6 Half‑Hardy Annuals to Sow Early for Summer Color

Order seeds now for an inexpensive, colorful summer garden. These six half‑hardy annuals are easy to grow—just follow the packet.

1. Cleome (Spider Flower)

Long pink/white stamens and spidery seed pods on 6‑ft stems. Soil quality unimportant; drought‑tolerant but needs regular water. Space 3 ft apart.

2. Cosmos

White, pink, or burgundy daisy‑like flowers all summer. Poor soil, partial sun; over‑feeding reduces blooms. Deadhead for continuous flowering.

3. Impatiens (Busy Lizzie)

Bright flowers in white, pink, mauve, red. Versatile—pots, baskets, beds; sun or shade. Blooms all summer, under 1 ft tall.

4. Ipomoea (Morning Glory)

Blue trumpet flowers on climbing vines. Soak seeds before sowing; provide supports. Drought‑tolerant, adaptable soil. Plant out after frost.

5. Petunia

Velvety trumpets in pink, white, purple, orange, red, bi‑colors. Germinates in 2 weeks. Full sun, moist soil (water every 2–5 days). Deadhead regularly.

6. Thunbergia (Black‑Eyed Susan Vine)

Yellow flowers with dark centers. Sow indoors 2 months before last frost. Can trail as ground cover or climb with support.