Cutting Garden - The Best Plants to Grow in your Garden
A cutting garden is a plot of flowers and foliage specifically grown to be harvested for indoor bouquets. Here are some fantastic plant choices for a cutting garden:
- Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus): These classic flowers come in a range of sizes and colors beyond the well-known yellow. Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed and their sturdy stems make them ideal for cutting.
- Dahlias: With numerous varieties available, dahlias offer a wide array of colors and shapes. They bloom from midsummer until the first frost, ensuring you a steady supply of vibrant flowers.
- Roses: Renowned for their beauty and fragrance, roses are a staple in cutting gardens. There are numerous varieties to choose from, including hybrid teas, climbers, and floribundas.
- Zinnias: Known for their bright, cheerful colors and long vase life, zinnias are a favorite among cut flower growers. They thrive in warm weather and come in various sizes and hues.
- Peonies: Their large, fragrant blooms are showstoppers in any bouquet. Peonies are perennial plants, providing beauty year after year.
- Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus): These fragrant annuals produce clusters of flowers on long, slender stems. Sweet peas come in many colors, from white to deep purples.
Remember, in a cutting garden, it’s crucial to cut flowers early in the morning when their water content is highest. Also, re-cut stems underwater to prevent air from entering the vascular system and impeding water uptake.