Top Plants That Grow Easily from Seeds

Growing plants from seed lets you enjoy multiple new plants from one parent. You can sow many different seeds in the same garden, from early bloomers to late-season flowers. If you're starting a garden with seed-grown flowers, these excellent candidates will give you a beautiful, diverse display.

Calendula (Pot Marigold)

Calendula officinalis, from the Asteraceae family, is an annual that's fast-growing and perfect for beginners. It reaches 12–30 inches tall and wide, with 2–3 inch flowers in single or double forms, ranging from white to yellow and orange. Calendula prefers sun or partial shade, average moisture, and can be sown from seed after the last frost. Historically used as a medicinal plant for skin irritations and muscle sprains.

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium, also in the Asteraceae family, is a perennial that attracts butterflies and has over 100 species. It features delicate foliage and daisy-like flower heads 2–3 inches across, growing 1–3 feet tall. Yarrow needs full sun and well-drained soil. Propagate in spring or autumn by division or seed—seed offers greater color variation.

Spider Flower

Cleome hassleriana, from the Capparaceae family, is an annual reaching 5 feet with 1–2 inch flowers. It prefers full sun but tolerates some shade and needs fertile, well-drained soil. Start seeds indoors and transplant after the last frost, spacing 1 foot apart. Extremely easy to grow and pest-resistant.

Mexican Sunflower

Tithonia rotundiflora, an Asteraceae annual, attracts butterflies and grows quickly to 5–6 feet with 4–10 inch leaves. Its red and orange flowers are 3 inches across. It likes full sun but tolerates partial shade. Plant in well-drained soil and propagate by seed.

These seed-grown plants offer a spectacular, low-maintenance garden with continuous color and wildlife appeal.