FAST-GROWERS TO GIVE YOUR GARDEN AN EARLY SPRING COLOR POP!
- Mar 7
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 21
Written By:
Shane Wade, The Happy Horticulturist
Hello, fellow gardening enthusiasts! Shane Wade here from The Happy Horticulturist at Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation.
As we transition from winter’s chill to the refreshing embrace of spring, many of us are eager to infuse our gardens with vibrant colors as swiftly as possible.
Read on below as we take a look at the Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation Team’s list of “Top Flowers to Plant for A Prompt Punch of Early Spring Color!”
ADD QUICK COLOR TO YOUR SPRING GARDEN
Fortunately, there are numerous fast-growing flowers can completely transform your outdoor space into a vibrant, display in record time.
Before we dig in to the details of our official list of suggestions, let’s review something crucial: USDA Plant Hardiness Zones.
If you’re gardening here in Central Mississippi (Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation’s service area: Hinds, Rankin, & Madison Counties in the surrounding Metro-Jackson area), we’re in Zone 8b, meaning our winters are mild and our growing season is long.
(NOTE: The flowers listed below thrive in our region, but if you’re outside Zone 8b, be sure to check your local hardiness zone to ensure these plants will flourish in your area)
Here it is! Our team’s top picks for you to consider incorporating into your outdoor space to creatively cultivate some quick, early spring color:
Zinnias
Zinnias are renowned for their rapid growth and abundant blooms. Their diverse color palette ranges from bold reds to soft pastels, offering versatility for any garden design.
Zinnias thrive in Zones 3-10, they love full sun, and are relatively drought-tolerant, making them ideal for our warm climate. By sowing seeds directly into the soil after the last frost, you’ll be seeing blossoms before you know it!
These speedy sprouters go from seed to vibrant, bursting bloom in as little as six weeks, rewarding you with continuous color through summer.
Zinnias
Marigolds
Marigolds are not only quick to flower but also serve as natural pest repellents. Their bright yellow and orange hues can light up any garden bed. Planting marigold seeds directly into the ground after the final frost ensures blooms within approximately eight weeks. They are hardy and can withstand the southern heat, making them a staple in many local gardens.
Perfect for Zones 2-11, marigolds are both beautiful and practical. They deter pests and attract beneficial pollinators.
Here in Zone 8b, you can direct-sow them in early spring for flowers within eight weeks.
Marigolds
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are synonymous with summer, but by planting early-maturing varieties, you can enjoy their cheerful faces in late spring.
Depending on the variety, sunflowers grow well in Zones 4-9 and some dwarf varieties can bloom within 60 days.
In our warm Zone 8b climate, you can plant early-maturing varieties as soon as the threat of frost has passed. They require full sun and well-drained soil.
Beyond their visual appeal, sunflowers also attract pollinators, enhancing the overall health of your garden.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a delightful addition, offering both beauty and functionality. Their vibrant flowers and lush foliage can fill gaps in garden beds or cascade gracefully from containers.
Nasturtiums flourish in Zones 2-11, making them a great choice for most climates. They prefer slightly poorer soil and require minimal care, making them incredibly easy to grow. In Zone 8b, plant them early in the season and enjoy their blooms in no time!
BONUS: both their leaves and flowers are edible, adding a peppery zest to salads.
Cosmos
Cosmos are delicate, daisy-like flowers that sway gracefully with the breeze.
Cosmos are fast bloomers that thrive in Zones 2-11. They tolerate poor soil and require minimal watering once established. Here in Zone 8b, sowing seeds after the last frost, should bring you blooms in just about seven to eight weeks.
Their colors range from whites to deep purples, providing a serene aesthetic to any garden.
Cosmos
Calendula (Pot Marigold)
Calendulas are not only quick to bloom but also possess medicinal properties. plus, their bright orange or yellow flowers can uplift any garden space.
Calendula grows in Zones 2-11, making this flower ia fantastic choice for Zone 8b gardens, as it flourishes in our mild winters and cooler early spring temperatures.
Additionally, their petals are edible and can be used to garnish dishes or create soothing balms.
Alyssum
Alyssum produces masses of tiny, sweet-scented flowers that create a carpet-like effect. They are excellent for borders or as ground cover.
Alyssum is well-suited for Zones 5-9 and produces fragrant flowers fast! With a rapid growth rate, you can enjoy their blooms in as little as six weeks from sowing.
It’s best planted in early spring in Zone 8b for a lush floral carpet.
Morning Glories
Morning glories are vigorous climbers, perfect for trellises or fences. Their trumpet-shaped flowers open in the morning sun, showcasing colors from blue to deep purple.
By planting seeds after the last frost, you can expect blooms within eight weeks.
Ensure they have a structure to climb on, and they’ll reward you with a stunning vertical display.
Bachelor’s Buttons (Cornflowers)
Bachelor’s buttons are charming, button-like flowers that add a touch of nostalgia to gardens.
Bachelor’s buttons are perfect for Zones 2-11, and sowing seeds in early spring can lead to bloom in as little as two months!
They love the warm, sunny days we get in Zone 8b, plus they are drought-tolerant and can grow in various soil types.
Their blue hues are particularly striking, but they also come in pink, white, and purple varieties.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
In Zone 8b, our last frost date typically falls between mid-February and early March, meaning we can start planting much earlier than colder regions.
Take advantage of this extended growing season by sowing seeds as soon as conditions allow.
By incorporating these fast-growing flowers into your garden, you’ll enjoy a burst of color and life in no time.
As always, remember to pay attention to each plant’s specific needs and your local climate conditions to ensure optimal growth in your particular environment.
LET’S CREATE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TOGETHER
At Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation, we celebrate the beauty and significance of all flowers, helping you create landscapes that tell a story.
Whether you’re looking for specific flowers with deep and symbolic meaning, or if you simply desire a stunning, sustainable, pollinator-friendly garden display, our team is here to bring your outdoor space vision to life.
Call or text us today at 601-421-9713, or book your service online here for fast and easy scheduling!
The experts at Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation are are happy to design, install, maintain, update, or upgrade your outdoor space, ensuring that it suits your needs, goals, and budget.
“We have the expertise, experience, and equipment to handle any landscape, lawn care, or irrigation project, big or small.” - Shane Wade
CONTACT Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation to schedule an ON-SITE ESTIMATE APPOINTMENT.
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Blog Sources:
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov
This resource provides official USDA zone information, helping gardeners determine which plants thrive in their region.
Mississippi State University Extension Service
Offers regional gardening advice, including best planting times and flower recommendations for Zone 8b.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac https://www.almanac.com
Contains planting guides, last frost dates, and information on fast-growing flowers.
American Horticultural Society
Provides expert insights into plant growth rates and optimal growing conditions.
Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder
A trusted database for plant characteristics, growth rates, and zone compatibility.
Martha Stewart: Fast-Growing Flowers for Early Spring https://www.marthastewart.com/fast-growing-flowers-early-spring-11689278
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