recent May is n’t too late — if you prefer the correct plants . While some annuals want an early commencement to shine , others arequick to pullulate , tight to flower , and perfectly suitable for planting as summertime approaching .

In this article , we ’ll spotlight10 tight - growing annualsthat you may confidently sow or transplant right now forcolorful , vivacious resultswithin workweek . Plus , we ’ll cover8 varieties that are best saved for next class , since planting them now would in all probability meandisappointing growth or detain bloom .

Plant smart this May — and still enjoy agorgeous summer show .

10 Fast-Growing Annuals to Start in Late May (And 8 You Missed the Window For)

Sunflowers

Imagine a landscape painting transformed by the tower presence of sunflowers , their cheerful facial expression always turn towards the sun . These tight - growing giants boom when found in late May , quickly establishing themselves in sunny muscae volitantes . With minimal care , they promise an telling display within weeks .

motley can range from classic yellow giants to more alien colors , tender versatility in garden design . Sunflowers also support local wildlife , draw bee and birds with their seed .

Whether used as a background or focal stage , they get a bluff statement with an cushy magical spell . Perfect for any garden enthusiast looking to make an shock .

Sunflowers

© ferjulians

Zinnias

Zinnias play a splash of colouring material that few can resist , thriving in the former spring affectionateness . By found them now , expect blooms in a dazzling array of colour remindful of a painter ’s pallette .

These racy annuals stand out for their ease of care and resilience , making them ideal for beginners and veteran gardeners alike . Zinnias ’ long - lasting flowers can grace garden bed or become delicious cut bloom for indoor decor .

Their diversity in size of it and color can complement any garden theme , ensure they remain a dearie . A slight care reward with interminable vivacious displays throughout summer .

Sunflowers

Marigolds

Bursting with vibrant hues , marigold are the unsung heroes of the late May planting list . Known for their striking orange tree and jaundiced flower petal , these annuals are not just beautiful but hardheaded too .

Their natural pestis - repelling properties make them a nurseryman ’s friend , providing both lulu and protection . Within a short span , marigolds establish themselves , bring in warmth and luminousness to any garden space .

Their versatility makes them suitable for borders , container , or companion plant with vegetable . With short exertion , they become a staple fiber of summertime garden , adding life and color .

Zinnias

© windfall.flowers

Cosmos

macrocosm are the epitome of effortless stunner , their soft flower petal dancing in the child’s play . They flourish in the warmer climates of late spring , pull in them an first-class alternative for May sowing .

These refined blooms come in soft shades of pink and white , adding a touch of romance to any garden . Their airy structure complements both stately and cozy garden configurations .

Once instal , cosmea are unmistakably low maintenance , need minimum water and care . They appeal butterfly , enhancing the garden ’s biodiversity while cater sempiternal charm through summer month .

Marigolds

© migardener

Nasturtiums

genus Nasturtium are a nurseryman ’s delight , with their edible flowers bring both color and flavor . Late May is an idealistic time to plant these tight - growing beauties , known for their vivid orange and red blooms .

Their drop behind habit make them complete for hanging basket or as footing cover , offering versatility in horticulture layout . genus Nasturtium thrive in short ground , making them abject - sustenance yet rewarding .

Aside from visual appeal , they act as a natural plague deterrent , attracting beneficial insects . Their peppery - tasting prime double as a ornamental and tasty addition to salads .

Cosmos

© veggieandflowergardenseeds

Petunias

Petunias are synonymous with summer , their cascading flowers creating a vibrant display . By plant them in late May , gardener can enjoy their blooms through the warmer month .

These annual come in an raiment of colors from soft pastel to bold , vibrant wraith , offering endless excogitation possibilities . Petunias are perfect for hanging baskets , windowpane boxes , or borders , tot up a fusillade of coloration wherever planted .

They require regular watering and full sun for optimal growing , reinforce gardener with uninterrupted bloom . Their charm and versatility make petunias a perennial favorite in summertime gardening .

Nasturtiums

© azwormfarm

Morning Glories

dawn glories are the early risers of the garden , opening their delicate blooms with the sun . plant them in late May assure they quickly establish and begin their upward journeying .

Their trumpet - shaped blossom amount in languorous blues and purple , perfect for covering trellises or fences . Morning glorification flourish in cheery locations , with their tendrils strive skyward .

They land a sense of nostalgia and charm , reminiscent of old - fashioned gardens . Although short - lived , their blooms freshen daily , summate a dynamic constituent to garden space . idealistic for impart summit and interest .

Petunias

© bonniedoonflowers

Calendula

calendula , often called “ pot marigolds , ” are a blessing for gardeners seeking vivacious blooms . Their sunny orangish flowers are not only beautiful but possess healing properties .

Planting them in late May ensure a quick offset , with bloom that extend both optic pleasure and medicinal consumption . calendula thrive in most soil types , requiring minimal fuss .

They sour well in borders or as part of an eatable garden , with petals that can be used in tea or salads . Their pollyannaish bearing animate any garden space , making them a multifunctional favorite .

Morning Glories

© summer_breeze_blossom

Balsam

balsam are the secret star topology of shaded gardens , their vibrant hues lighting up drear corner . Planting them in late May take into account them to flourish , bring color where it ’s often lack .

These annuals vaunt flowers in nuance of garden pink and royal , adding a impulsive tactual sensation to garden nooks . Their penchant for shaded areas makes them versatile companions in varied landscape painting .

balsam are easy to uprise , requiring little more than moist grunge and episodic forethought . Their power to thrive in less sunny spot makes them a valuable addition to diverse horticulture efforts .

Calendula

© growyours.nz

Four O’Clocks

Named for their unique blooming time , Four O’Clocks are a delicious garden addition . plant them in late May insure they open their vivacious petals just as the sidereal day chill .

These flowers come in an assortment of chromaticity , from pinks to yellow , creating a snappy display . They are drouth - tolerant and thrive with minimum care , perfect for busy gardeners .

Their ability to bloom repeatedly add active coloring material throughout the time of year . Four O’Clocks are ideal for borders or container , offering even magical spell and temptingness to garden space .

Balsam

© wildrose_flowerfarm

Larkspur (Missed)

Larkspur ’s towering capitulum of blue and purple are a sight to lay eyes on , but their planting window close before late May . These early bloomers opt cool soil , demand a head start to radiate .

nurseryman who miss this window escape out on a dramatic exhibit of color and height . Larkspur ’s marvellous , elegant blooms are perfect for adding upright pastime in early give garden .

Planning ahead ensures these sweetheart embellish your garden , offer a standout flowered show . Those who missed this planting chance should mark off their calendar for next twelvemonth to enjoy these refined spires .

Four O’Clocks

© uprising.seeds

Snapdragons (Missed)

Snapdragons captivate with their playful , flying dragon - shaped blossom , but their planting time is best ahead of time in the season . Late May is too late for these smoothy to expand .

Their vibrant colour and unequaled petal formations make them a beloved alternative for adding arbitrariness to any garden . Snapdragons prefer cooler temperatures to establish strong solution .

Missing the planting window means missing out on their delightful presence , but planning ahead can ensure they become a garden staple fibre . Their absence seizure in belated May gardens is a reminder of the grandness of timing in planting .

Larkspur (Missed)

© alpenglowgardens

Sweet Peas (Missed)

sweet-scented pea offer bouquet and delicate dish , but they require an earlier start than late May . These climbers ask cool conditions to wave .

Gardeners who pretermit planting sweet pea plant miss out on their uplift scent and soft pastel bloom . Their power to enlace and climb bring upright stake and charm to early spring gardens .

Those bid to enjoy sweet pea should plan for early planting , ensure these fragrant flowers have the cool temperature they need . Their absence seizure play up the grandness of timely planting for seasonal enjoyment .

Snapdragons (Missed)

© wetknotfarms

Pansies (Missed)

Pansies are treasure for their pollyannaish “ facial expression , ” but previous May is too tardy for them to start . These coolheaded - weather favourite need an earlier planting to show their best .

idealistic for other spring garden , pansies offer a range of colors and patterns . Their hardy nature endears them to nurseryman seeking early - time of year bloom .

overleap the planting window means missing their vibrant hues , but planning for next season can guarantee they light up your garden . Their lovely typeface are a symbolic representation of early natural spring ’s promise , best enjoyed with careful timing .

Sweet Peas (Missed)

© floretflower

Violas (Missed)

Violas , with their charming blooms , are a springtime pet , but late May is past their prime planting time . These small but mighty heyday take cool conditions to flourish .

Gardeners missing the windowpane for violas mislay out on their long - lasting blossom and delightful colors . Ideal for margin or containers , they bring former - season joy .

Planning ahead ensures violas can beautify your garden with their cheerful presence . Their absence in late May serves as a reminder of the momentary nature of ideal planting metre , encouraging early homework .

Pansies (Missed)

© threebrothersblooms

Poppies (Missed)

Poppies , with their iconic violent blooms , are a nurseryman ’s dream , but later May is too previous for plant . These hardy bloom favor an early spring start .

The missed chance to plant poppy in clock time means missing their iconic color and fragile petals . These blooms offer a spectacular visual impact , stark for drifts or borders .

Early planning can ensure poppies determine their topographic point in the garden , offering vibrant displays . Their absence underline the importance of timely military action , ensuring these beauties have the conditions they need to expand .

Violas (Missed)

© petal_and_bee

Dusty Miller (Missed)

Dusty Miller is n’t known for blooms , but its silvern foliage add texture and contrast . However , late May is too tardy to start this cool - weather favorite .

Missing the planting windowpane means missing out on its unique leaves that complement other bloom . Dusty Miller fly high in nerveless conditions , offer a striking backdrop .

design for other planting secure this works ’s distinctive foliage add up stake to your garden . Its absence seizure in late May highlights the importance of expect seasonal needs , allowing for divers and rough-textured garden designs .

Poppies (Missed)

© lamusadelasflores

Dusty Miller (Missed)

© metrolinaghs