Recently we discussed blue flowers that you could grow to bring some calm, cool color to your garden. Today, let us warm things up a bit with some popular, easy-to-grow red flowers. Red flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and bees and will bring some vibrancy to your garden.
Red Amaranth
Red Amaranth is more than just a beautiful red flower. This majestic plant has edible red foliage and the seed heads produce a nutritious grain high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Red amaranth is a hardy plant for just about any growing zone. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and will make a dramatic backdrop for your garden.
- Botanical Name: Amaranthus cruentus
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11
- Light: Full Sun
- Plant Size: Grows 2-6 feet tall and spreads about 3 feet
- Days From Seed to Bloom: 90-100 days
- Growing Instructions: Sow indoors 6-8 weeks early or sow directly outdoors after the last frost date. Keep seedlings moist but do not overwater. Space plants 6-12" apart in a sunny spot with rich well-draining soil.
Red Corn Poppy
Red Corn Poppies are native to Europe, also known as Flanders Poppy. You may recognize this flower as a symbol of remembrance and hope originating during World War I because it grew prolifically on the battlefield in Flanders, Belgium. The poppy was used as a metaphor for fallen soldiers in a popular poem of the time. These wildflowers will grow in almost any soil, thrive in full sun, and are drought tolerant.
- Botanical Name: Papaver rhoeas
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-10
- Light: Full Sun
- Plant Size: Grows 12-18 inches tall and spreads about 12 inches
- Days From Seed to Bloom: 60-90 days
- Growing Instructions: Start indoors or sow directly into well-drained soil. Cover seeds with a thin layer of soil as they need darkness to germinate. Keep moist until established. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once true leaves appear.
Oriental Poppy
For cooler climates, the exotic Oriental Poppy is a good choice. The Oriental poppy is a hardy perennial that prefers cooler temperatures and may go dormant in the heat of summer, only to bloom again in the autumn when the weather cools off. Oriental poppies are a great option to bring color to your garden when many other flowers have faded. They are characterized by large saucer-shaped blooms with deep purple centers atop silver-green foliage.
- Botanical Name: Papaver orientale
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Light: Full Sun
- Plant Size: Grows 24-36 inches tall and spreads about 12-18 inches
- Days From Seed to Bloom: 60-90 days
- Growing Instructions: Cold stratifying seeds can improve germination. Sow by lightly compressing seeds into the soil and keep them moist until established. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once true leaves appear
Chocolate Cherry Sunflowers
On the darker end of the red spectrum is the Chocolate Cherry Sunflower. This is one of our most popular flowers, with deep burgundy petals and dark centers. Sunflowers are always a great addition to any garden. Their deep roots help improve soil, they attract pollinators and work as a great companion plant. The Chocolate Cherry Sunflower is a low-pollen variety, making it a lovely cut flower.
- Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus, Chocolate Cherry
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Light: Full Sun
- Plant Size: Grows 5-7 feet tall and spreads about 12-24 inches
- Days From Seed to Bloom: 70-120 days
- Growing Instructions: Sow directly outside after the last frost date in a sunny spot with soil that drains well. Cultivate topsoil and firm over seed spaced 4-6 inches apart. Keep seeds moist but not saturated. Thin to 18 inches apart. Do not overwater mature plants.
California Giant Zinnias
If you are looking for a quick-blooming option that will grow in just about any climate, you cannot go wrong with California Giant Zinnias. These zinnias come in a range of warm colors from yellow to pink and red. Zinnias are annual flowers that are easy to grow, even for beginners. They produce big double blooms on long stems making them attractive to pollinators and for cut flower arrangements.
- Botanical Name: Zinnia elegans
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Light: Full Sun
- Plant Size: Grows 3-4 feet tall and spreads about 12-24 inches
- Days From Seed to Bloom: 60-80 days
- Growing Instructions: Start seed indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost. Alternately, sow outside after the last frost date when the soil has warmed to 65°F. Barely cover seeds with soil and keep them moist. Transplant 18 inches apart.
Blanket Flower
For some fiery color in your flower garden, grow some Blanket Flowers, also known as Fire Wheel because of its bright yellow, orange, and red petals. This annual to short-lived perennial flower is attractive to pollinators and thrives in the hot sun. Blanket Flowers are an excellent choice for warmer environments and work well in a xeriscape garden.
- Botanical Name: Gaillardia aristata, Blanketflower
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Light: Full Sun
- Plant Size: Grows 18-24 inches tall and spreads about 12-24 inches
- Days From Seed to Bloom: 60-70 days
- Growing Instructions: Sow outdoors after the last frost date when the soil has warmed to 70°F, broadcasting seeds into loose soil with good drainage. Water regularly during germination, but take care not to overwater once established.
From the bright red of poppies to the deep warmth of chocolate cherry sunflowers, red flowers will bring warmth to your garden. Whether you want to attract hummingbirds, add a touch of romance, or create a bold statement, including red flowers in your garden is a great way to ignite your outdoor space with passion and energy. Shop now to add these red blooms and a spark of life to your garden.
