Spring is synonymous with gardening and the blossoming of flowers. The vibrant flowers hold magical powers to mesmerise any onlooker with their beauty. For a nature lover, there is no greater pleasure than to plant a sapling or seed and then care for it like a baby as it grows and blooms into a flower. The entire process is soothing and provides a great way to engage with mother nature. Gardening is also a good habit to adopt for a meaningful life.
If you are a beginner, Graana.com has you covered! The following is a list of all the beautiful flowers that can be grown in your garden:
Nasturtium
The shades of orange and yellow flowers make them a popular choice for the kids. Not only does the flower bloom but the leaves are also edible and can be used in cooking. They have a mustard-like taste that makes it an excellent choice to be used as a garnish for salads. Nasturtium can grow easily in containers and are a favourite of pollinators attracting different species of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
There are mainly two varieties of Nasturtium that can be divided based on their growth habits. These include the trailing or climbing types (Tropaeolum majus) and bush types (T. minus).
Nasturtium is fairly easy to grow but requires water through the growing period. However, it must be borne in mind to not over-water the plant as it will damage it. One way to prolong the blooming is to cut off the dead flowers to allow for the growth of new ones.
Flowering Period: December to May
Sun Exposure: Direct Sunlight (slow bloom in partial sunlight too)
Petunia
Petunia’s are one of the favourite choices of flowers for gardeners because of their long flowering period. They come in various sizes and colours. The height can vary from anywhere between 6 inches to 18 inches while the spread can vary from 18 inches to 4 feet. They can be broadly divided into five categories depending on the size of their flowers. These include Multiflora, Grandiflora, Floribundas, Millifloras and Spreading or Trailing Petunias.
Petunias are drought resistant so they do not require frequent watering. Watering them on an alternative day will suffice. However, shallow watering should be avoided as it will encourage shallow roots. In addition, petunias that are spread across containers require more water to grow properly.
Flowering Period: December to May
Sun Exposure: Direct Sunlight
Pansy
Pansies are heart-shaped flowers with overlapping petals. They come in various colours and have many vibrant coloured “faces”. Pansies can be grown in pots as well as in the ground. They are frequently used to line the borders of planters or gardens.
The correct way to care for pansies is to water them regularly because they will not do well if they are not properly watered. They also like all-purpose fertilisers to provide them with the right nutrients. By removing the dead flowers, the blooming period of pansies can be extended
Flowering Period: January to May
Sun Exposure: Partial Sunlight
Dahlia
Dahlia is another excellent choice to grow in your garden. Dahlia’s belong to the Asteraceae family that include sunflower, daisy, chrysanthemum, and zinnia. Selecting a specimen of Dahlia to plant is like going through a button-box. There are numerous colour and size options available.
Dahlia flowers are happy in well-drained soils with a pH level of 6.5 to 7, that is, it enjoys slightly acidic soil. They also tend to do well in direct sunlight which allows them to grow into healthy plants. If Dahlias receive 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight, chances are the flowers are going to bloom better and bigger.
One way to ensure that the Dahlia flower grows healthily is to provide it with the relevant fertilizer mixture. For Dahlia’s specifically, a low-nitrogen fertilizer will ensure maximum results. The fertilizer is to be added after sprouting and then once a month. However, it should be borne in mind to not over-fertilize it as it will stunt the growth of the flowers instead of facilitating them.
Flowering Period: December to June
Sun Exposure: Direct Sunlight
Zinnia
If you want to grow a flower with minimum effort, then Zinnias are the safest choice. They are one of the easiest flowers to grow and take care of. They grow quickly and multiply at a faster rate. They also come in various colours, adding the much-needed pop of colour to your garden.
The flowers are annuals which means they only flower once a year. They can produce seeds that can be planted in the next season to obtain flowers; however, the existing plant will not grow back to its former state. The Zinnia species can be broadly categorised into three kinds depending on the type and position of flowers they produce. These include: single, semi-double, or double.
The ideal environment for the growth of Zinnia is one where there is plenty of sunlight available. The ideal soil requirement is slightly acidic with a pH level in the range of 5.5 to 7.5. Zinnias also appreciate good air circulation that allows them to grow. One way to ensure maximum growth is through the process called “deadheading” whereby old flowers are cut to encourage the formation of new buds.
Flowering Period: March to July
Sun Exposure: Direct Sunlight
