Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Most annuals need to be replanted each year, enough winter coldness for dormancy or can’t
4341 E. Broadway Road • Phoenix, AZ 85040-8807 • 602.470.8086 ext.301
but others easily re-sow themselves. Their survive our summer heat (without inordinate
seed is scattered by wind, weather and amounts of care) and are more successfully
wildlife, to pop up the next season when grown in the low desert as annuals. Perennials
conditions are favorable. These unexpected require more maintenance than do annuals.
visitors are called “volunteers” and can be a They may need to be cut back during their off-
delight or a source of frustration, depending season, and divided and replanted as they
on your outlook and how rigidly you follow increase in size. Some of their blooms are tall
http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/
MARICOPA COUNTY
the garden’s original design! Larkspur, or heavy enough to require staking. Typically,
cornflower, poppies, desert marigold, perennial flower beds are designed to have
calendula, scarlet flax, gaillardia and Johnny- different combinations of flowers blooming as
jump-ups are a few flowers that are easy to the year progresses. Unlike annuals, which
grow and readily reseed. Gardeners love have a lengthy flowering period, most
annuals for their riotous colors. They perennials display peak blossoms for a two- or
perform quickly, especially if transplants are three-week period. Thus, the design of a
used, and provide relatively long periods of
bloom. Annuals are particularly useful to
conceal bare spots while landscape plants At A Glance
become established; create masses of color as • Annual flowers complete their life
a focal point; or fill containers to establish a cycle — vegetative plant, bloom, set-
cheerful presence at entryways and enter-
tainment areas, including patios and pool
ting seed, to death of the plant — in
decks. At the end of the annual’s growing one growing season.
season, the entire plant is put in the compost • Biennials grow vegetatively in their
pile and something else can take its place. first year, flower in the second year
Many gardeners find it fun to experiment and typically die after flowering.
with annuals. If you don’t like the color
combinations you chose, plant something else • Perennial plants live more than two
next season. years and, once established, bloom
each year.
perennial garden should take into account when the people can not tolerate the “messy” look of seed
flowers bloom, as well as their color, height and stalks.
leaf texture.
• Butterflies: One of the best ways to ensure having
Time to Bloom butterflies in your garden is to nurture the
caterpillars. Think of them as baby butterflies.
Next, the chart provides information on Learn to identify and enjoy them. Butterflies are
approximate time from planting seed untill the plant attracted to wide, flat flowers on which they can
will bloom. You can use this to plan for blooms at a easily land. Position plants in a sunny place,
certain time of year. On a calendar identify the date sheltered from wind. Grow large clumps of flowers.
you want blooms, back up the number of days Maintain diversity in height, color and blooming
listed in the “Time to First Bloom” column and period.
plant seed slightly before to slightly after that date.
Plant over a window of time to allow for variation Edible
due to weather conditions. Many flowers are edible. Though few are flavorful,
they are beautiful and can be a fun or elegant
Height edition to the meal.
The information on plant height will be useful in NOTE: To effectively lure birds or butterflies or to
designing your garden. When planting a one-sided consume edible flowers it is important to avoid or limit
bed (next to a wall, for example), put taller plants in your use of pesticides.
back. If the flower bed can be seen from two sides,
tall growers look best in the center so they don’t Cut Flowers
conceal smaller plants. Some flowers perform much better as cut flowers
Light than others. They have longer stems, they hold
their bloom longer, and work much better in
Most plants need a minimum of eight to ten hours arrangements.
of sunlight to produce flowers, however, there are a
few that thrive in the shade. Identify how much
Dried Flowers
light you can provide in your planting bed and Some flowers can be preserved as dried flowers
select plants that will thrive in that environment. much more easily than others.
Wildflowers
Difficulty The term “Wildflowers” in this chart refers to
This is an indicator of how hard it is to grow that native annuals and other plants which are easily
plant in the low desert. grown from seed and can naturalize by reseeding.
Soil Tips
Perennial flowers show to their best advantage
Most flowers prefer a nutrient-rich, well-drained
when planted in groups of odd numbers (three,
soil (nobody likes wet feet). If this is your first
five, seven) in a drifting effect. Annuals look great
attempt or if your patch of hard rock fills you with
when massed together for maximum color effect,
despair, you might want to concentrate on the
although they can also work well when grouped in
flowers marked as “Wildflowers” or “Reseeds” in
odd numbers. Single plants of many varieties tend
this Guide. Many of these don’t require as rich a
to look disorganized. Avoid straight rows for a
soil, preferring a more “native” environment.
more natural appearance. Take a look at how plants
Fertilizing grow in nature — when’s the last time you saw a
straight line? However, smaller, low growing plants
Flowers, like vegetables, are heavy “eaters” and can work well as a continuous border along the
will require nitrogen for vegetative growth and front of a bed with taller flowers behind in two or
phosphorous for healthy roots and reproduction, three “layers.”
which includes flowers. However, too much “Deadheading” is the term used for removing
nitrogen may create a healthy, vigorous plant, with spent blossoms. Cutting or pinching off the dead
few flowers. Phosphorous is not water soluble and flowers on a weekly basis prolongs the blooming
thus can not move easily through the soil. It needs period because the plant doesn’t expend its energy
to be placed deep enough in the soil where the on seed production. Toss the dead flowers into
plant’s roots can easily take it up. Thus, it should be your compost pile.
mixed into the soil in the root zone before planting, White flowers show well at dusk. Use them near
or dug into side trenches if required after the plant patios, entryways and entertainment areas where
is established. If plants are in the ground, fertilizer they can be shown to best advantage.
is best applied to moist soil to help prevent burning.
Because there are so many variables involved — the Many thanks to the following individuals who helped
condition of the soil, plant species, fertilizer type develop and review this publication: Rita Jo Anthony,
Roberta Gibson, Marlene Hooper, Terry Mikel, Kent
(dry, slow release, liquid), weather, your garden’s Newland, Erin O’Dell, Cathy Rymer, Cindy Smith, and
microclimate — there is no magic formula for Annette Weaver.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, James A.
Christenson, Director, Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona.
The University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer authorized to provide research, educational information and
other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, age, Vietnam Era Veteran’s status, or
disability.
Any products, services, or organizations that are mentioned, shown, or indirectly implied in this publication do not imply endorsement by The University of Arizona.
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension • 3
4 • The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
Characteristics
Seed to Bloom
Water Needs
Light Needs
Days from
Difficulty
Growing
Special
Flower
Colors
Height
Lures
Planting and Flowering Guide
common & botanical names
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Blue, purple,
Ageratum (A) 4-12
Ageratum houstonianum
pink, white 180 E 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Arctotis, dwarf (A)
Arctotis acaulis
Yellow 10-12
135 E 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purple, red,
Arctotis, tall (A) pink, orange, 24-30 Reseeds
Arctosis hybrid yellow, white 135 E 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Blue, purple,
Asters (A) red, pink, Good cut
Callistephus chinensis white 12-24 180 D flower 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Babys Breath (A) Pink, white flower,
18-30 160 M good for 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Gypsophila elegans
drying
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purple, red,
Balsam (summer) (A) 12-18
Impatiens balsamina
pink, white 120 M/D 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purple, red,
Bee Balm (P) pink, white 24-36 75 D Fragrance 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Monarda didyma
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Good cut
Bells of Ireland (A) 18-24 flower, good
180 E for drying, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Moluccella laevis
reseeds
Plant Type Difficulty Lures Light Needs Water Needs Planting & Flowering Key Notes
A = Annual - blooms & dies in one season E = Easy to grow = Hummingbirds = Bright Full Sun = Low Water Use = Planting Months = Foliage Plant
B = Biennial - blooms & dies in second season M = Moderatly easy to grow = Seed-eating Birds = Partial Sun = Moderate Water Use = Flowering Months = Poisonous
P = Perennial - blooms more than two seasons D = Difficult to grow = Butterflies = Shade = High Water Use = Colorful Foliage/Fruit !!! = Very Difficult
V = Very difficult to grow
Characteristics
Seed to Bloom
Water Needs
Light Needs
Days from
Difficulty
Growing
Special
Flower
Colors
Height
Lures
Planting and Flowering Guide
common & botanical names
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
flower, good
Bishops Weed (A) White 26-60 180 E for drying, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Ammi majus reseeds
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
flower, good
Black-eyed Susan (A) Orange,
yellow
24-36 120 E for drying,
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Rudbeckia hirta wildflower,
reseeds
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Butterfly Weed (P) Orange 24-36 150 E Wildflower
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Asclepias tuberosa
Edible, 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
good cut
Calendula (A)
Orange,
yellow 15-18 100 E flower, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Calendula officinalis reseeds
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Candytuft (A) (Hyacinth- White 12-18 135 E flower,
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
flowered) Iberis amara fragrance
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension • 5
Edible, 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Carnation (P) good cut
Dianthus caryophyllus
Red, pink,
yellow, white 12-14 150 E flower, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
fragrance
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Celosia (A) (Cockscomb)
flower,
Celosia cristata
Red, pink,
orange, yellow 12-30 120 M good for 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
drying
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Clarkia (A) Good cut
Clarkia amoena Red, pink 15-24 150 E flower,
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
wildflower
Plant Type Difficulty Lures Light Needs Water Needs Planting & Flowering Key Notes
A = Annual - blooms & dies in one season E = Easy to grow = Hummingbirds = Bright Full Sun = Low Water Use = Planting Months = Foliage Plant
B = Biennial - blooms & dies in second season M = Moderatly easy to grow = Seed-eating Birds = Partial Sun = Moderate Water Use = Flowering Months = Poisonous
P = Perennial - blooms more than two seasons D = Difficult to grow = Butterflies = Shade = High Water Use = Colorful Foliage/Fruit !!! = Very Difficult
V = Very difficult to grow
6 • The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
Characteristics
Seed to Bloom
Water Needs
Light Needs
Days from
Difficulty
Growing
Special
Flower
Colors
Height
Lures
Planting and Flowering Guide
common & botanical names
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purple, red,
Coleus (A) pink, orange,
Coleus x hybridus yellow
8-14 135 E 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Red, pink, Good cut
Coral Bells (A)
Heuchera sanguinea
white 12-24 160 E flower,
wildflower
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Red, orange, Good cut
Coreopsis (A)
Coreopsis spp.
yellow 12-30 30-60 E flower,
wildflower
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Blue, purple, Good cut
Cornflower (A) (Bachelors
Button) Centaurea cyanus
red, pink,
white 18-30 120 E flower, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
reseeds
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purple, red,
Cosmos (A) Good cut
Cosmos bipinnatus
pink, white 36-72 120 E flower 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Cosmos (yellow) (A) Red, orange, Good cut
Cosmos sulphureus
yellow 36-48 120 E flower, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
reseeds
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purple, red,
Dahlias (A) Good cut
Dahlia x hybrida
pink, orange, 12-36
yellow, white
45 D flower
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Blue, purple,
Delphinium (A) M Good cut
red, pink, 30-60 150 flower 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Delphinium x cultorum yellow, white
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Desert Marigold (A) flower,
Baileya multiradiata
Yellow 12-18 180 E wildflower, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
reseeds
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Desert Milkweed (P) Yellow,
Asclepias subulata
white 24-48 150 E Wildflower 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Plant Type Difficulty Lures Light Needs Water Needs Planting & Flowering Key Notes
A = Annual - blooms & dies in one season E = Easy to grow = Hummingbirds = Bright Full Sun = Low Water Use = Planting Months = Foliage Plant
B = Biennial - blooms & dies in second season M = Moderatly easy to grow = Seed-eating Birds = Partial Sun = Moderate Water Use = Flowering Months = Poisonous
P = Perennial - blooms more than two seasons D = Difficult to grow = Butterflies = Shade = High Water Use = Colorful Foliage/Fruit !!! = Very Difficult
V = Very difficult to grow
Characteristics
Seed to Bloom
Water Needs
Light Needs
Days from
Difficulty
Growing
Special
Flower
Colors
Height
Lures
Planting and Flowering Guide
common & botanical names
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Edible, 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Dianthus (A) (Sweet William) Red, pink, good cut
Dianthus barbatus yellow, 10-20 150 E flower, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
White fragrance
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Dusty Miller (P)
Senecio cineraria
Yellow 8-16 N/A E 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
English Daisy (A) Red, pink,
Bellis perennis white
6 120 E 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Evening Primrose (P)
Oenothera berlandieri
Pink 10-12 180 E 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Good for 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Flax (scarlet) (A) drying,
Linum grandiflorum
Red 18-36 120 E wildflower, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
reseeds
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension • 7
Good for
Flax (blue) (P)
Linum perenne lewisii
Blue 18-24 120 E drying, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
wildflower
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Flowering Tobacco (A) Purple, red,
Nicotiana alata pink, white 12-30 180 M Fragrance 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Forget-Me-Not (A)
Myosotis sylvatica
Blue 10-12 180 M Reseeds 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purple,
Four OClock (A) Reseeds,
Mirabilis jalapa
red, pink,
yellow,
18-30 90 E/M fragrance 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
White
Plant Type Difficulty Lures Light Needs Water Needs Planting & Flowering Key Notes
A = Annual - blooms & dies in one season E = Easy to grow = Hummingbirds = Bright Full Sun = Low Water Use = Planting Months = Foliage Plant
B = Biennial - blooms & dies in second season M = Moderatly easy to grow = Seed-eating Birds = Partial Sun = Moderate Water Use = Flowering Months = Poisonous
P = Perennial - blooms more than two seasons D = Difficult to grow = Butterflies = Shade = High Water Use = Colorful Foliage/Fruit !!! = Very Difficult
V = Very difficult to grow
8 • The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
Characteristics
Seed to Bloom
Water Needs
Light Needs
Days from
Difficulty
Growing
Special
Flower
Colors
Height
Lures
Planting and Flowering Guide
common & botanical names
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Purple, 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Good cut
Foxglove (A) pink, 24-36
Digitalis purpurea yellow,
150 D flower
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
White
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purple, red,
Geranium (P) pink, orange, 12-18 150 E
Pelargonium x hortorum 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
yellow, white
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Gilia (A)
Gilia capitata
Blue 8-30 60 M Wildflower
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Globe Amaranth (A) Purple, red, flower,
Gomphrena globosa
pink, white 15-24 100 E good for 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
drying
Good for 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purple, red,
Globe Mallow (P) drying,
Sphaeralcea ambigua
pink, orange,
white
24-36 120 E wildflower, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
reseeds
Good for 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Gloriosa Daisy (A) Orange, drying,
Rudbeckia hirta cv. Gloriosa yellow 18-30 60 E wildflower, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
reseeds
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purple, red,
Hollyhock (A/B) pink, yellow, 120 E
Alcea rosea white 36-72 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Plant Type Difficulty Lures Light Needs Water Needs Planting & Flowering Key Notes
A = Annual - blooms & dies in one season E = Easy to grow = Hummingbirds = Bright Full Sun = Low Water Use = Planting Months = Foliage Plant
B = Biennial - blooms & dies in second season M = Moderatly easy to grow = Seed-eating Birds = Partial Sun = Moderate Water Use = Flowering Months = Poisonous
P = Perennial - blooms more than two seasons D = Difficult to grow = Butterflies = Shade = High Water Use = Colorful Foliage/Fruit !!! = Very Difficult
V = Very difficult to grow
Characteristics
Seed to Bloom
Water Needs
Light Needs
Days from
Difficulty
Growing
Special
Flower
Colors
Height
Lures
Planting and Flowering Guide
common & botanical names
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purple,
Impatiens (A)
Impatiens wallerana
red, pink,
orange,
6-12 90 M 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
white
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Indian Paintbrush (A) !!!
Castilleja chromosa *** Red 24-30 165 V Wildflower
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Johnny-Jump-Up (A) Blue, Edible,
Viola tricolor
purple, 4-6 120 E reseeds 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
yellow
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Jupiters Beard (P) Red, pink, flower,
Centranthus ruber
white 36 180 E wildflower,
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
reseeds,
fragrance
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Kochia (A) (Summer Cypress) Red 24-30 N/A E Reseeds 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Kochia scoparia
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Blue, purple,
Larkspur (A) red, white E Good cut
24-48 180 flower 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Consolida ambigua
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension • 9
Blue, purple,
Linaria (A) (Toadflax) red, pink, 12-15 180 E Reseeds
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Linaria maroccana yellow, white
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Blue, purple,
Lisianthus (A) red, pink, 12-24 60-90
M Good cut
Eustoma grandiflorum flower 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
yellow, white
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Blue, purple,
Lobelia (A) red, pink, 6-10 150 E
Lobelia erinus 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
white
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Lupine (A) 120 M
Blue 6-10 Wildflower 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Lupinus spp.
Plant Type Difficulty Lures Light Needs Water Needs Planting & Flowering Key Notes
A = Annual - blooms & dies in one season E = Easy to grow = Hummingbirds = Bright Full Sun = Low Water Use = Planting Months = Foliage Plant
B = Biennial - blooms & dies in second season M = Moderatly easy to grow = Seed-eating Birds = Partial Sun = Moderate Water Use = Flowering Months = Poisonous
P = Perennial - blooms more than two seasons D = Difficult to grow = Butterflies = Shade = High Water Use = Colorful Foliage/Fruit !!! = Very Difficult
V = Very difficult to grow
10 • The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
Characteristics
Seed to Bloom
Water Needs
Light Needs
Days from
Difficulty
Growing
Special
Flower
Colors
Height
Lures
Planting and Flowering Guide
common & botanical names
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Marigold, American/African (A) Orange, flower,
Tagetes erecta yellow, white 18-36 30-60 E reseeds, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
fragrance
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Marigold, French (A) Red, orange,
8-10 30-60
E flower,
Tagetes patula yellow reseeds 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Mexican Hat (A) Orange, 10-18 180
E Wildflower,
Ratibida columnifera yellow reseeds 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Mexican Sunflower (A) E
Orange 48-96 120 Wildflower
Tithonia rotundifolia 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Mignonette (A) Yellow 8-12 120
M
Reseda odorata Fragrance 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Edible, good 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Nasturtiums (A) Red, pink,
orange, 10-18 120 E cut flower,
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Tropaeolum majus reseeds,
yellow, white
fragrance
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Blue, purple,
Nemesia (A)
Nemesia strumosa
red, pink,
orange,
8-10 90 E 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
yellow, white
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Nierembergia (A) Blue, purple,
white 4-15 150 E Reseeds
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Nierembergia hippomanica violacea
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Ornamental Cabbage/Kal e (A)
Brassica oleracea
Purple, red,
pink, white
8-12 N/A E 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Ornamental Pepper (A) Red E
8-12 90-120 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Capsicum annum
Plant Type Difficulty Lures Light Needs Water Needs Planting & Flowering Key Notes
A = Annual - blooms & dies in one season E = Easy to grow = Hummingbirds = Bright Full Sun = Low Water Use = Planting Months = Foliage Plant
B = Biennial - blooms & dies in second season M = Moderatly easy to grow = Seed-eating Birds = Partial Sun = Moderate Water Use = Flowering Months = Poisonous
P = Perennial - blooms more than two seasons D = Difficult to grow = Butterflies = Shade = High Water Use = Colorful Foliage/Fruit !!! = Very Difficult
V = Very difficult to grow
Characteristics
Seed to Bloom
Water Needs
Light Needs
Days from
Difficulty
Growing
Special
Flower
Colors
Height
Lures
Planting and Flowering Guide
common & botanical names
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Painted Daisy (A) Pink, orange, Good cut
Chyrsanthemum coccineum white 18-24 150 M flower
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Blue, purple, 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Pansies (A)
Viola x wittrockiana
red, pink,
orange,
6-12 30 E Edible 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
yellow, white
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Penstemon (P) (Firecracker)
Penstemon eatonni
Red 12-24 150 E/M flower,
wildflower, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
reseeds
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Penstemon (P) (Parrys) Pink flower,
Penstemon parryi
12-36 150 E/M wildflower, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
reseeds
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Penstemon (P) (Desert Beardtongue)
P. pseudospectabilis
Pink 12-24 150 E/M flower,
wildflower, 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
reseeds
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Periwinkle (Vinca) (A) Purple, pink, 8-18 30 E Reseeds
Catharanthus roseus white 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension • 11
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Petunia (A) Blue, purple,
Petunia x hybrida
red, pink, 12-24 30 E Fragrance 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
yellow, white
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purple, red, Good cut
Phlox (A)
Phlox drummondii
pink, yellow,
6-18 150 E flower,
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
white fragrance
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Pincushion Flower (A) Blue, purple,
18-30 180 E/M Good cut
Scabiosa spp. pink, white flower 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Poppy (A) California Red, pink, Wildflower,
Eschscholzia californica
orange, 6-12 150 E reseeds 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
yellow, white
Plant Type Difficulty Lures Light Needs Water Needs Planting & Flowering Key Notes
A = Annual - blooms & dies in one season E = Easy to grow = Hummingbirds = Bright Full Sun = Low Water Use = Planting Months = Foliage Plant
B = Biennial - blooms & dies in second season M = Moderatly easy to grow = Seed-eating Birds = Partial Sun = Moderate Water Use = Flowering Months = Poisonous
P = Perennial - blooms more than two seasons D = Difficult to grow = Butterflies = Shade = High Water Use = Colorful Foliage/Fruit !!! = Very Difficult
V = Very difficult to grow
12 • The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
Characteristics
Seed to Bloom
Water Needs
Light Needs
Days from
Difficulty
Growing
Special
Flower
Colors
Height
Lures
Planting and Flowering Guide
common & botanical names
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Poppy (A) Iceland Pink, orange,
Papaver nudicaule yellow, white 12-24 120 E Fragrance 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Poppy (A) Shirley Red, pink,
Papaver Rhoeus orange,
24-48 120 E Reseeds 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
yellow, white
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Portulaca (A) Red, pink,
Portulaca grandiflora orange, 4-6 30 E Reseeds
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
yellow, white
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purple Coneflower (A) Purple, red,
Echinacea purpurea pink, white 24-48 180 E Good cut
flower 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Primrose (A) Fairy Purple, red,
Primula malacoides pink, white 6-14 120 M 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Primrose (A) Polyanthus Blue, purple,
Primula polyantha
red, pink, 4-12 120 M 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
yellow, white
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purslane (A) Red, pink,
Portulaca x hybrida orange, 4-8 30 E Edible
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
yellow, white
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Ranunculus (P) Red, pink, Good cut
Ranunculus x hybridus
yellow, white 8-18 120 E flower 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Safflower (A) Orange,
flower,
Carthamus tinctorius
yellow 12-36 90 E good for 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
drying
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Sage (P) Purple, red,
Salvia spp.
white 5-48 90 E Fragrance 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Plant Type Difficulty Lures Light Needs Water Needs Planting & Flowering Key Notes
A = Annual - blooms & dies in one season E = Easy to grow = Hummingbirds = Bright Full Sun = Low Water Use = Planting Months = Foliage Plant
B = Biennial - blooms & dies in second season M = Moderatly easy to grow = Seed-eating Birds = Partial Sun = Moderate Water Use = Flowering Months = Poisonous
P = Perennial - blooms more than two seasons D = Difficult to grow = Butterflies = Shade = High Water Use = Colorful Foliage/Fruit !!! = Very Difficult
V = Very difficult to grow
Characteristics
Seed to Bloom
Water Needs
Light Needs
Days from
Difficulty
Growing
Special
Flower
Colors
Height
Lures
Planting and Flowering Guide
common & botanical names
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Salpiglosis (A) Purple, red, Good cut
Salpiglosis sinuata
pink, orange, 15-30
yellow
150 D flower 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Salvia (A) Purple, red,
pink, white 15-30 30 Fragrance
Salvia splendens E 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Sanvitalia (A)(Creeping zinnia) Purple, orange,
Sanvitalia procumbens yellow 6-12 30 M 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Schizanthus (A) Purple, pink,
18-24
Schizanthus x wisetonensis white 150 D 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Shasta Daisy (A) Good cut
Chrysanthemum maximum
Yellow, white 24-36 180 E flower 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Shungiku Chrysanthemum (A) Yellow, white Edible,
24-36 120
C. coronarium E reseeds 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension • 13
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Snapdragon (A) Purple, red,
Good cut
Antirrhinum majus
pink, yellow,
white
6-36 30-60 E flower 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Spider Flower (A) Good for
Pink, white 180
Cleome spinosa
48-60 E drying,
wildflower
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Star Clusters (A) Purple, red,
Wildflower
Pentas lanceolata
pink, white 24-30 180 D 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Statice (A) (Sea Lavender) Blue, purple,
150 flower,
yellow, white 18-24 E 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Limonium sinuatum good for
drying
Plant Type Difficulty Lures Light Needs Water Needs Planting & Flowering Key Notes
A = Annual - blooms & dies in one season E = Easy to grow = Hummingbirds = Bright Full Sun = Low Water Use = Planting Months = Foliage Plant
B = Biennial - blooms & dies in second season M = Moderatly easy to grow = Seed-eating Birds = Partial Sun = Moderate Water Use = Flowering Months = Poisonous
P = Perennial - blooms more than two seasons D = Difficult to grow = Butterflies = Shade = High Water Use = Colorful Foliage/Fruit !!! = Very Difficult
V = Very difficult to grow
14 • The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
Characteristics
Seed to Bloom
Water Needs
Light Needs
Days from
Difficulty
Growing
Special
Flower
Colors
Height
Lures
Planting and Flowering Guide
common & botanical names
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purple, red, Good cut
Stock (A) E
pink, yellow, 12-24 150 flower,
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Matthiola incana white fragrance
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Red, pink,
Strawflower (A) D flower,
Helichrysum bracteatum
orange, 12-36 150 good for 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
yellow, white
drying
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Sunflower (A) Red, pink, Edible,
Helianthus annus
orange, 36-60 90 E good cut 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
yellow, white flower
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Sweet Alyssum (A) E
Purple, white 6-12 30 Fragrance 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Lobularia maritima
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Blue, purple, Good cut
Sweet Peas (A) red, pink, E flower,
12-72 120 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Lathyrus odoratus yellow, white fragrance
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Purple, pink, Good cut
Sweet Sultan (A) 30-36 150 E flower,
yellow, white 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Centaurea moschata fragrance
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Verbena (A) Purple, red,
pink, white 6-8 120 E 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Verbena peruviana
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Verbena (A) Purple, pink 8-18 120 E Wildflower,
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Verbena gooddingii reseeds
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Violet (A) E
4-6 135 Edible 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Viola spp.
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Wildflower,
Wild Hyssop (P) Blue, purple,
pink
24-36 90-210 M fragrance 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Agastache spp.
Plant Type Difficulty Lures Light Needs Water Needs Planting & Flowering Key Notes
A = Annual - blooms & dies in one season E = Easy to grow = Hummingbirds = Bright Full Sun = Low Water Use = Planting Months = Foliage Plant
B = Biennial - blooms & dies in second season M = Moderatly easy to grow = Seed-eating Birds = Partial Sun = Moderate Water Use = Flowering Months = Poisonous
P = Perennial - blooms more than two seasons D = Difficult to grow = Butterflies = Shade = High Water Use = Colorful Foliage/Fruit !!! = Very Difficult
V = Very difficult to grow
Characteristics
Seed to Bloom
Water Needs
Light Needs
Days from
Difficulty
Growing
Special
Flower
Colors
Height
Lures
Planting and Flowering Guide
common & botanical names
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Good cut 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Yarrow (P) flower,
Achillea spp.
Red, pink,
yellow, white
12-24 30 E good for
drying,
wildflower 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension • 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Plant Type Difficulty Lures Light Needs Water Needs Planting & Flowering Key Notes
A = Annual - blooms & dies in one season E = Easy to grow = Hummingbirds = Bright Full Sun = Low Water Use = Planting Months = Foliage Plant
B = Biennial - blooms & dies in second season M = Moderatly easy to grow = Seed-eating Birds = Partial Sun = Moderate Water Use = Flowering Months = Poisonous
P = Perennial - blooms more than two seasons D = Difficult to grow = Butterflies = Shade = High Water Use = Colorful Foliage/Fruit !!! = Very Difficult
V = Very difficult to grow