27 Best Early-Season Flowers for a Spring Cut Flower Garden

If you are planning a cut flower garden for the coming year, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the spring so your garden is in full swing as early as possible. Here are 27 early-blooming plants that work great in the cut flower garden.

A picturesque scene filled with purple hyacinths, orange tulips, and yellow daffodils, their green leaves creating a harmonious blend of colors. Each bloom stands out, adding a burst of vibrant hues to the garden landscape.

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Last year, I got a late start on my cut flower garden. Midsummer, I harvested a bounty of dahlias, zinnias, black-eyed Susans, and yarrow.  Sadly, I missed the cool-weather flowers at the beginning of the year. But not this year!

This year, I am already sowing the seeds that will bring a colorful start to the spring season. Many early spring flowers require a period of cold to germinate, and these seeds should be sown, and bulbs should be planted before the ground freezes. If you want flowers as early as possible in the new year, the time to begin planning is in late fall, before a hard freeze sweeps in and makes it difficult to plant anything.

Planting and cold stratification time spans a wide range depending on the seeds you are planting, so be sure to identify the best course of action for germinating the seeds of each different plant. Here are 27 of the earliest blooming flowers to make your cutting garden boom as early in the year as possible. 

Daffodil

Daffodil flowers featuring pale yellow petals and striking vivid yellow centers, capture the essence of spring's hues. Delicate, vibrant blossoms contrast against the backdrop of long, dark green leaves, adding an elegant touch to the scene.
Daffodil flowers last up to a week with a cheerful fragrance.
botanical-name botanical name Narcissus pseudonarcissus
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 6”-30”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Daffodils fall under the Narcissus family and are most recognizable by their corona, or the tubular petal in the bloom’s center, which houses the flower’s reproductive parts. The most common color for these flowers is yellow, but they also come in shades of orange, white, and coral, with more than a handful of bicolor blooming types. 

These are among the earliest blooming flowers of spring, and they make excellent cut flowers with their long, slender stems. Daffodils can last up to a week in a vase, sharing their cheerful color and pleasing fragrance to brighten the home and chase away the winter blues. 

Tulip

Numerous orange tulips basking in the warm sunlight, their vivid petals gleaming with a radiant hue. Each flower stands tall on slender, resilient green stems, embracing the natural light that illuminates its intricate details and graceful posture.
These flowers last up to ten days in a vase.
botanical-name botanical name Tulipa spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 4”-28”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

There is no denying the popularity of this spring flower. Tulips are native to Central Asia but have been made famous by the Dutch for their incredible, colorful drifts of these wonderful bulbous perennials. Tulips come in just about every color of the rainbow, from black to white and everything in between. While rare, true blue tulips have even been hybridized.

Tulip flowers have been bred with many variations. There are double-petal varieties and those with sheared edges. While bicolored tulips once indicated diseased plants, the flowers have been selectively bred to take on this trait intentionally. The flowers will last up to ten days in a vase, making them wonderful for the cutting garden.

Hyacinth

Amidst verdant leaves, majestic purple hyacinths proudly flourish. Each bloom exudes a regal allure, its vibrant hue commanding attention. Beyond, a medley of blurred flowers offers a mosaic of colors in a lush garden setting.
Hyacinth flowers have sturdy stems, making them ideal cut flowers.
botanical-name botanical name Hyacinthus spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 6”-12”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-8

Hyacinth flowers are one of the most fragrant flowers I can think of. There is no mistaking the appearance and perfume of these wonderful spring flowering plants. While they don’t have the same tall stems as some other bulbous spring bloomers, they have nice stiff stems and are excellent cut flowers with a vase life of nearly two weeks.

In terms of color, hyacinths most commonly come in shades of pink, purple, and white, although some deep purple varieties border on blue. They can be grown in partial shade but will flower best if they receive at least six hours of sun daily.

Dwarf Iris

A close-up of slender dwarf irises reaching skyward, showcasing blue petals adorned with a central golden streak. These petite flowers add a touch of elegance to any garden setting.
Dwarf irises are early spring bloomers with blooms in shades of bluish-purple.
botanical-name botanical name Iris reticulata
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 6”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

These smaller cousins of bearded irises are some of the earliest bloomers in spring. Dwarf irises typically don’t grow taller than ½ foot, but they have perfectly wonderful blooms that rival any other spring flowers. The blooms are usually a bluish-purple, with a touch of yellow toward the center. They can, however, be shades of yellow and white.

Dwarf Iris flowers have a sweet fragrance, and while the flowers only last about one week, they look quite wonderful in floral arrangements. They can grow in full sun or partial shade conditions, with morning sun and afternoon shade being ideal.

Poppy Anemone

A detailed close-up of a white poppy anemone with numerous thin, layered petals and a subtle greenish center. The flower is set against a background of blurred green leaves and foliage, highlighting its delicate structure.
This plant offers versatile, cut-friendly blooms thriving in varied soils.
botanical-name botanical name Anemone coronaria
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1’-5’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Native to the Mediterranean, anemones give us gorgeous flowers perfect for cutting. While they thrive best in partial shade, these plants can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Farther south, they need some protection from the afternoon sun. 

The poppy anemone is best for the cutting garden. They have tall, slender stems and large, show flowers with dark centers that have a dramatic appearance. The colors most commonly found are red, blue, white, and bicolor, though some bloom in shades of pink and purple. 

Forget-me-Not

A cluster of tiny blue forget-me-not flowers creates a delicate floral arrangement. The blooms, arranged in compact clusters, stand out against the backdrop of green foliage, adding a touch of charm and elegance to the scene.
Forget-me-nots, with delicate blue flowers, are excellent filler flowers that readily reseed.
botanical-name botanical name Myosotis spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial shade
height height 4”-12”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

The delicate blue flowers of the Forget-me-not plant make a wonderful filler flower in the cutting garden. They reseed readily and colonize easily, providing more and more of these pretty blooms each year. These flowers are popular for use in bridal bouquets for their symbolism. The flowers symbolize devotion, respect, and fidelity.

These plants can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but prefer some shade for best results. In warmer climates, plant these where they will be respite from the afternoon sun. Deadheading can help to control the spread of your Forget-me-nots, should you prefer to relegate them to a small space. 

Love-in-a-Mist

Various love-in-a-mist flowers in deep blue, light blue, purple, and white shades, displaying delicate fern-like bracts around each bloom. The blossoms stand out against a blurred backdrop of green bushes.
Known for its fernlike bracts, love-in-a-mist blooms in various colors and reseeds itself annually.

botanical-name botanical name Nigella damascena
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 15”-24”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-11

Named for the fernlike bracts surrounding its flowers, love-in-a-mist is a distinctive and easy-to-grow plant that blooms later in the spring and reseeds itself, returning reliably year after year. The flowers are typically blue but can also be pink, purple, or white. They have long stems and last for about a week in a vase. 

Love-in-a-mist can be grown in a container if it is large enough to contain the plant’s extensive roots. Once your plants begin to reseed, you should see plants continue to pop up through the fall, continuing to flower throughout this period. They bloom best in locations with full sun exposure.

Ranunculus

Pink ranunculus flowers in close-up, showcasing their numerous paper-thin petals spiraling outward. Each bloom displays a symmetrical arrangement of vibrant, pastel-colored layers. The fuzzy stems lend support to these exquisite blossoms.
Mild-weather favorites, these densely petaled flowers thrive in cutting gardens.
botanical-name botanical name Ranunculus spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 8”-18”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-10

These mild weather-loving plants are known for their delicate and densely petaled flowers that do very well in the cutting garden. The flowers resemble roses, but the petals are thin, delicate, and papery rather than thick and velvety. Flowers bloom in red, pink, white, yellow, orange, and burgundy shades. 

In cooler climates, make sure to dig up your corms for storage over the winter. Give them loose, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight for best results. Cut these while they are buds for a vase life of up to two weeks. Once the flowers open, they are quite fragile and shouldn’t be disturbed. 

Soapwort

A group of soapwort flowers with delicate, five-petaled blooms in pale purple hues emerging from green calyces. The dainty blossoms contrast against a backdrop of lush greenery, forming a picturesque scene.
Soapwort makes an excellent filler in bouquets and gardens of varying sizes.
botanical-name botanical name Saponaria spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height up to 28”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-9

Soapwort makes a lovely cut flower filler with many small, rosy pink flowers. It also creates a wonderful appearance in the garden when planted en masse. Different varieties grow to different heights, some making a lovely ground cover and others quite tall. Its sturdy stems make it great for cutting. 

While it will survive in the heat of zone 9, it truly prefers cooler weather. In hot climates, give it ample shade in the afternoon. With emerald green foliage and sweetly scented blooms, this delightful plant has many uses in the cutting garden and containers. 

Calla Lily

A cluster of white Calla lilies with tall, sturdy green stems. The elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers display a pristine white hue. Large green leaves rest below the blooms, while small, glossy leaves form a backdrop.
Calla lilies feature a variety of colors and durable funnel-shaped flowers.
botanical-name botanical name Zantedeschia spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1’-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-10

Calla lilies are a staple in the warm climate cutting garden. Their thick, straight stems and classic flowers make them highly desirable to florists, and they are among the most popular flowers for bridal bouquets. Callas have funnel-shaped flowers that come in shades of white, yellow, pink, purple, and orange. 

These are easy-to-grow plants that require little maintenance and spread by rhizomes. They are not aggressive spreaders but will multiply over time, creating a nice supply of these long-lasting flowers. You can expect your calla lilies to last seven to ten days in a vase. 

Peony

Purple peonies in a garden, surrounded by lush green leaves. The voluminous, layered petals create a lush and captivating bloom. These peonies add a touch of elegance and beauty to the garden landscape.
These flowers yield massive, rose-like blooms in various colors, lasting around five days when cut.
botanical-name botanical name Paeonia spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height up to 5’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Peonies have few rivals in the cut flower garden. While they are more of a commitment than some of the smaller plants in the cutting garden, they are reliable and produce spectacular blooms year after year. Peonies resemble large garden roses, with flowers that commonly measure up to six inches in diameter. 

Peonies can play many roles in the garden with both treelike and herbaceous varieties. The herbaceous types will die back in the winter and return in spring, while the tree types are deciduous and cold-hardy. Flowers commonly come in shades of pink, white, red, and purple and have a vase life of about five days.

Common Daisy

A cluster of common daisies, their white petals radiating around yellow centers, bathed in sunlight against a backdrop of blurred green foliage. Each delicate petal reflects the sun's glow, creating a picturesque scene in a natural setting.
Common daisies, with their enduring white blooms, are a hardy addition to cut flower gardens.
botanical-name botanical name Bellis perennis
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 6”-12”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

These members of the Asteraceae family are highly recognizable, perhaps as much as roses and orchids. The common daisy plant’s sweet, little white flowers make a beautiful and hardy addition to the cut flower garden. While many types of daisy plants bloom in a rainbow of colors, the common daisy is always white. 

It is best to keep these plants contained, as daisies grow from creeping rhizomes that tend to colonize easily. They can quickly overtake other plants, creating a large mass of daisies and little else. If you keep a close watch on them, they have a pleasingly long vase life of up to two weeks. Deadheading will minimize reseeding, so cut as many of these flowers as possible unless you want many more plants.

Allium

A profusion of purple and white allium flowers gracefully extends upward, forming a beautiful bouquet atop slender, green stems. Each blossom flaunts a spherical shape composed of tiny, delicate petals, resembling a perfect, miniature globe.
These boast tall stems and pink, purple, and white globe-shaped flowers.
botanical-name botanical name Allium sp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height up to 6’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Alliums are a large plant genus that includes common onions and garlic, but they also grow truly spectacular flowers. Ornamental alliums can be quite tall, up to six feet, and produce impressive, globe-shaped flower heads in shades of pink, purple, and white. 

These are easy to grow and care for and add a lot of personality to the garden. The flowers have a faint oniony smell that wards off munching deer and rabbits. The best thing about these flowers is their exceptional vase life, lasting up to three weeks with proper care!

Lenten Rose

A captivating close-up showcases purple lenten roses adorned with yellow centers, creating a visually stunning floral display. Their intricate petals and delicate details draw attention, while the contrasting hues evoke a sense of natural beauty.
Lenten roses, named for blooming during Lent, are early, frost-tolerant bloomers.
botanical-name botanical name Hellebore spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial shade
height height 9”-18”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

The name Lenten rose comes from this plant’s habit of blooming during Lent, which typically lasts from some time in February or March until April or May, depending on the year. They are early bloomers and quite frost tolerant, so they make a nice addition to the winter garden and are evergreen in Zones 6-9.

Lenten roses prefer to be left undisturbed and will self-seed, but not aggressively. If you need to divide your plants, do so after they bloom. The flowers are sturdy and attractive, lasting up to two weeks once cut. Their palette includes yellow, green, red, blue, and white.

Forsythia

Yellow forsythia flowers bloom abundantly along thin branches against a bright blue sky. The blossoms bring a cheerful burst of color to the scene, their radiant hue contrasting beautifully with the serene backdrop.
Forsythia showcases a vibrant burst of yellow flowers in early spring.
botanical-name botanical name Forsythia spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 8’-10’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

Forsythia makes an amazing backdrop for the cut flower garden and looks nice through three seasons. However, it is most spectacular in the early spring when it bursts onto the scene with a profusion of bright yellow flowers. The branches of this shrub bloom from end to end and make wonderful additions to floral arrangements. 

This plant prefers shade in the afternoon, although it will do well in full sun when planted in cooler climates. It is deer-resistant, and a row of forsythia shrubs make an impressive border or hedge. 

Pigsqueak

Bunches of pigsqueak flowers with pink hues nestled amid large, glossy green leaves. Delicate, tiny pink blooms cluster along brown, slender stems, contrasting beautifully against the broad, lush foliage in shades of green.
Pigsqueak produces charming pink flowers in April, making it a beautiful, low-maintenance perennial.
botanical-name botanical name Bergenia cordifolia
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial shade
height height 1’-2’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

With a funny name like pigsqueak, I couldn’t leave this sweet little plant off the list. In milder climates, this plant is evergreen, and in cooler areas, it is a perennial that is easy to grow and requires little extra care. It is known for its attractive leaves that make a squeaking noise when rubbed together, hence the plant’s common name. 

In April, pigsqueak produces flower spikes topped with clusters of delightful orchid-pink flowers. The flowers grow atop long stems and make very nice filler in the cut flower garden. These plants are perfect for the shaded area of your garden, as they can survive in nearly complete shade.  

Camellia

Gorgeous pink camellia blooms boasting perfectly rounded shapes with layers of silky, petal-like structures. The blooms' gentle curves and textured edges add depth, complemented by the graceful arrangement of leaves and branches.
These flowers thrive as a stunning background in southern gardens.
botanical-name botanical name Camellia spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial shade
height height up to 25’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-10

Camellias are a staple in the southern landscape. With their glossy evergreen foliage and brightly colored flowers, these shrubs make a wonderful backdrop for the cut flower garden. Not all camellias bloom in spring, but C. japonica varieties typically begin flowering in late winter and last through April

Camellia flowers are great for cutting. They are sturdy and attractive, with a long vase life and strong stems. Plant your camellia in partial shade. They love being beneath a canopy of larger trees. Acidic soil will keep your plants happiest. 

Bearded Iris

White-petaled bearded irises with striking purple tips, displaying elegance in a garden. The blurred background highlights their slender leaves gracefully complementing the vivid blossoms. These flowers evoke sophistication with their contrast and delicate structure against the verdant foliage.
Bearded irises offer stunning, short-lived blooms perfect for cutting gardens.
botanical-name botanical name Iris x germanica
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 9”-4’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-10

Bearded irises are a wonderful sharing plant. They grow from thick, underground rhizomes that easily divide and multiply consistently. They are easy to care for, preferring plenty of sunlight and loose, well-drained soil. 

The tall, graceful stems make these flowers great for the cut flower garden. Large, intricate flowers in various colors and combinations also make these very desirable. They are fleeting once cut, lasting a maximum of one week, but they are truly wonderful while they last.

Bachelor’s Button

A close-up of a blue bachelor's button flower illuminated by sunlight against a blurred green backdrop. Petals form a vibrant, intricate pattern around the central core. Delicate stamens and pistils are visible within the heart of the bloom.
Bachelor’s buttons thrive best in sunny spots. Cut frequently for repeated flowering.
botanical-name botanical name Centaurea cyanus
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 1’-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

These easy-care plants have a color named for them, sometimes called cornflowers. The color cornflower blue is named for the pretty periwinkle shade that is most common in these flowers. Although they also come in pink and white, blue is the most popular color. 

Plant the bachelor’s button in a sunny spot, and cut often. The more you cut, the more flowers these plants will produce. You can expect to keep these delicate flowers in a vase for about one week. Cut them when most flowers are still in the bud for longer-lasting flower sprays

Russian Sage

Abundant purple Russian sage blossoms adorn slender stems, creating a captivating visual. The blurred backdrop accentuates the profusion of these charming flowers. A whimsical display of nature's elegance in a garden scene.
This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant is a great filler flower for cutting gardens.
botanical-name botanical name Salvia yangii
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 3’-5’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-9

Russian sage is not necessarily the first plant that comes to mind for a cut flower garden, but it works well for this purpose. Drought tolerant and low maintenance, this is one of those plants you can leave alone most of the time, harvesting the tall, purple flower spikes to use as a wonderful filler flower. 

Often compared with lavender in terms of appearance and fragrance, its scent isn’t quite as sweet, but the likeness is quite similar. Plant your Russian sage in a sunny spot with good drainage. The flowers last up to 10 days in a vase

Pansy

A close-up captures pansy flowers in rich hues. The petals showcase a striking combination of deep red and yellow hues, while the yellow ones sport captivating deep red centers, creating a stunning contrast.
This is a great filler flower for cutting gardens due to its tall spikes.
botanical-name botanical name Viola tricolor var. hortensis
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 6”-12”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-10

One of my favorite flowers to keep in the garden, pansies are a hybrid of violas and are both edible and ornamental. Some varieties have a trailing habit, but others grow quite tall and make very nice, although delicate, cut flowers

Pansies have a sweet and sometimes spicy aroma and come in every color of the rainbow except for green. One of my favorite varieties has velvety black petals with a clove scent. Pansies are frost-tolerant and beautiful and will thrive in cold winter temperatures. 

Virginia Bluebell

Virginia bluebell blooms, their serene blue hue accented by a touch of lavender, nod gracefully in the sunlight. These bell-shaped blossoms showcase a serene beauty against the backdrop of verdant foliage, creating a tranquil natural setting.
Virginia bluebells bloom with fragrant blue and pink flowers in spring.
botanical-name botanical name Mertensia virginica
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial shade
height height 1’-2’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

These bells ring in the spring with their lovely blue and pink flowers. They are highly attractive to early-season pollinators and have a light, sweet scent. They grow best in partial to mostly shade as a woodland understory plant. 

Virginia bluebells have a brief blooming period and are not the cut-and-come-again types. However, they do last for up to a week as cut flowers. The clusters of tubular blooms make a nice focal point in the cut flower arrangement. 

Pussywillow

Yellow pussy willow flowers on brown stems, showcasing fuzzy textures. The softness of the flowers contrasts beautifully with the sturdy branches. Blurred background accentuates the abundance of these blossoms.
Pussywillow branches enhance floral arrangements with their fuzzy, long-lasting catkins.
botanical-name botanical name Salix spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 6’-25’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-8

The name pussywillow is given to several of the smaller willow species. In reality, it can refer to plants that grow as tall as 25 feet at maturity. They technically won’t fit into the cut flower garden, but planting one off to the side will serve a dual purpose. This shrub or small tree will create a partial shade environment and have great use in floral arrangements. 

Pussywillow branches are famous for their fuzzy catkins, which house their flowers. The branches are dotted with these small, velvety, grey catkins, making them a wonderful vertical element in a vase. They also have a long vase life and will even form roots if placed in water. 

Columbine

A close-up of delicate columbine flowers with pink sepals, light pink petals, and yellow centers. The intricate blossoms stand out against a softly blurred backdrop of lush greenery, drawing attention to their graceful beauty in nature's palette.
Columbine showcases vibrant, jester-like bicolor blooms lasting about a week when cut.
botanical-name botanical name Aquilegia spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 1’-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Columbine plants like rich, slightly acidic soil and protection from the sun in warmer climates. They can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but are ephemeral, dying back in the heat of summer. The colorful blooms are often likened to jester’s caps in terms of appearance. 

Most flowers are bicolor, making them a standout in the garden. They have long, gracefully arching stems and a vase of life of five to seven days. Harvest these stems when about ⅓ of the flowers are open, and the rest of the buds will follow after cutting. 

Lily of the Valley

Delicate white bell-shaped flowers of the lily of the valley, suspended gracefully on slender, arching stems. The blooms feature intricate, dainty petals that create a charming bell-like appearance, contrasting beautifully against dark green, broad leaves in the background.
This requires watering in drier climates for its short-lived, sweetly scented flowers.
botanical-name botanical name Convallaria majalis
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial shade
height height 6”-12”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Rumored to have been Queen Elizabeth II of England’s favorite flower, most modern royal brides have carried lily-of-the-valley in their bridal bouquets. These plants prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, as they are intolerant of heat. They also require moist soil and will need watering in drier climates. 

Soil type is unimportant as long as lily-of-the-valley has good drainage. Full shade is the best location for growing these plants in the South. The flowers are fleeting, lasting only three to six days in a vase, but they have a wonderful sweet floral and green scent that is popular among perfumers. 

Before planting, ensure you have plenty of room for this vigorous spreader. It slowly spreads into large colonies with the help of rhizomatous roots and is on some invasive species lists.

Grape Hyacinth

Vivid blue grape hyacinth flowers in sunlight, bell-shaped and clustered like grapes. Their blue hues stand out against green leaves, forming a picturesque scene. The blurred background highlights lush greenery.
Grape hyacinths have small blue flowers with a light, fruity scent.
botanical-name botanical name Muscari armeniacum
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to full shade
height height 6”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Pair these sweet little flowers with pansies for a small, charming bouquet. Not a true hyacinth, these lily family members have clusters of small blue flowers that resemble clusters of grapes, giving the plant its common name. The pretty flowers have a light, fruity scent, and the plants can be grown outdoors or forced indoors. 

Grape hyacinths spread and naturalize easily, but they are small and unobtrusive, so they do a nice job filling in between larger plants. Drifts of these flowers make a spectacular sight when in bloom. The foliage dies back in summer but will return with the cooler weather in fall. 

Sweet Pea

A close-up of purple sweet pea flowers displaying intricate vein patterns on delicate petals. The rich hues blend with lighter shades, creating a mesmerizing contrast. In the backdrop, soft-focus grasses enhance the floral beauty.
These are ideal for small cutting gardens due to their climbing nature.
botanical-name botanical name Lathyrus odoratus
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 5’-6’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Despite their delicate appearance, sweet peas are quite cold-hardy. They can be planted in late winter, as soon as you can work the ground. Their climbing habit makes them great for the smaller cutting garden, as they can grow vertically, needing only a small footprint. They also produce a lot of flowers over a long period.

Sweet peas have delightfully ruffled flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, blue, purple, and white. They can be pastel shades or richly pigmented. The best quality of sweet pea flowers is their wonderful fragrance, which carries hints of honey and citrus blossoms. These easy-care plants are also nitrogen fixers, so they add some nitrogen back into the soil, enriching it for next year’s garden. 

Final Thoughts

It’s not too early to start thinking about and planning for your spring cut-flower garden. Planning and starting your seeds and bulbs before the winter will lead to earlier germination and less competition with weeds early in the season. I hope that this spring brings you baskets full of stunning, sweet-smelling spring flowers.

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