10 Easy Cool-Season Flowers to Plant From Seed

By: Angela Judd | Updated: January 6, 2026

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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.

Illustration of ten cool-season flowers to plant from seed with their names labeled around the text.

Key Takeaways: 10 Easy Cool-Season Flowers from Seed

Cool-season flowers to plant from seed include Calendula, Cornflower, and Violas, all thriving in cool temperatures.
You can sow seeds directly in the garden, saving on transplant costs.
Keep flowers deadheaded to encourage blooms and reseeding.
Other options like Hollyhock, Nasturtium, and Sweet Peas also perform well in mild winter gardens.
For more plant suggestions, consider looking into African daisies and Campanula.

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

Bright yellow flowers bloom in sunlight, surrounded by green leaves, with a soft, blurred background.

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.

Get calendula seeds here.

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.

Get bachelor’s button seeds here.

3. Violas

Cluster of light purple and white pansies blooming next to white alyssum flowers in a garden bed.

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.

Get viola seeds here.

4. Hollyhock

Close-up of a peach-colored, ruffled rose surrounded by green leaves in sunlight.

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.

Get hollyhock seeds here.

5. Nasturtium

Bright orange and yellow nasturtium flowers blooming in a lush green garden bed.

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.

Get nasturtium seeds here.

6. Poppy

A close-up of a red poppy flower with a bee collecting pollen inside.

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.

Get poppy seeds here.

7. Strawflower

A wooden basket filled with vibrant pink, purple, and yellow strawflowers on a sunny day.

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.

Get strawflower seeds here.

8. Sweet Peas

Bright red sweet pea flowers climbing a metal trellis in a sunlit garden.

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.

Get sweet pea seeds here.

9. Alyssum

Clusters of small white flowers blooming on green foliage in a garden.

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

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.

This article shares more information about how to grow alyssum.

Get alyssum seeds here.

10. Larkspur

Tall purple, blue, and white wildflowers bloom in a sunlit garden with green foliage in the background.

Wildflower; reseeds heavily.
Several colors.
Easy to grow.
Attracts hummingbirds.

Get larkspur seeds here.

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.