tuber to bloom: 45 – 60
- Months in bloom: April – June
- Good to know: 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)
Dara (Queen Anne’s Lace)
When to plant dara in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
September – October
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
October – November
How to grow Queen Anne’s Lace:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 65-90
- 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.
Delphinium
When to plant delphinium in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
September 15 – November
*does best directly
sown in garden
How to grow Delphinium:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 150
- Months in bloom: March – May
Dianthus (Sweet William)
When to plant dianthus in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
July – November
Plant transplants outside:
September – January
How to grow Dianthus (Sweet William):
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 180
- Months in bloom: October – April
- Good to know: Easy to grow. Edible. Comes in many colors.
Dusty Miller
When to plant dusty miller in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
January – February
Plant transplants outside:
March – May
How to grow Dusty Miller:
- Grows best from transplant
- Good to know: Easy to grow. Tender perennial in Zones 8-10. Excellent filler foliage in flower arrangements.
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower)
When to plant echinacea in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – September
Plant transplants outside:
October – November
How to grow Purple Coneflower (Echinacea):
- Grows best from transplant (Echinacea often blooms in the second year, and seeds need cold weather to germinate)
- Days from seed to bloom: 180
- Months in bloom: April – June
- Good to know: Attracts wildlife. Needs regular water. Good cut flower. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
English Daisy
When to plant English daisies in Arizona: October – March
Grows best from transplant
How to grow English Daisies:
- 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.
Evening Primrose
When to plant evening primrose in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – September
Plant transplants outside:
October – November
How to grow Evening Primrose:
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 180
- Months in bloom: March – June
- Good to know: Attracts wildlife. Can be invasive.
Feverfew
When to plant feverfew in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
October – February
Plant transplants outside:
December – April
How to grow Feverfew:
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 100
- Good to know: Excellent cut flower. Prefers light, well-drained, moist, and fertile soil. 6.0-7.2 pH preferred.
Flax (Scarlet & Blue)
When to plant flax in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
Sept. 15 – November
*does best directly
sown in garden
How to grow Flax:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 120
- Months in bloom: January – early May
- Good to know: Considered perennial flower. Scarlet and blue varieties. Wildflower; reseeds easily.
Forget-me-not
When to plant forget-me-nots in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
September – December
*does best directly
sown in garden
How to grow Forget-me-nots:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 180
- Months in bloom: March – May
- Good to know: Wildflower; reseeds easily. Does best in part sun.
Four O’Clock
When to plant four o’clocks in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
March – June
*does best directly
sown in garden
Read this article for more information about how to grow four o’clocks.
How to grow Four O’Clock:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 90
- Months in bloom: July – November
- Good to know: Poisonous. Flowers open mid-afternoon. Reseeds. Needs afternoon shade. Attracts squash bugs.
Foxglove (Digitalis)
When to plant foxgloves in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
July – August
Plant transplants outside:
September – October
Read this article for more information about how to grow foxglove.
How to grow Foxglove:
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 150
- Months in bloom: March – May
- Good to know: Difficult to grow. Poisonous. Needs regular water and part sun.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
When to plant gaillardia in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
July – September
November – February
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
September 15 – November 15
January – April
How to grow Gaillardia (Blanket Flower):
- Grows best from seed or transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 150
- Months in bloom: March – early November
- Good to know: Easy to grow. Wildflower. Reseeds easily. Good cut flower. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Gazania
When to plant gazania in Arizona
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – November
February – April
Grows best from transplant
How to grow Gazanias:
- Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
- 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.
Geranium
When to plant geraniums in Arizona: September – April
Grows best from transplant
How to grow Geraniums:
- Days from seed to bloom: 150
- Months in bloom: February – June
- Good to know: Remove flowers for the first few weeks to allow the 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 Mallow
When to plant globe mallow in Arizona: October – November
Grows best from seed
How to grow Globe Mallow:
- Days from seed to bloom: 120
- Months in bloom: February – early July
- Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds easily. Attracts birds and pollinators. Easy to grow.
Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth)
When to plant gomphrena in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
January – May
Plant transplants outside:
March – July 15
Read this article to learn how to grow gomphrena.
How to grow Globe Amaranth:
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 100
- 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.
Hollyhock
When to plant hollyhocks in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – September
December – January
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
October – November
February – March
This article shares more information about how to grow hollyhocks.
How to grow Hollyhocks:
- Grows best from seed, can also be grown from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: Depends on variety
- Months in bloom: April – June
- Good to know: Many hollyhocks are biennials that grow strong root systems and foliage the first year. In the second year, they send up flowering shoots that produce seeds and then die.
Impatiens
When to plant impatiens in Arizona
Plant transplants outside from April – May
Grows best from transplant
How to grow Impatiens:
- Days from seed to bloom: 90
- Months in bloom: late July – November
- One of very few blooming plants that grow in the shade.
Larkspur
When to plant larkspur in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
September 15 – November
Or January
*does best directly
sown in garden
How to grow Larkspur:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 180
- Months in bloom: March – May
- Good to know: Wildflower; reseeds heavily. Several colors. Easy to grow. Attracts hummingbirds.
Linaria (Toadflax)
When to plant linaria in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
September 15 – November
*does best directly
sown in garden
How to grow Linaria (Toadflax):
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 180
- Months in bloom: March – April
- Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds. Easy to grow. Many colors.
Lisianthus
When to plant lisianthus in Arizona:
January – May
January through March is the best time to plant lisianthus in Arizona’s low desert.
Grows best from transplant
Read this article for more information about how to grow lisianthus.
How to grow Lisianthus:
- Days from transplant to bloom: 60-90
- Months in bloom: April – November
- Good to know: Good cut flower. Heat tolerant. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Lobelia
When to plant lobelia in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
July – October
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – December
Read this article for more information about how to grow lobelia.
How to grow Lobelia:
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 150
- 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
When to plant lupine in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
October – November
*does best directly
sown in garden
How to grow Lupine:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 120
- 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
When to plant marigolds in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
January – April
August – September
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
February – May
September – October
This article shares more information about how to grow marigolds.
How to grow Marigolds:
- Grows best from seed or transplants
- Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
- 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.
Nasturtium
When to plant nasturtium in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
October – January
*does best directly
sown in garden
This article shares more information about how to grow nasturtiums.
How to grow Nasturtiums:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 120
- 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 & Kale
When to plant ornamental cabbage and kale in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
July – October
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – December
How to grow Ornamental Cabbage and Kale:
- Grows best from transplant
- 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
When to plant painted daisies in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
October – November
*does best directly
sown in garden
How to grow Painted Daisies:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 150
- Months in bloom: Late March – May
- Good to know: Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Medium difficulty to grow. Needs regular water. Good cut flower.
Pansy
When to plant pansies in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
July – December
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – February 15
How to grow Pansies:
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 30
- Months in bloom: Late November – early May
- Good to know: Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Edible. Easy to grow. Needs part shade.
Petunia
When to plant petunias in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
July – January
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – March
How to grow Petunias:
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 30
- 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
When to plant phlox in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
September 15 – November
*does best directly
sown in garden
How to grow Phlox:
- Days from seed to bloom: 150
- 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.
Poppy
When to plant poppies in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
October – December
*does best directly
sown in garden
Read this article for more information about how to grow poppies.
How to grow Poppies:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 120-150
- 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 (Moss Rose)
When to plant portulaca in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
January – April
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
March – June
How to grow Portulaca (Purslane):
- Grows best from seed or transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 30
- 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.
Purslane
When to plant purslane in Arizona
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
February – August
*does best directly
sown in garden
How to grow purslane:
- Grows best from seed, can also be grown from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 30
- Good to know: Although purslane is often considered a weed, it is edible and highly nutritious.
Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)
Ranunculus
When to plant ranunculus in Arizona: October – November & February – March
(Presprout corms if planting in February – March)
Read this article for more information about how to grow ranunculus.
How to grow Ranunculus:
- Grows best from corms
- Days from planting to bloom: 90-120
- Months in bloom: February – May
- Good to know: Plant the corms 6” apart and 2” deep with the claw side down. Excellent cut flower. Typically flowers for 4 to 6 weeks.
Ratibida (Mexican Hat)
When to plant ratibida in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – September
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
October – November
How to grow Mexican Hat:
- Grows best from seed or transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 180
- Months in bloom: April – Early September
- Good to know: Wildflower; often reseeds. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)
When to plant rudbeckia in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – January
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
October – March
Read this article for more information about how to grow rudbeckia.
How to grow Black Eyed-Susan (Rudbeckia):
- Grows best from seed or transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 120
- Months in bloom: July – September
- Good to know: Good cut flower. Easy to grow. Wildflower; often reseeds. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Safflower
When to plant safflower in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
February – March
*does best directly
sown in garden
How to grow Safflower:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 90
- Months in bloom: Late April – June
- Good to know: Good cut flower. Easy to grow. Attracts wildlife.
Salpiglossis (Painted Tongue)
When to plant salpiglossis in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – September
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – November
How to grow Salpiglossis:
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 150
- Months in bloom: March – early June
- Good to know: Good cut flower. Difficult to grow.
Salvia (Blue & Red)
When to plant salvia in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – September
January – March
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – October
March – May 15
How to grow red Salvia:
- Days from seed to bloom: 30
- Months in bloom: April – early December
- Good to know: Reseeds. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Several colors and varieties. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)
When to plant scabiosa in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – September
Plant transplants outside:
October – November
How to grow Scabiosa:
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 180
- Months in bloom: April – August
- Good to know: Can be tricky to grow from seed, start transplants if available. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Shasta Daisy
When to plant Shasta daisies in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
July – September
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
October – November
Read this article for more information about how to grow Shasta daisies.
How to grow Shasta Daisies:
- Grows best from seed or transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 180
- Months in bloom: April – July
- Good to know: Needs regular water. Good cut flower. Attracts butterflies. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Snapdragon
When to plant snapdragons in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
June – December
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – February 15
How to grow Snapdragon:
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
- 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.
Spilanthes (Toothache plant)
When to plant spilanthes in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
January – March
Plant transplants outside:
February – April
Read this article for more information about how to grow spilanthes (toothache plant).
How to grow Spilanthes:
- Grows best from transplant.
- Days from seed to bloom: 60-90
- Good to know: Spilanthes is a heat-loving flower commonly called “toothache plant” due to the numbing sensation experienced after eating the leaves or more especially, the flowers.
Statice
When to plant statice in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
September – October
Plant transplants outside:
October 15 – November
Read this article for more information about how to grow statice.
How to grow Statice:
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 150
- Months in bloom: March – August
- Good to know: Good cut flower. Dries well. Several colors are available.
Stock
When to plant stock in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – November
Plant transplants outside:
October – January
How to grow Stock:
- Grows best from transplants or seeds
- Days from seed to bloom: 150
- Months in bloom: March – May
- Good to know: Cutting central stem early (on most varieties) produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Needs regular water. Easy to grow. Fragrant.
Strawflower
When to plant strawflowers in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – December
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
October – February
This article shares more information about how to grow strawflowers.
How to grow Strawflowers:
- Grows best from transplants or seeds
- Days from seed to bloom: 150
- Months in bloom: March – September
- Good to know: Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Good cut flower. Excellent for drying.
Sunflower
When to plant sunflowers in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
February – August
*does best directly
sown in garden
This article shares more information about how to grow sunflowers.
How to grow Sunflowers:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 90
- 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 Peas
When to plant sweet peas in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
September – January
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
October – February
Read this article for more information about how to grow sweet peas.
How to grow Sweet Peas:
- Days from seed to bloom: 120
- Months in bloom: February to early May
- Good to know: Doesn’t like being pot bound; if starting indoors, transplant as soon as possible. Prefers rich soil. Needs regular water. Provide support or trellis for growing plants.
Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower)
When to plant tithonia in Arizona
Plant seeds outside:
February – May
*does best directly
sown in garden
Read this article for more information about how to grow tithonia (Mexican sunflower).
How to grow Tithonia:
- Grows best from seed
- Days from seed to bloom: 120
- Months in bloom: July to early December
- Good to know: Easy to grow heat-loving and drought tolerant flower. Does well in full sun. Plants grow large – provide plenty of room.
Verbena
When to plant verbena in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
June – September
Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – November
Read this article for more information about how to grow verbena.
How to grow Verbena:
- Grows best from transplants
- Days from seed to bloom: 120
- 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
When to plant vinca in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
January – May
Plant transplants outside:
March – July
How to grow Vinca (Periwinkle):
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 30
- 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.
Violet (Johnny-jump-up)
When to plant violets in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – November
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
October – January
Read this article for more information about how to grow violas.
How to grow Johnny-jump-up (Violas) in Arizona:
- Grows best from seed or transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 120
- Months in bloom: March – May
- Good to know: Edible. Reseeds. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.
Wild Hyssop
When to plant wild hyssop in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
December – January
Plant seeds or transplants outside:
February – March
How to grow Wild Hyssop:
- Grows best from seed or transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 90-210
- Months in bloom: June – September
- Good to know: Needs regular water. Attracts wildlife. Afternoon shade preferred.
Yarrow
When to plant yarrow in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
August – September
December – January
Plant transplants outside:
October – November
February – March
How to grow Yarrow:
- Grows best from transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 30
- Months in bloom: May – August
- Good to know: Good cut flower. Attracts butterflies. Wildflower.
Zinnia
When to plant zinnias in Arizona
Start seeds indoors:
February – May
Plant seeds or
transplants outside:
March – June
Read this article for more information about how to grow zinnias.
How to grow Zinnias in Arizona:
- Grows best from seed or transplant
- Days from seed to bloom: 30
- 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.
Additional Planting Guides for the Low Desert of Arizona
If you found this Arizona annual flowers planting guide helpful, please share it:
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.
Jacey
Wednesday 19th of April 2023
Angela, I love your website and all it has to offer. I have a question about what to plant in a raised bed against a North facing wall that barely gets any sun because of two ficus trees that are also planted in the bed? The soil is basically clay. I don't want to spend tons of money amending the soil because we rent. There is also a small butterfly bush on one end that flowers but never gets much bigger. I appreciate any suggestions you may have.
Angela Judd
Friday 28th of April 2023
Difficult to grow without sun and good soil. You could look for native, non-flowering plants. Most flowering plants require sunlight in order to flower.
Connie
Wednesday 22nd of March 2023
Hi Angela! I love your website! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. Do you have a favorite nursery here in Mesa that you could recommend? I'm trying to find some salvia, echinacea, yarrow, coreopsis, daylily and Russian sage transplants. I've been to A&P nursery and HomeDepot but no dice. Should I try to order them online?
Angela Judd
Saturday 25th of March 2023
You could try Summerwinds. All but the yarrow are usually available locally. I usually have to start yarrow from seeds.
Margaret Vermeulen
Saturday 26th of November 2022
HI. when you list something as a wildflower, are you implying it is native or simply will grow without intervention?
Angela Judd
Monday 28th of November 2022
I'm implying it is simple to grow and will often reseed if left to flower and produce seeds.
Jeanette
Sunday 16th of October 2022
Angela, have you had any success with hydrangea? If so what kind and what is best, seed or transplant.
Jeanette
Monday 10th of October 2022
Angela have you had success with Hydrangea. If so what variety and what is the best method and time to plant in the valley area.
Angela Judd
Thursday 13th of October 2022
Hydrangeas typically do not grow well here in the valley. I wish they did!