How to Grow and Care for Marigold Flowers

A close up horizontal image of orange marigolds growing in a mass planting in the garden.

Marigolds are a garden classic, and it doesn’t take much to see why. They’re easy to grow because they’re adaptable and tolerant of many environments. Plus, they provide long-lasting color without maintenance and they can improve the soil where you grow them by deterring nematodes. They’re marvelous! Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Leaf Lettuce

A horizontal close up of green leaf lettuce with water droplets on the leaves.

Ready to always have fresh salad ingredients for harvesting? You need to grow leaf lettuce. An easy-to-grow annual vegetable for the home gardener, leaf lettuce requires proper cultivation for peak tastiness. Our guide has all the info you need, from sowing protocols to plant health care. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Ironweed (Vernonia)

A close up horizontal image of the bright purple flowers of an ironweed (Vernonia) plant growing in the garden pictured in light sunshine on a soft focus background.

Perfect for a rain garden or the back of a flower border, ironweed is an easy-care native perennial suited to a variety of soils. Its huge clusters of purple flowers attract a myriad of pollinators. Requiring hardly any maintenance to thrive, Vernonia is a go-to choice for low impact, eco-friendly gardening. Read more.

How to Grow and Care for Chrysanthemums

A close up horizontal image of white and purple chrysanthemums growing in a garden border.

To extend this year’s flowering season, look no further than hardy garden mums. With a beautiful variety of flower colors, shapes, and plant sizes, this easy-care and cold-hardy autumn mainstay adds blooming brilliance as the other flowers finish for the year. Here’s how to grow chrysanthemums for late season color.

How to Grow Black-Eyed Susan Flowers

Close up of a cluster of yellow black eyed susan blossoms growing in the garden.

For a cheery splash of daisy-like flowers that attract butterflies and bees, consider adding black-eyed susan to your landscape. You’ll be rewarded with masses of blooms that do well in a variety of soils and conditions. Pollinators love it, and you’ll find plenty of other benefits to this lovely flower in our feature.

17 of the Best Coneflower Varieties

Close up of pink and purple coneflowers or Echinacea in bloom.

Love echinacea? Go beyond the classic purple coneflower you know and adore and take a look at 17 of our favorite colorful series and cultivars that you can grow. With single or double blooms, available in just about every hue, flower arrangers and beneficial insects alike will go crazy for these perennial beauties.

How to Grow and Care for Coneflowers, A Native American Favorite

A close up horizontal image of bright pink coneflowers (echinacea) growing in the garden with foliage in soft focus background.

Coneflowers are a triple threat. They’re easy to grow, undeniably pretty and they’re also useful in the medicine cabinet, as you probably know. You can even make use of echinacea in the kitchen, which may come as a surprise to you! Ready to add these North American native beauties to your garden? Read more now.

What’s the Difference Between English and German Chamomile?

A close up of the delicate white flowers of Matricaria chamomilla or German Chamomile in the summer garden.

Did you know there are two different types of chamomile with different growth habits and uses? German chamomile has cheerful flowers just waiting to be turned into tea, while English chamomile is ideal for growing as a low-maintenance ground cover. Learn about the differences between English and German chamomile now.

How to Grow Tatarian Aster: a Dynamic Late-Season Bloomer

A mass planting of tatarian aster in bloom with violet colored flowers.

Tatarian aster is a vigorous perennial that blooms from September to the first hard frost. It’s loaded with little lavender-blue flowers that butterflies love. Give it room to spread across the back of a border, or meander through a meadow, for autumn’s last hurrah. Learn more now!

How to Grow Native Swamp Sunflowers

A close up horizontal image of yellow swamp sunflowers (Helianthus angustifolius) growing in the garden.

Fall-blooming perennials, swamp sunflowers have narrow leaves and masses of bright yellow, two-inch flowers. The plants reach five feet or taller, ideal for native plantings and borders. They thrive in soggy soil, coastal areas, or near ponds. We share tips for sowing and growing this beautiful pollinator magnet.

Chicory Health Benefits and Uses

A close up horizontal image of dark green freshly harvested chicory leaves set on a wooden surface.

Common chicory has beautiful flowers, and it offers a multitude of culinary uses from brewed root beverages to sauteed leafy greens. It also brings a wide variety of health benefits with nutritious vitamins and antioxidants! Read on to learn how this powerful plant will make a great addition to your homegrown diet.

How to Harvest Sunflower Seeds

A close up of the head of a sunflower with bright yellow petals and seeds developing in the center, pictured on a soft focus background.

Are you growing sunflowers and wondering when and how you should harvest them to enjoy your own fresh sunflower seeds? In this guide, you’ll learn all the top tips on when and how to harvest delicious, nutritious, homegrown sunflower seeds. Plus, we include instructions for roasting and recipe ideas. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Boneset

A close up horizontal image of white boneset (Eupatorium) flowers growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Explore effective and essential plant care tips for growing and caring for boneset plants in your garden. Discover the insights of nurturing healthy boneset plants, from proper planting techniques to watering, fertilizing, and maintenance practices. Whether beginner or experienced, grow your bonesets with confidence.

How to Grow and Care for Sky Blue Aster Flowers

A close up of the bright blue flowers of Symphyotrichum oolentangiense growing in the garden.

If you’re searching for eye-catching color, texture, and height to add to your late summer to fall garden, put sky blue aster at the top of the list. This vigorous native perennial produces masses of small, daisy-like blooms on upright, branching stems. Read more to learn how to grow sky blue aster in your garden now.

How to Plant and Grow Salsify

A close up horizontal image of freshly harvested salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius) roots set on a wooden surface.

Looking for something different for your vegetable garden? Salsify is a versatile, easy-to-grow root vegetable that deserves more love. This plant requires no maintenance, defies pests and disease, and can be cooked in so many different ways. It has a mild briny flavor with a hint of parsnip and asparagus. Delicious!

How to Make the Perfect Cup of Calendula Tea

A close up horizontal image of a cup of calendula tea with flowers scattered around on a white wooden surface.

Calendula is an edible annual suited to cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11. Its daisy-like gold, orange, and red blooms have a long history of culinary and medicinal use. Read on and learn how to harvest the flowers from your garden and brew them into tea. Learn to use them fresh and dried in this brief guide.

How to Grow and Care for Swan River Daisies

A close up horizontal image of a light purple Swan River daisy (Brachyscome iberidifolia) pictured on a soft focus background.

With colorful flowers and a spreading habit, the Swan River daisy hails from Australia and is a natural choice for annual ground cover and brightening borders. The most distinct variety has blue petals, but all the color options are cheery in containers and mass plantings. Follow our tips for the healthiest blooms.

How to Grow and Care for Spotted Joe-Pye Weed

A close up horizontal image of the flowers of spotted joe-pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum) growing in the garden.

Perfect for a rain garden or the back of a border, spotted joe-pye weed is an easy-to-grow native perennial suited to a variety of soils, and its giant clusters of pink flowers attract a myriad of pollinators. Requiring little to no maintenance to thrive, it’s a go-to choice for low impact, eco-friendly gardening.

Grow New England Aster for Sensational Summer and Fall Color

A close up of two purple flowers of the New England aster plant pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

Cheerful New England aster provides late-season color with an abundance of bright flowers that attract bees and butterflies. This easy to grow native perennial blooms from late summer right up to the first frost and returns vigorously year after year. Learn how to plant and grow New England aster in your garden now.

How to Prevent Lettuce from Bolting

A horizontal image of a hand gripping a lettuce leaf outdoors.

If a lettuce plant flowers, this means its life is almost over. It’s setting seed and getting ready to die. Also known as bolting, there are things that you can do to avoid premature flowering. Learn what causes it, and what to do if bolting happens in your lettuce patch. Read more now in our guide to bolting lettuce.

How to Grow and Care for Early-Blooming Alpine Aster

A close up horizontal image of a mass planting of Aster alpinus 'Goliath' in bloom. Flowers have lavender petals and yellow centers.

The alpine aster is a low-profile, cold-weather perennial for USDA hardiness zones 4 to 7. It’s an early-blooming species that flowers from late spring through early summer. Perfectly suited to rock gardens, its flowers are pink, purple, or white. Learn how to grow and care for alpine aster, here on Gardener’s Path.

How to Harvest Feverfew

A close up of white feverfew flowers with their contrasting yellow centers on a soft focus dark background.

Feverfew, with its long history of use as a medicinal herb, has recently made a comeback in modern gardens. You’ll enjoy its therapeutic properties, particularly as a remedy for migraines, as well as its attractive daisy-like flowers. To learn how to harvest and use this powerful plant, read more now.

How to Grow Blackfoot Daisy

A close up of the white flowers of the Melampodium leucanthum plant, with yellow centers and light green foliage on a soft focus background.

If you are looking for a drought-tolerant flower that blooms profusely from early spring to late fall, consider blackfoot daisy, the heat-loving American native that’s not picky about soil and is resistant to pests, deer, and diseases. You will love its cheerful white flowers and low, rounded form. Read more now.

How to Identify and Control 9 Marigold Diseases

A close up horizontal image of orange marigolds growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Marigolds have a reputation for being fabulously problem-free, and they usually are. But they’re not completely immune to pathogens. If your plants are starting to look a little less than perfect, it could be due to something like root rot or leaf spot. Read our guide to learn about marigold diseases and how to deal.

When and How to Divide Perennial Asters

A close up of the bright purple flowers of the perennial aster plant, growing in the garden in light sunshine.

Perennial asters have daisy-like flowers and readily naturalize in the garden through self-sowing and an extensive root system. By dividing perennial asters you can keep them under control, growing vigorously, and enjoy them in other areas of the garden. Learn when and how to divide asters with our guide. Read more now.

Tips for Growing Dinnerplate Dahlias

A close up horizontal image of dinnerplate dahlia flowers growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

If you want a flower that’s so eye-catching it’s impossible to ignore, dinnerplate dahlias are truly unmatched. The blossoms are positively huge, with fascinating whorls of petals in colors ranging from white to fuchsia to nearly black. Learn how to grow these massive, beautiful blooms in this comprehensive guide.

The Many Uses and Benefits of Yarrow: A Healing Herb

A close up of the white flowers of the common yarrow growing in the garden on a soft focus background.

Yarrow is a perennial flowering herb with a long history of medicinal use, from treating wounds on the battlefield to modern herbal remedies. With feathery leaves and delicate flowers, it repels pests and provides ornamental interest in the garden. Read on to learn all about the history of yarrow and its many uses.

When and How to Plant Marigold Seeds

A close up top down picture of a variety of different colored marigolds growing in the garden, with soil in the background.

Ready to plant marigolds from seed for bright summer blooms? Planting marigolds from seed is easy, but you’ll want to know when you should start these annual flower seeds indoors – and when you can sow the seeds right into your garden soil. Learn more about how and when to plant marigolds from seed. Read more now.

How to Grow Dahlias in Pots and Containers

A horizontal image of a row of potted dahlias on a concrete path with a wooden fence in the background.

Don’t have a big area to plant your dream dahlia garden? No problem, grow your dahlias in containers. These cottage garden favorites lend themselves nicely to potting so you can enjoy their incomparable beauty even if you’re short on space. This guide explains how to plant and care for dahlias in pots. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for White Wood Asters

A close up horizontal image of white wood aster flowers growing in the garden.

White wood asters display masses of tiny white blossoms from late summer to fall. Their mounded forms brighten shady areas of the landscape and attract beneficial pollinators. Read on for all you need to know to grow white wood asters and enjoy this rustic, informal late-season attraction in your outdoor living space.

How to Grow Pot Marigold (Calendula) Flowers

A close up horizontal image of bright orange pot marigold flowers growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

Pot marigold, also known as calendula, is an annual herb that blooms with spectacular yellow, orange, and gold flowers. With a history of medicinal use, the edible flowers can be made into a variety of herbal remedies, used in cooking, or brewed in a soothing tea. Learn how to plant and grow calendula in this guide.

How to Grow and Care for Painted Daisies

A close up horizontal image of pink painted daisies (Tanacetum coccineum) growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

For pest-resistant blooms that add striking color and a graceful form to the landscape, painted daisy is the perfect perennial. Easy to grow and even easier on the eyes, Tanacetum coccineum has all sorts of gardening applications! In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to grow and care for these beauties.

How to Grow Zinnias in Containers

A close up horizontal image of colorful zinnias in a ceramic pot with a gray wall in the background.

Easy-care annual zinnias are loved for their long-lasting flowers with hot, vivid colors. Blooming all summer long, the single, semi-double, or double blooms make beautiful cut flowers and they’re ideal for pots placed in a sunny location. Get all the cultivation details in our zinnia container care guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Stokes’ Asters

A close up horizontal image of Stokes' aster flowers (Stokesia laevis) growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine.

Stokes’ asters are suited to home gardens in Zones 5 to 9. Enjoy blue, pink, purple, white, or yellow blossoms on plants with a height of 12 to 24 inches and a spread of 12 to 18 inches. Showcase the species and cultivated varieties in beds, borders, and mass-planted drifts. Read on for growing and care instructions.

How to Grow and Care for Strawflowers

Strawflower is a cutting garden annual that’s perfect for both fresh and dry arrangements. It’s daisy-like, with crisp, petal-like bracts in shades of orange, pink, purple, red, and white. For garden color from spring to frost, learn to grow strawflower now on Gardener’s Path.

How to Grow and Care for Shasta Daisies

A close up horizontal image of a swath of Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum) flowers growing in the garden.

Shasta daisy is a popular plant that adds a pop of fresh, bright summer color. This sturdy beauty is an easy and versatile perennial to have in your garden, whether you use it in a border or as a cut flower. Learn all about how to grow, propagate, and care for this robust plant in our guide. Read more now.

How to Grow Common Chicory

A close up of bright blue Cichorium intybus flowers growing in the garden, pictured on a soft-focus background.

Chicory is nutritious, with leaves that add a bright zing to salads. The roots can be also harvested and roasted to make a mean cup of coffee. It’s easy to grow and has pretty blue flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. In this guide, you’ll learn how to plant and grow chicory in your garden. Read more now.

How to Grow Easy-Care Coreopsis (Tickseed)

A close up horizontal image of bright yellow coreopsis flowers growing in a wildflower meadow with poppies, pictured in bright sunshine.

Coreopsis is a native perennial with cheerful flowers that keep blooming from spring to fall. These low maintenance, pollinator-friendly beauties are ideal for a planting in a wildflower meadow or to add color to beds and borders. Learn how to plant and grow coreopsis flowers in this guide. Read more now.

Best Companion Plants to Grow with Lettuce

A close up horizontal image of lettuce and other vegetable plants at a garden center.

Lettuce is easy to grow in the vegetable garden, but unfortunately it can fall victim to many common issues. Companion planting is a way to maximize usable growing space and help to alleviate some pest problems. Learn which crops make the best companions for lettuce to ensure a healthier harvest in this guide. Read more.

How to Grow and Care for Yarrow

A close up top down picture of yarrow with various different colored flowers, growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine.

Yarrow is a flowering perennial that grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9. Flattened flower heads called corymbs create a carpet of velvety color in late spring and summer. Choose from shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. Drought and salt tolerant, you’ll find this plant easy to cultivate. Learn how to grow it now.

How to Protect Lettuce Seedlings from Damping Off

A close up horizontal image of a gardener planting out a lettuce seedling into dark, rich soil, pictured in bright sunshine.

Lettuce is a delicate crop that can fall victim to a number of maladies. Just after sprouting, damping off can quickly level an entire flat of seedlings with little warning and few visible symptoms. Learn what to watch out for and how to plan ahead to avoid this common disease with our expert tips. Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Blazing Star Flowers (Liatris Spicata)

Purple flower stalks of blazing star Liatris spicata plants.

When hot summer temps and high humidity strike, the native prairie wildflower Liatris spicata, or blazing star, puts on an excellent show. Tall plumes of feathery purple flowers welcome extreme summer conditions and shine when delicate greenhouse plants wither. Get all the details on this North American perennial now.

How to Grow and Care for Aster Flowers

A close up horizontal image of bright pink perennial asters growing in the garden.

Starry aster flowers are native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Plants are available in an array of blues, pinks, purples, and whites. Mass plantings invigorate the late summer to fall landscape with carpets of robust color and texture. Read on and learn how easy asters are to grow and discover your favorites now.

Cozy Up with Chamomile: Growing and Harvesting a Classic

Grow classic chamomile. | GardenersPath.com

Of all the plants in my garden, chamomile offers the most return on my investment. It is a vigorous and problem-free plant that produces a spray of beautiful flowers that can immediately be harvested to make a tasty tea. Gardener’s Path has all of the information you need to know about growing this fine addition in your own garden. Read on to learn more!

19 of the Best Flowering Companions for Cosmos

A close up horizontal image of cosmos flowers growing in a meadow.

Pink, purple, white, orange, red, and yellow cosmos have feathery foliage and slender stems that sway gently in summer breezes. They bring color, a dreamy quality, and movement to gardens from summer to frost. Read on for 19 companion plants that share cosmos’ preference for moist, well-draining soil and full sunshine.

How to Grow Chamomile Indoors

A horizontal image of chamomile flowers in vases and in a bowl set on a wicker table mat.

You’ve probably put a pot of basil, mint, or cilantro in your kitchen window for quick access. But did you know chamomile can grow happily indoors? It’s true! Whether you’re looking to add beauty or an herbal remedy to your home, chamomile will thrive in your indoor food or flower garden with these tips. Read more.

Tips for Growing Summer Crisp (Batavian) Lettuce

A close up horizontal image of a row of Batavian lettuce growing in the vegetable garden.

Batavian lettuce, aka summer crisp, is heat and frost tolerant, disease resistant, and downright delicious with sweet, crisp leaves. It’s a semi-heading type, so you get the best of both heading and loose-leaf varieties. Learn more about planting and growing these versatile lettuces in this comprehensive guide.

Tips for Growing Ice Queen Lettuce

A close up horizontal image of an ice queen lettuce growing in the garden almost ready for harvest.

Looking for a crisp, flavorful iceberg lettuce? All hail the queen! ‘Reine des Glaces,’ also called ‘Ice Queen,’ is sweet and juicy and grows in a compact shape that does well indoors or out. Disease resistant, it’s also an heirloom type, which means you can harvest the seeds and plant it again next year.

How to Grow Lettuce in Containers

A close up horizontal image of a bowl filled with freshly harvested leaf lettuce set on the soil in the garden.

Fresh, healthy salads and leafy wraps taste better when they’re made with homegrown produce. Growing a small crop of lettuce is easy to do with the help of containers. You might even be able to reduce pest issues! Learn how to produce crisp, flavorful heads in a small amount of space for harvests nearly year-round.

Tips for Growing Lettuce Indoors

A close up horizontal image of lettuce growing in a self-watering rectangular planter set on a wooden surface indoors pictured on a soft focus background.

For a vegetable crop that you can quickly grow indoors all year long, try lettuce. Our guide explains how to sow and grow your own lettuce indoors, from picking the best cultivars to providing the right light exposure. Read more now for all the info you need so you can start harvesting fresh greens soon.

How to Make and Use Calendula Oil

A close up horizontal image of a jar of cream with calendula flowers scattered around on a wooden surface.

Learn how to make your own calendula-infused oil and how to use it! This fragrant flower that’s easy to grow is full of healing potential. Get creative with your oil and use it to make facial serums, balms, creams, or even body butter! Read our guide now for full instructions to start making this healing herbal oil.

How to Fertilize Chrysanthemums for a Bountiful Display

A close up horizontal image of colorful chrysanthemums growing in the garden.

Chrysanthemums can benefit from a little fertilizer if you want to maximize their colorful late-season show. But it’s not as simple as tossing some food onto the soil and hoping for the best. Learn all about how to feed chrysanthemums, including when and how to apply fertilizer, and the best types to use. Read more now.

How to Identify and Manage Powdery Mildew on Chrysanthemums

A close up horizontal image of orange chrysanthemums growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Powdery mildew is extremely common in home gardens, and despite being tough little plants, even chrysanthemums are sometimes plagued by this fungal pathogen. This guide helps you identify and get rid of powdery mildew on your mums using natural and highly effective methods like milk spray and copper fungicides.

Fusarium Wilt in Chrysanthemums: Identify and Control This Disease

A close up horizontal image of white chrysanthemums growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

If part of your chrysanthemum plant looks sad and wilted, you could be dealing with fusarium wilt. This fungal disease is bad news and it can spell doom for your plant if you don’t address it. We’ll help you to identify and deal with this increasingly common issue in mums, and learn how to prevent infection. Read more.

How Long Do Chrysanthemums Last?

A close up horizontal image of orange chrysanthemums growing in the fall garden fading to soft focus in the background.

Chrysanthemums have a longer lifespan than many people realize. These fall-blooming favorites have much more to offer than a single season of color. This guide explains how long mums last and provides tips on how to keep them thriving for years to come, including how to save seeds from your favorites. Read more now.

How to Harvest and Save Cosmos Seed

A horizontal image of a meadow filled with pink and white cosmos flowers pictured on a blue sky background.

Cosmos are a favorite for flower beds, pollinators, and cut arrangements, so wanting more of them in the garden is a no-brainer. Why not collect the seeds from your own plants so you can expand your patch of airy color next year? Read more to learn everything you need to know to easily harvest and save cosmos seeds.

9 Different Types of Goldenrods to Grow in the Landscape

A close up horizontal image of goldenrod growing in a wildflower meadow.

Goldenrods are late-season wildflowers bearing large golden sprays of blooms. With over 120 different species, there’s one suited to nearly every growing situation – dry or moist soil, wild meadows or compact gardens. To learn about 9 different goldenrods and discover which is best for your landscape, read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Goldenrod Plants

A close up horizontal image of goldenrod (Solidago) Growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Goldenrods are wildflowers that bear beautiful, golden sprays of late-season color. These easy-care perennials attract beneficial insects and pollinators like bees and butterflies while gilding the vista with their bright blooms. Keep reading for guidance on how to grow gorgeous goldenrods in the garden or landscape.

How to Harvest and Save Black-Eyed Susan Seed

A close up horizontal image of a vast swath of black-eyed Susan flowers (Rudbeckia hirta) growing in a meadow.

Black-eyed Susans are cheerful flowers, loved equally by pollinators and humans. If you want more of them, or want to share the sunshine they bring to a yard with friends, why not collect the seeds from your own plants? To learn everything you need to know to harvest and save Rudbeckia seed, check out our guide. Read more.

How to Use Chrysanthemums for Pest Control in the Garden

A close up horizontal image of white Dalmatian chrysanthemum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium) flowers growing in the garden pictured in light sunshine on a soft focus background.

Chrysanthemums are used to make pyrethrins, which are the most popular insecticides on the planet, and for good reason. They have low toxicity for birds and mammals, but kill insects rapidly on contact. You can make your own insecticide using the mums that you grow in your own garden. This guide explains the process.

7 Steps to Harvesting and Saving Marigold Seeds

A close up horizontal image of a spent marigold flower opened up to reveal the seeds inside.

It’s not difficult to save seeds from faded marigolds. But for success with future plantings, be sure to follow a few simple steps to make sure the seeds are harvested and stored properly. Keep reading to learn more about collecting and saving marigold seeds so they’ll produce a new batch of beautiful blooms.

How to Grow and Care for Desert Marigolds

A close up horizontal image of a bright yellow desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata) pictured on a soft focus background.

With their cheery yellow blooms, desert marigolds are waterwise plants adapted to arid landscapes. These drought-tolerant natives of the southwest can provide an eco-friendly alternative to thirsty bedding plants for those in hot, dry locations. Keep reading to learn more about growing and caring for desert marigolds.

Common Uses of Calendula (Pot Marigold) Flowers

A close up horizontal image of pot marigold (calendula) flowers picked from the garden and set on a wooden surface.

Get creative with calendula flowers! You’ll be inspired to use this healing herb when you read our guide, with tips for making infused oils and teas as well as medicinal tinctures and salves. This vibrant flower is the perfect plant for those just starting on their herbalism path who want to grow their own botanicals.

How to Grow Mexican Hat Flowers

A close up horizontal image of a red and yellow Mexican hat flower pictured on a soft focus background.

Mexican hat, a wildflower species native to North America, is a drought-tolerant perennial with unique, charmingly quirky flowers. This plant is easy to cultivate and maintain in the landscape, and its brightly-colored blooms will attract birds, bees, and butterflies. Read more now to learn how to grow Mexican hat.

Why Aren’t My Marigolds Blooming? 9 Common Causes and Solutions

A close up horizontal image of bright yellow marigolds growing en mass in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Stumped as to why your marigolds aren’t performing as they should? There can be many different reasons that range from simple issues like not enough sunlight to more complex things like a serious pest problem. No matter what is troubling your Tagetes plants, this guide can help you diagnose the problem and fix it.

Common Calendula Pests: Does Pot Marigold Attract Pests to the Garden?

A close up horizontal image of bright orange calendula flowers growing en mass in the garden.

Calendula is often recommended as a companion or beneficial plant to add to the garden. But isn’t it attractive to pests? How does that make sense? Learn which bugs, both good and bad, are attracted to calendula, what the research says, and how this flower can be a useful and pretty vegetable garden addition in this guide.

Tips for Growing Bushy Asters

A close up horizontal image of white Symphyotrichum dumosum (bushy aster) flowers growing in the garden.

The bushy aster is a shrubby native perennial with masses of tiny flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. It is suited to cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8. Numerous varieties and cultivated hybrids make it an intriguing plant. Read on and discover what bushy asters can contribute to your landscape.

Tips for Growing Heath Asters

A close up horizontal image of the pretty white flowers of heath aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

The heath aster is native to the United States where it typically grows among prairie grasses and in the disrupted soil of roadbeds and clearings. Ranging in height from one to three feet at maturity, it readily naturalizes via rhizomes and self-sowing and produces masses of tiny blossoms from late summer into autumn.

7 Reasons Why Asters Fail to Bloom (And What to Do About It)

A close up horizontal image of a purple Stokes' aster flower growing in the garden.

Asters are daisy-like flowers that fill the late-season landscape with masses of blue, pink, purple, and white. They are the perfect bridge between summer and fall. However, sometimes they do not bloom as expected. Read on and discover 7 reasons why asters may fail to bloom and how to prevent it from happening to you.

Growing New York Asters: How to Care for Michaelmas Daisies

A close up horizontal image of light pink Michaelmas daisies (aka New York asters).

If you are looking for perennials for the summer-to-fall landscape, New York asters have plenty to contribute. In white, as well as bold shades of pink and purple, they are star attractions in mixed mass plantings that include black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, and goldenrod. Read on to learn how to grow Michaelmas daisies.

How to Propagate Asters

A close up horizontal image of a swath of pink asters growing in the garden.

Perennial asters revive late-season gardens with masses of blue, pink, purple, and white daisy-like flowers. They offer a refreshing transition from the fading blooms of summer to the vibrant foliage of fall. You can increase the number of plants in your outdoor living space by propagating them yourself. Learn how now.

How to Grow and Care for Cosmos Flowers

A close up horizontal image of pink, red, and white cosmos flowers growing by a stone wall pictured in light filtered sunshine.

Cosmos flowers are gorgeous ornamentals that add beauty to the landscape while also attracting pollinators. With colorful blooms and graceful foliage, these summer annuals brighten up both flower beds and veggie gardens, and will thrive in less than ideal conditions. Keep reading to learn more about growing cosmos.

How to Grow and Care for Gerbera Daisies

A close up horizontal image of brightly colored gerbera daisies growing in the garden pictured in light sunshine.

The sweet, bright blooms of Gerbera jamesonii make it one of the world’s favorite cut flowers and it’s also easy to grow. Enjoy beds and borders with flowers in delicate creams and whites, hot to pastel pinks, or bold oranges and reds. Find out how to grow and care for your own gerbera daisies in this guide. Read more.

Do You Need to Protect Lettuce from Frost in the Garden?

A close up horizontal image of lettuce under a covering of frost.

Lettuce thrives in cool weather, but is frost too much for this leafy green? In this guide, we share the most frost-tolerant lettuce varieties to grow in your garden, along with ways to protect salad greens in freezing temperatures. Avoiding frozen roots is the key to fresh lettuce through fall and into the winter.

How to Identify and Prevent Common Lettuce Diseases

A close up horizontal image of a lettuce head rotting in the garden.

If you’re growing lettuce for fresh salads, there’s nothing more frustrating than finding your crop has been ruined by disease. From bacteria to viruses, there are a number of potential pathogens to contend with. In this guide, we take a look at some common lettuce diseases and offer tips for prevention. Read more now.

A Pot of Gold: How to Grow Sunflowers In Containers

A close up horizontal image of bright yellow sunflowers growing in pots pictured on a soft focus background.

No garden space? No problem! You can grow dwarf and mid-size varieties of sunflowers in pots or planters. This guide includes the best container growing tips and techniques. Choose the top sunflowers, a full sun spot, and sow wisely, and soon you’ll have your own pot of golden flowers for seed or floral arrangements.

Is My Sunflower an Annual or a Perennial? Here’s How to Tell

A close up horizontal image of a small wild sunflower growing in the garden with trees and blue sky in the background

Among the best sunflower varieties to grow in the garden, some are perennial and others annual. Our guide explains how to tell the two apart using botanical names and other clues. Then, choose the type that will work best for your growing situation. Is your sunflower a perennial? With these tips, you’ll know for sure.

How and When to Deadhead Bachelor’s Buttons

A close up horizontal image of two bright blue bachelor's button flowers growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Bachelor’s buttons are easy to grow in early spring, but you can still help them along by deadheading spent flowers. The technique is simple, but it’s important to know when and how to trim dead flowers from these old-fashioned annuals. Make cornflower plants fuller and discourage reseeding by following these tips.

Tips for Deadheading Marigolds

A close up horizontal image of a spent yellow marigold flower with a bee feeding in the center pictured in light sunshine on a soft focus background.

The secret to the best-looking marigolds is deadheading. These flowers excel at being an easy-care option that’s perfect for beginners. You’d be hard pressed to find another annual that keeps looking great throughout the season to this degree, with minimal fuss. Learn more in our guide to deadheading marigolds.

How to Identify and Control Common Lettuce Pests

A close up horizontal image of a head lettuce growing in the garden with water droplets on the surface of the leaves.

If you’re growing lettuce it can sometimes feel as though all the animals and insects in the neighborhood want to share your homegrown harvest. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common lettuce pests, both large and small, and provide tips on how to identify the culprits, prevent, and control them. Read more now.

How to Grow Buttercrunch Lettuce

A close up horizontal image of a 'Buttercrunch' lettuce head growing in the garden.

Ask any gardener what they’re growing this season, and more than likely, that list will include lettuce. Buttercrunch is one of the most popular varieties for the home garden, with a soft, buttery texture perfect for wraps, sandwiches, and salads. Learn how to triumph over pests and pitfalls when growing buttercrunch.

How to Propagate Bachelor’s Button from Seed

A close up horizontal image of a large bunch of blue cornflowers.

Also known as cornflowers, bachelor’s buttons are fairly simple to grow from seed when you follow these instructions. They’re pretty and practical, great for edible blooms, container gardening, and attracting pollinators. This tried-and-true seed-sowing advice will help you get more blooms and avoid rookie mistakes.

Should You Deadhead Coneflowers?

A close up horizontal image of spent purple coneflowers growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Coneflowers are daisy-like perennials for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9. They bloom from late spring to early fall in an array of colors, and attract a host of pollinators and birds. Read on to learn if it’s beneficial to deadhead spent blooms to promote more flower production, or if you can skip this chore altogether.

5 Tips for Growing Asters in Containers

A close up horizontal image of pink asters growing in a terra cotta pot on a tiled patio.

Perennial asters bloom in late summer, bringing masses of blues, pinks, purples, and whites to the landscape until the first frost. In addition to growing in beds, borders, drifts, and meadows, they grow well in pots. Read on for 5 tips on aster container gardening, and take your outdoor living space to the next level.

How to Grow and Care for English Daisies

A close up horizontal image of pink and white double petaled Bellis perennis flowers pictured on a soft focus background.

English daisies are carpet-forming perennials commonly found growing in lawns. These moisture-loving flowers are easy to cultivate and with a variety of cultivars to choose from, add texture and color to beds, borders, and containers. Learn how to plant and grow classic English daisies in this guide. Read more now.

7 Tips for Pruning Perennial Asters

A close up horizontal image of light blue perennial asters growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Perennial asters, in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white, refresh late season gardens for a beautiful transition to fall. Have you been hesitant to plant them because of their somewhat unkempt natural growth habits? Read on for 7 tips that will help you keep them in shape, and make them the pride of your landscape.

17 of the Best Coreopsis Varieties

A close up horizontal image of bright yellow Coreopsis verticillata growing in the garden with foliage in soft focus in the background.

There are so many coreopsis varieties to choose from that it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re trying to pick out a few to plant in your flower beds. We’ve rounded up 17 of our favorite varieties to make the decision easy! Whether you’re looking for a specific color or height, we’ve got you covered. Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Mexican Tarragon

A close up horizontal image of the yellow flowers of Mexican tarragon (Tagetes lucida) growing in the garden.

Mexican tarragon is a marvelously multi-purpose herb that works as both a beautiful ornamental and a tasty ingredient for your kitchen toolkit. Plus it can keep bugs away, attracts beneficial insects, and has a long history of medicinal uses. And it’s not fussy about soil! Check out this guide for more info.

How to Grow Feverfew: A Medicinal and Visual Delight

A close up horizontal image of Tanacetum parthenium flowers growing in the garden.

Widely considered by herbalists to be a natural remedy for headaches, feverfew also happens to be an attractive landscaping plant. With white and yellow daisy-like flowers atop green feathery stems, this colorful herb is a fantastic addition to the garden. Learn how to plant and grow feverfew in this guide. Read more now.

What Are the Different Types of Zinnia Flowers?

A close up horizontal image of brightly colored zinnia flowers in a bouquet.

With hundreds of unique cultivars and hybrids available, how should you choose which zinnia flowers to plant in your garden? Learn how to navigate the multitude of species and bloom types to select the perfect zinnias for your space. Read our guide for information about the different types of zinnias.

25 of the Best Cosmos Flower Cultivars for Your Yard

A horizontal image of pink and white cosmos flowers growing in a wildflower meadow with blue sky in the background.

Cosmos come in a stunning array of different varieties, but we’ve narrowed the field to 25 of the most gorgeous, colorful cultivars, many of them award winners. Discover the best and most beautiful double, semi-double, bicolored, and patterned cosmos varieties and choose your favorite for your yard and garden.

15 of the Best Zinnia Varieties to Grow in the Garden

A close up horizontal image of a large swath of different colored zinnias growing in the garden.

Ready to grow your own zinnias but you’re not sure which ones to pick? A huge variety of cultivars are available today, heirlooms as well as hybrids of several different species. You’ll find single and double blooms, bicolors, patterned petals, and solid colors. We’ll help you choose – read our roundup now.

Bachelor’s Button Problems: Why Are My Flowers Falling Over?

A close up horizontal image of a bright blue Centaurea cyanus flower pictured on a soft focus background.

A garden full of bachelor’s buttons is a dazzling sight, but not if those bold blossom heads are falling over. Why does this happen? And are you doomed to deal with droopy blossoms or can something be done to make your flowers stand proud? Learn why your cornflowers are falling over and how you can fix the problem.

Dahlia Flower Types: A Guide to Groups and Classification

A close up horizontal image of a number of different types of dahlia flowers.

Dahlias are bright, beautiful flowers that are much loved in the late season garden. And with such a marvelous selection of colors, forms, and sizes to choose from, deciding which type is best for your garden can be tough. Learn about the different types of dahlias and how they are classified in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow Eye-Popping Zinnia Flowers

A close up horizontal image of colorful zinnia flowers growing in the summer garden.

Want eye-popping color all season long? Grow zinnias. These impressive annuals feature large colorful flowers that continue blooming throughout the summer, attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to the garden. Continue reading for information on how to grow and care for zinnia flowers.

How to Grow Delightful Dahlias: A Late Summer Standard

A close up horizontal image of a garden filled with late summer blooming dahlias in a variety of different shapes and colors.

Looking for reliable, bold color for the late season garden? Delightful dahlias are a perfect fit. From dwarf cultivars to jumbo dinner plates, and in almost every imaginable color, these dazzling tubers flower consistently from summer until they’re felled by frost. Read all about how to plant and grow dahlias now.

How to Grow Radicchio in the Garden

A close up horizontal image of a pile of differently shaped radicchio surrounded by green herbs.

Radicchio is a cool-weather crop perfect for when most other things in the garden have turned up their toes. The bitter leaves are as gorgeous as they are tasty, and they get even better after a frost. If you’re ready to give this moderately challenging plant a go, our guide will teach you all you need to know.

How to Grow Belgian Endive

A close up horizontal image of three heads of Belgian endive with one cut in half set on a wooden chopping board on a dark brown surface.

Belgian endive offers a bit of fresh, crunchy brightness in the middle of the winter. It takes a bit of patience, as a two-step process is required to grow the creamy, torpedo-shaped heads. In this guide, you’ll learn how to plant and grow Belgian endive, including how to force and blanch the tasty heads. Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Curly Endive and Escarole

A close up horizontal image of Cichorium endivia curly frisee growing in the garden ready for harvest. To the center of the frame is a small black plant label.

Endive is a crispy, delicious, and slightly bitter leafy green that can either be eaten raw or cooked into a variety of dishes. There are two types available, curly frisee and broad-leafed escarole. In this guide, learn how to plant and grow endive in your garden, plus we share some recipes and cooking tips as well.