10 Easy Cool-Season Flowers to Plant From Seed

Many beautiful flowers grow well during the cooler temperatures of mild winters, but buying several transplants can be expensive. Luckily, some flowers grow well from seeds planted directly in the garden. In this post, I’ll share my favorite cool-season flowers to plant from seed.

Before you plant cool-season flowers, take a few minutes to walk through how to transition your garden from summer to fall so your beds and containers are ready.

1. Calendula

• Edible; medicinal uses.
• Reseeds easily.
• Early bloomer.
• Often grown as a trap crop for aphids. 
• Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow calendula. Click here for seeds.

2. Cornflower (Bachelor Buttons)

• Reseeds easily.
• Good cut flower.
• Many colors are available.
• Easy to grow. 
• Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

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

3. Violas

Tips for Growing: Violets are charming little flowers that thrive in cool weather. Sow seeds directly into the garden about ¼ inch (6 mm) deep. Violets prefer partial shade and are great for attracting pollinators while adding color to your garden.

This article shares more information about how to grow violas. Click here for seeds.

4. Hollyhock

• Cottage garden favorite.
• 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.

This article shares more information about how to grow hollyhocks. Click here for seeds.

5. Nasturtium

• Edible.
• Good companion and trap crop.
• Overly-rich soil results in fewer blooms.
• Reseeds readily. 

Gardening with kids? Nasturtiums are a good choice. The seeds are easy to plant, and the leaves and flowers are edible. Get more tips for gardening with kids in this article.

This article shares more information about how to grow nasturtiums. Click here for seeds.

6. Poppy

• Many different varieties (California, Shirley, Iceland).
• Reseeds easily.
• Seed pods are beautiful.
• Needs regular water.
• Easy to grow. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow poppies. Click here for seeds.

7. Strawflower

• Cutting central stem early produces fuller branching stems. 
• Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 
• Good cut flower.
• Excellent for drying.

This article shares more information about how to grow strawflowers. Click here for seeds.

8. Sweet Peas

• Prefer rich soil.
• Need regular water.
• Provide support or trellis for growing plants. 

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

9. Alyssum

• If planted from seed, thin seedlings.
• Easy to grow.
• Grows well in the sun or part shade.
• Reseeds easily. 

This article shares more information about how to grow alyssum. Click here for seeds.

One reason I plant sweet alyssum everywhere is that it helps attract the beneficial insects that manage pests like aphids. Learn more in how to get rid of aphids.

10. Larkspur

• Wildflower; reseeds heavily.
• Several colors.
• Easy to grow.
• Attracts hummingbirds.
• Click here for seeds.

Looking for more ideas?

Other cool-season flowers to plant from seed include African daisy, flax, and forget-me-not. Check out this post about my favorite cool-season flowers that love mild winters. If you’re looking for a tall, elegant flower to add to your cool-season garden, don’t miss How to Grow Campanula (Canterbury Bells).

If you want to fill your garden with more than just flowers, check out these easy fall vegetables for mild winter gardens. They’re beginner-friendly and will get you an amazing harvest.

Looking for growing advice tailored to specific plants? The Ultimate Plant Index offers detailed, alphabetically organized articles on flowers, herbs, vegetables, and more. Perfect for both inspiration and practical planting guidance.