Late planting doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance for a beautiful garden. In fact, early summer offers unique opportunities for planting vibrant, fast-growing, and heat-tolerant varieties that thrive in longer days and warmer soil. Whether you're refreshing garden beds, filling in gaps, or simply getting started a little later, now is the perfect time to get creative with your plant choices.
At Oasis® Forage Products™, we believe every season brings a new rhythm to explore. With the right selections, your garden can still burst with color, texture, and vitality, all summer long.
Zinnias: Bold Color, Fast Bloom
Zinnias are a summer favorite for good reason. These sun-loving annuals grow quickly and bloom generously, making them ideal for mid-season planting. With hues ranging from hot pinks to sunny oranges, they instantly brighten any border or bouquet.
Sow directly into warm soil and enjoy blooms in as little as 4–6 weeks. Zinnias also attract pollinators, making them a win for your whole garden ecosystem.
Cosmos: Airy and Elegant
For a whimsical touch, cosmos bring delicate, daisy-like blooms on tall, swaying stems. They’re forgiving for late planting and thrive in heat and poor soil. Once they get going, cosmos bloom continuously until frost, making them one of the longest-lasting additions to your summer display.
Try planting in clumps for a natural, meadow-style effect.
Basil: Fragrance Meets Function
Not just for your kitchen, basil adds lush green texture and a delightful aroma to garden beds, and it’s incredibly easy to grow from seed or starter plants in early summer.
For a textural twist, try Purple Ruffles or Lemon Basil. These aromatic herbs also look beautiful in bouquets and thrive in warm soil.
Sunflowers: Statement Makers
Few plants deliver drama like sunflowers. From towering giants to pollen-free varieties, sunflowers germinate quickly and love the heat. Their bold blooms provide structure and visual impact, while their seed heads feed birds in the fall.
For blooms through early autumn, plant in succession every few weeks.
Celosia: Texture You Can’t Ignore
For something eye-catching, celosia’s feathery plumes or crested “brain” shapes add sculptural interest to beds and arrangements. Drought-tolerant and heat-hardy, celosia thrives in full sun and provides long-lasting color for late-season designs.
Tips for Late Planting Success
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Prep the soil. Add compost to retain moisture and improve structure.
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Water deeply. Summer-planted varieties need consistent watering to establish roots.
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Use mulch. A layer of mulch regulates temperature and protects soil.
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Try containers. Many summer selections thrive in pots that warm up quickly and can be moved to optimize light.
Designing with Forage in Mind
Even with late planting, these selections don’t just look great in the garden, they shine in floral design. At Oasis® Forage Products™, we offer seasonal kits and eco-conscious supplies to help you bring your garden indoors.
Pair your summer blooms with our reusable floral mechanics and plant-based vessels to create arrangements that feel as good as they look.
Final Thoughts
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean it’s too late to plant. With the right varieties and a bit of care, your garden can thrive well into fall. Whether you’re planting for beauty, creativity, or bouquets, now is the time to dig in.
Explore our full collection of foraging supplies and floral design tools to turn late planting into lasting inspiration, from garden bed to vase.