These flowers are my top choices when it comes to cultivars that are heat and drought tolerant. Plus, all of them are easy to start from seed. I like to sprinkle seeds over any empty spots in my garden, work them into the soil gently with a hand rake, and keep the soil moist so they germinate quickly.
#1 Zinnias
They produce masses of 3-5 inch blooms in bright colors. Flowers bloom on top of long stems making them a great choice for bouquets. Butterflies love their large flat flowers. Plants are drought tolerant once established. Deadhead blooms to make the plants last longer.
#2 Sunflowers
They are native to the United States and grow great in poor soils. Most cultivars are tall, getting over 6FT tall. But there are some dwarf varieties that stay under 3FT which are great for small gardens or containers. They are a trap crop for stink bugs and attract loads of pollinators to the garden.
#3 Marigolds
These plants produce loads of brightly colored flowers. They are very drought tolerant and the blooms last for a long time. African marigolds get very tall (3FT) and produce large blooms on long stems perfect for bouquets. French marigolds are smaller in size (2FT and under), but are the best option for growing under veggie crops or for deterring nematodes.
#4 Cosmos
Start blooming in about 2.5 months from seed and plants are very drought tolerant. Flowers bloom on long stems making them a great choice for cut flowers. They come in a wide range of bright eye-catching colors and shapes.
#5 Amaranth
If you have the space, these plants produce long cascading blooms that add interest to floral arrangements. Plants can get 6FT tall and are drought tolerant. As a bonus, Amaranth is an edible seed crop for both humans and animals like chickens.
#6 Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
This is a tough perennial flower that thrives in dry and sunny locations. They are celebrated for their vibrant, daisy-like flowers in hues of red, orange, and yellow. Starting gaillardia from seed is a breeze, and once established, they require minimal watering. These stunning blooms will attract loads of butterflies and bees to your garden.
#7 Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia)
If you're looking for a bold and vibrant flower, consider the Mexican Sunflower. With its fiery orange or red blooms, it adds a striking focal point to any garden. These annuals are drought-tolerant and easy to grow from seed.
#8 Agastache (Korean Mint)
This is a delightful flowering herb that brings both beauty and fragrance to your garden. It features tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of purple and blue. These perennial plants are well-adapted to dry conditions and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Start the seeds indoors or sow them directly in well-drained soil to enjoy their lovely blooms and aromatic foliage.
#9 Calendula (Pot Marigold)
This cheerful and versatile annual flower is both drought-tolerant and easy to grow from seed. It produces vibrant orange or yellow flowers with a wide range of forms, from single to double petals. Calendula blooms continuously throughout the summer, providing a pop of color in your garden beds or containers. Sow the seeds directly in well-drained soil, and enjoy their beauty as well as their potential medicinal properties.
#10 Celosia
This is a unique and stunning annual flower that thrives in hot and dry conditions. It offers vibrant fade resistant blooms in a plume-like shape that adds interest to bouquets. Sow the seeds directly in well-drained soil after the last frost, and watch as these eye-catching flowers make a bold statement in your summer garden.