As we move into an unseasonably hot Spring and Summer, we thought we would share with you some of the easiest-to-grow cut flowers that can take the heat! In Australia, we live where the summers get hot and it is important to look for some tried-and-true winners to plant into your cutting garden, here are some great suggestions for you.
Amaranth
Amaranth is easy to grow and a great choice for beginning gardeners. We have grown just about every variety of amaranth on the market, and while all make great additions to large-scale arrangements, there are a few varieties that we grow in abundance every year.
Our all-time favorite is Hot Biscuits (pictured above) because its color changes the longer it grows and looks stunning from mid-summer to fall. Coral Fountain is another favorite with the most exquisite shade of dusty pink that resembles sun-faded velvet and is stunning in wedding florals.
Celosia
Grown for their unique textural blooms, celosias are vigorous and free-flowering. A summer cutting garden workhorse, they thrive in hot and dry conditions. These easy-to-grow flowers come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and forms, ranging from a crested cockscomb that resemble a “brain flower” to spikey, plumed forms that are great accents for bouquets. We love them all. Flower heads get bigger over time, so pick when they are the size that you want, but before they go to seed. Celosias often last 2 weeks as fresh flowers and also can be dried for later use. Hang freshly cut stems upside down in a warm dark place for 2 to 3 weeks or until they are firm to the touch.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are the epitome of late summer-early autumn and are stunning displayed en masse or mixed with other blooms. Extremely productive, easy to grow, and free-flowering, these long-standing favorites deserve a spot in every garden. When it comes to traditional varieties, nothing is more cheerful than your standard yellow with a black center.
Want to read more? Visit one of our favorite flower farms for more in depth content on heat loving annuals and perennials at Floret Flowers or go straight to their blog.
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