Arizona Annual Flowers: A Visual Guide for Low-Desert Flowers

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Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers

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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 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:

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Would you like the low-desert planting dates for vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a convenient calendar?

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Ageratum (Floss Flower)

How to grow Ageratum:

• Grows best from transplant or seed
• When to plant ageratum in Arizona: 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. 

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African Daisies

How to grow African Daisies: 

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
  When to plant African daisies in Arizona: 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. 

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Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)

How to grow Angelonia:

• Grows best from transplant and divisions
• When to plant angelonia in Arizona: 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.

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Aster

How to grow Aster:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
• When to plant aster in Arizona: 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. 

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Bee Balm

How to grow Bee Balm:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 75
• When to plant bee balm in Arizona: 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.

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Begonia

How to grow Begonia: 

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
  When to plant begonias in Arizona: September – November
• Months in bloom: January – December
• Good to know: Needs shade and regular water to grow well. 

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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 in Arizona: October – November
• Months in bloom: October – November and March – May
• Good to know: Attracts butterflies. Wildflower, reseeds. Easy to grow. 

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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 in Arizona: October – March
• Months in bloom: July – September
• Good to know: Good cut flower. Easy to grow. Wildflower, often reseeds. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

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Calendula

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
  When to plant calendula in Arizona: 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. 

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Carnation

How to grow Carnations:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
  When to plant carnations in Arizona: 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. 

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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 in Arizona:  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.

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Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)

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Clarkia

How to grow Clarkia:

• Grows best from seed 
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
  When to plant clarkia in Arizona: 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. 

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Coleus

How to grow Coleus:

• Grows best from transplant
• When to plant coleus in Arizona: 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.

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Coreopsis

How to grow Coreopsis:

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
• When to plant coreopsis in Arizona: October – November and March – May
• Months in bloom:  April – September
• Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds easily. Thin seedlings. Good cut flower. 

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Cornflower (Bachelor Buttons)

How to grow Cornflower (Bachelor Buttons):

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
  When to plant bachelor buttons in Arizona: 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. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow bachelor buttons.

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Cosmos

How to grow Cosmos:

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
• When to plant cosmos in Arizona: 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. 

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Cosmos (Orange)

How to grow Sunset Orange Cosmos:

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
• When to plant orange cosmos in Arizona: May – July
• Months in bloom: September – November
• Good to know: Reseeds easily. Taller plants may need support. Needs regular water. 

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Dahlia

How to grow Dahlias:

• Days from planting tuber to bloom: 45 – 60
• When to plant dahlia tubers in Arizona: Jan – March
• Months in bloom: April – June 
• Good to know: Needs regular water and part sun to do well. Excellent cut flower.

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Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)

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Delphinium

How to grow Delphinium:

• Grows best from seed or transplant 
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
  When to plant delphinium in Arizona: October – November
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Can be tricky to grow in the low desert of Arizona.

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Dianthus (Sweet William)

How to grow Dianthus (Sweet William):

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
  When to plant dianthus in Arizona: September – January
• Months in bloom: October – April
• Good to know: Easy to grow. Edible. Comes in many colors. 

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English Daisy

How to grow English Daisies:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
  When to plant English daisy in Arizona: 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. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow wildflowers. 

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Flax

How to grow Flax:

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
  When to plant flax in Arizona: October – November
• Months in bloom: January – Early May
• Good to know: Considered perennial flower. Scarlet and blue varieties. Wildflower, reseeds easily. 

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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 in Arizona: September – December
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds easily. Does best in part sun. 

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Four O’Clock

Read this article for more information about how to grow four o’clocks. 

How to grow Four O’Clock:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 90
• When to plant Four O’Clock in Arizona: March – June
• Months in bloom: July – November
• Good to know: Poisonous. Flowers open mid-afternoon. Can be tricky to grow. Reseeds. Needs afternoon shade. 

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Foxglove

How to grow Foxglove:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
  When to plant foxglove in Arizona: September – October
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know:  Difficult to grow. Poisonous. Needs regular water and part sun. 

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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 in Arizona: 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. 

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Gazania

How to grow Gazanias:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
• When to plant gazanias in Arizona: 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. 

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Geraniums

How to grow Geraniums:

Grows best from transplant 

• Days from seed to bloom: 150
  When to plant geraniums in Arizona: 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. 

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Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)

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Globe Amaranth

How to grow Globe Amaranth:

• Grows best from seed or transplant 
• Days from seed to bloom: 100
  When to plant globe amaranth in Arizona: 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. 

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Globe Mallow

How to grow Globe Mallow:

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
  When to plant globe mallow in Arizona: October – November
• Months in bloom: February – early July
• Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds easily. Attracts birds and pollinators. Easy to grow.

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Hollyhock

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
  When to plant hollyhocks in Arizona: September – October and February – March
• Months in bloom: April – June
• Good to know: Many 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.

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Johnny-jump-up (Violas)

Read this article for more information about how to grow violas.

How to grow Johnny-jump-up (Violas):

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
  When to plant violets in Arizona: October – November
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Edible. Reseeds. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

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Larkspur

How to grow Larkspur:

• Grows best from seed 
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
  When to plant larkspur in Arizona: Late September – January
• Months in bloom: March – May
• Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds heavily. Several colors. Easy to grow. Attracts hummingbirds.

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Linaria (Toadflax)

How to grow Linaria (Toadflax):

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
  When to plant linaria in Arizona: Late September – November
• Months in bloom: March – April
• Good to know: Wildflower, reseeds. Easy to grow. Many colors. 

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Lisianthus

Read this article for more information about how to grow lisianthus. 

How to grow Lisianthus:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from transplant to bloom: 60-90
  When to plant lisianthus in Arizona: March – June
• Months in bloom: May – November
• Good to know: Good cut flower. Heat tolerant. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

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Lobelia

How to grow Lobelia:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
• When to plant lobelia in Arizona: 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. 

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Lupine

How to grow Lupine:

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
  When to plant lupine in Arizona: 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.

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Marigold

How to grow Marigolds:

• Grows best from seed or transplants
• Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
  When to plant marigolds in Arizona: 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. 

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Mexican Hat (Ratibida Columnifera)

How to grow Mexican Hat:

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
  When to plant Mexican hat in Arizona: October- November
• Months in bloom: April – Early September
• Good to know: Wildflower, often reseeds. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

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Nasturtiums

This article shares more information about how to grow nasturtiums.

How to grow Nasturtiums:

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
  When to plant nasturtiums in Arizona: 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. 

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Ornamental Cabbage

How to grow Ornamental Cabbage:

• Grows best from transplant
• When to plant ornamental cabbage in Arizona: Late September – early December
• Months in bloom: Late September – March
• Good to know: Easy to grow. Needs regular water. Tolerates part shade.

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Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)

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Painted Daisy

How to grow Painted Daisies:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
  When to plant painted daisies in Arizona: 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. 

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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 in Arizona: 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. 

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Petunias

How to grow Petunias:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 30
  When to plant petunias in Arizona: 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. 

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Phlox

How to grow Phlox:

• Grows best from transplants or cuttings
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
  When to plant phlox in Arizona: 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. 

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Pincushion Flower

How to grow Pincushion Flower:

• Grows from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
  When to plant pincushion flower in Arizona: 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. 

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Poppy

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 
  When to plant poppies in Arizona: October – January
• 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. 

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Portulaca (Purslane)

How to grow Portulaca (Purslane):

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 30
  When to plant portulaca in Arizona: 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.

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Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)

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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 in Arizona: October – November
• Months in bloom: April – June
• Good to know: Attracts wildlife. Needs regular water. Good cut flower. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

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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 in Arizona: 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. 

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Ranunculus

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
  When to plant ranunculus in Arizona: October – November and February – March
• 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. 

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Salvia (Red)

How to grow red Salvia:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 30
  When to plant red salvia in Arizona: 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.

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Salvia (Blue)

How to grow Blue Salvia:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 30
  When to plant blue salvia in Arizona: 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. 

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Shasta Daisy

How to grow Shasta Daisy:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 180
  When to plant Shasta daisy in Arizona: October – November
• Months in bloom: April – July
• Good to know: Needs regular water. Good cut flower. Attracts butterflies. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.

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Snapdragon

How to grow Snapdragon:

• Grows best from transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 30-60
  When to plant snapdragons in Arizona: 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. 

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Spilanthes (Toothache plant)

Read this article for more information about how to grow spilanthes (toothache plant).

How to grow Spilanthes:

• Grows best from seed or transplant
• Days from seed to bloom: 60-90
  When to plant spilanthes in Arizona: February – April 
• Good to know: Spilanthes is a heat-loving flower commonly called “toothache plant” due to the numbing sensation experienced after eating the leaves or flowers.Toothache plant contains a natural analgesic within its spicy and slightly bitter-tasting leaves and blooms.

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Stock

How to grow Stock:

• Grows best from transplants or seeds 
• Days from seed to bloom: 150
  When to plant stock in Arizona: 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. 

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Strawflower

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
  When to plant strawflowers in Arizona: October – February
• Months in bloom: March – September
• Good to know: Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms.  Good cut flower. Good for drying.

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Sunflowers

This article shares more information about how to grow sunflowers. 

How to grow Sunflowers:

• Grows best from seed
• Days from seed to bloom: 90
  When to plant sunflowers in Arizona: 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. 

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Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Guide: A visual guide for low desert annual flowers (continued)

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Sweet Alyssum

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. 

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Sweet Peas

Read this article for more information about how to grow sweet peas.

How to grow Sweet Peas:

• Grows best from seed 
• Days from seed to bloom: 120 
• When to plant sweet peas in Arizona: October – January 
• Months in bloom: February to early May
• Good to know: Doesn’t like being potbound; if starting indoors, transplant as soon as possible. Prefers rich soil. Needs regular water. Provide support or trellis for growing plants. 

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Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower)

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 
• When to plant tithonia in Arizona: February – early May
• 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. 

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Verbena

How to grow Verbena:

• Grows best from transplants
• Days from seed to bloom: 120
  When to plant verbena in Arizona: 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. 

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Vinca (Periwinkle)

How to grow Vinca (Periwinkle):

• Grows best from transplant or seeds
• Days from seed to bloom: 30
  When to plant vinca in Arizona: 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. 

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Read this article for more information about how to grow zinnias. 

Zinnias

How to grow Zinnias:

• Grows best from seed or transplant 
• Days from seed to bloom: 30
  When to plant zinnias in Arizona: 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.

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Additional Planting Guides for the Low Desert of Arizona

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If you found this low desert flower 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.