Cold Hardy Annual Flowers I Grew From Seed for my Sidewalk Garden

My spring garden planning began in the fall, since many springtime blooms can handle a period of cold— and some even require some for germination. Here is a list of the cold hardy annual flowers I successfully grew this year from seed.

Here’s a disclaimer: these flowers all overwintered and grew well for me in my gardening zone, which is Zone 8B. If you live elsewhere many of these flowers may grow just as well only in different conditions, so for gardening success read up on your specific growing zone first!

Creating my sidewalk parkway garden

It’s been my dream for a while to dig up the grass along the strip opposite the sidewalk in front of our house, converting it in to a wildflower and cut flower garden. This past October, I started digging up the grass and sowed my first seeds.

I had zero knowledge of growing flowers from seed except for zinnias last summer. I did my research on different types of flowers, which ones would grow here in Dallas, and when to plant them. Trying things out was the only way to start, and I spent many anxious months this winter peering out the window hoping to spot fresh patches of green.

Now it is May, and I can say that my efforts have paid off 100%. I have fresh flowers for my house regularly, it brings joy to the neighborhood, and the bees love it. Not to mention the immense satisfaction that comes with a job well done. I cannot recommend it enough!

Where to buy seeds

I purchased from a variety of sources online, as well as local nurseries. I also foraged a few from neighbors (I used the rule “whatever is hanging over the sidewalk is fair game”). You can spend more or less on seeds— I was very particular about finding certain varieties— but overall I’m happy with germination rates from Johnny’s seeds, as well as Eden Brothers.

Cold Hardy Annuals for Spring Blooms

Poppies

Poppies are the darlings of any garden, aren’t they? There are several different varieties, and you may have luck with different kinds depending on where you are. I grew Amazing Grey Shirley poppies, Pink Peony Breadseed poppies, and a variety mix of Corn poppies. Generally, I’ve heard that Shirley poppies do very well here in the Dallas area.

I planted them in early October, and they began to bloom in late April. I had the best luck with my corn poppy mix, but am completely in love with the Amazing Grey. Only one plant germinated, so I’m hoping to save as many seed pods as possible for next year.

*The beauty that is Shirley poppy variety “Amazing Grey”.*

Larkspur

Larkspur is a sure thing here in Dallas- it grows easily and will reseed itself, from what the experts all say. I grew a Rocket mix, which had a range of colors from blues and purples to lighter pinks, lavenders and white. I also sowed a stunning Earl Grey variety which I will definitely be collecting seeds from to grow more of next year.

I planted them the first week of December, and they began to bloom in Mid April.

Bachelors Buttons

These were the showstopper this year. I planted a mix of colors in October, and they were the first to germinate and begin to establish. The first blooms were in mid March and they have not slowed down yet!

They’re also “cut and come again”— meaning that the more you pick them, the more they grow. They’re especially sweet to have with kids around, because they can pick a few blooms without damaging the overall effect of the garden.

*Bachelors Buttons “Polka Dot Mix” of blue, purples and pink”*

Mexican hats, or Upright Prairie Coneflower

These are native to Texas, and I foraged some seeds to plant in my garden. I planted them in October, and they are just now beginning to bloom in early May. Definitely more of a wildflower than a cut flower, but they add a nice contrast of texture and color to the others!

Blanketflower

Blanketflower, or Gallardia, is another Texas native. I just love these guys. The round red and yellow daisy like blooms are so cheerful and fun, and the foliage is also a unique and pretty shape. I sowed them October and they began to bloom in April.

Chocolate Lace Flower

Chocolate lace flower, or dara, is a variety of Queen Anne’s lace, with varying tones of dusty lavender to deep purple. Fun fact is that the beginning foliage resembles a common weed—they’re almost certainly related so it makes sense. I may have pulled a few before I was able to catch the difference.

The two plants that germinated have grown super tall and are just starting to flower. They aren’t repeat bloomers, but each plant produces many large lace like blooms. They definitely add a cottage touch to the garden which I love.