Augment your garden's blossoms significantly by planting these 7 self-sowing flowers in August, without incurring any additional costs.
Self-Seeding Flowers to Plant in August for Continuous Bloom
August is the perfect time to prepare your garden for a vibrant and low-maintenance bloom season. By planting self-seeding flowers, you can enjoy continuous blooms and let nature take care of the rest. Here are some top picks for self-seeding flowers that thrive in August:
Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) These late-summer to fall bloomers are excellent for naturalizing and attracting pollinators. Asters are ideal for continuous color and are easy to grow in full sun.
Rudbeckia triloba (Brown-Eyed Susan) Fast-growing and easy to care for, Rudbeckia triloba boasts clusters of small yellow flowers that bloom late summer through frost. This self-sower thrives in full sun and moderate soil.
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) A late-summer to fall bloomer, Goldenrod tolerates poor soil and draws pollinators. Its bright yellow plumes fill flower gaps and are easy to grow and self-seed.
Zinnias Mostly annual but prolific self-seeders, zinnias are easy to grow from seed and provide vibrant colors all summer if deadheaded properly.
Poppies (Papaver) Plant poppies in full sun with sandy, well-drained soil. Let seed pods dry to encourage natural reseeding, providing bold colors like red, orange, and pink.
In addition to these, Columbine and Forget-Me-Nots are notable self-seeders that tolerate partial shade and add varied colors and texture year after year. However, they may be better planted earlier in the season to establish before winter. Always deadhead fading flowers to promote more blooms and allow seeds to mature on the plant for natural self-seeding.
For a splash of gold, consider planting Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy) in poor, sandy soils. Daucus carota 'Dara' (Ornamental Carrot) is another self-seeding flower with soft, lacy foliage and dusky pink to burgundy blooms.
Don't forget about Verbena bonariensis, a tall, airy plant with spikes of small, lavender-purple flowers that attract butterflies and bees. For a dwarf variety, try Verbena bonariensis 'Lollipop' that produces purple pom-pom flowers.
To add a whimsical touch to your garden, scatter Nigella seeds anywhere. Once Nigella flowers, it transforms into a stunning ornamental seed pod that rattles in the wind.
Remember, always check local guidelines to avoid invasive species problems, and establish plants by purchasing them from the garden center or online and adding them to beds and borders. Happy gardening!
- Including Columbine and Forget-Me-Nots, these self-seeders can add varied colors and texture to your home-and-garden lifestyle year after year, particularly when planted earlier in the season.
- To create a unique home-and-garden ambiance, consider scattering Nigella seeds for a whimsical touch, as they transform into striking ornamental seed pods that dance in the wind.
