Spring is in the air, which means it’s finally time to head to the greenhouse to grab some gorgeous flowers to plant. If you’re wondering which spring flowers to pick this year, I spoke with Lotte Berendsen, an expert from PlantIn, an AI-based plant care app, for the top picks of the season. Grab your gardening supplies and get ready to glam up your garden with these beautiful blooms.

Zinnias

Berendsen says if you are looking to add bold colors and height to your flower beds this year, consider planting Zinnias. They can reach up to 4 feet (120cm) in height with blooms that can last from spring all throughout the summer. The flowers come in many colors, from bright red to a soft pastel purple or cream.

“Zinnias should be planted once the last frost date has passed and temperatures are around 60F (16C). They require lots of sun, but are fairly drought-tolerant,” she explains.

2. Sweet Alyssum

Plant Sweet Alyssum to add a whimsical feel to your yard. “This fast-growing spring flower can be grown as a ground cover, as it reaches no more than 3 inches (7.5 cm) in height. Over time, Sweet Alyssum will cover your garden floor in a bed of colorful flowers in red, pink, purple, or white,” Berendsen says. “The flowers have a sweet, honey-like smell that attracts all kinds of pollinators into your garden!”

She recommends planting Alyssum in the ground after the last chance of frost has passed. “This plant grows well in full sun, but can’t tolerate heat very well. It will likely stop blooming in the heat of summer, but will come back for the fall,” she informs. She states that you should water once a week with about an inch of water and continue deadheading old flowers to encourage new ones.

3. Cosmos

If you are looking for a spring flower that is low-maintenance, then Cosmos are the simple addition that will make your garden pop. “Cosmos can be sown outdoors after the last chance of frost has passed. They grow very fast, and will continue to grow until the fall. There are more than 20 types of Cosmos, with varieties in every color of the rainbow! You are sure to find a variety that works perfectly in your garden,” Berendsen says.

Since Cosmos loves the sun and heat, she advises that you plant them in a sunny location. “Once germinated and established, you hardly need to water these flowers. Only check the soil and water when it’s dry during dry spells to prevent the bloom from wilting,” she adds.

4.Pansies

Berendsen says Pansies Pansies are a great option for garden beds, containers, and borders due to their compact growth habit. The flowers come in a wide variety of colors, including deep purple, yellow, white, and even black!

“Pansies cannot handle heat well, which means they likely will stop growing in the summer in hot climates. In milder climates, they can continue to bloom until the fall, and can even be grown as perennials,” she informs.

She recommends giving them full sun, but you need to shield them from harsh summer light to prevent heat stress. Water regularly, but avoid waterlogging the soil.

5. Bluebonnet

“With its tall, bell-like flower spike, Bluebonnet will surely bring some interest into your spring garden. My favorite Bluebonnet variety is the Russel Mixed Lupin, which is the most commonly grown and features stunning, pastel rainbow colors,” Berendsen says.

She suggests planting early in the spring, after the last chance of frost has passed. “They require full sun and infrequent watering, and we recommend amending the soil with compost before planting. Water during dry spells only to avoid waterlogging and drowning your Bluebonnet,” she adds.

6. Astrantias

Berendsen describes these spring flowers as dainty and delicate and says they are a great addition to any garden or container. “Astrantias have light-pink or purple star-shaped blooms that can last all the way up until late summer or early fall. The flowers are rich in pollen and will attract all kinds of pollinators into your garden,” she says.

She continues, “Astrantias can be planted in the spring, after the chances of frost have passed. They are very cold- hardy and can also tolerate heat well. Make sure they are planted in well-drained soil and water regularly. Astrantias are tolerant of short periods of waterlogging or drought, making them a great pick for lazy or forgetful gardeners.”

7. Dianthus

These pretty pink spring flowers are the perfect way to add a touch of color to your garden this season. “Dianthus is well-known for its small, colorful, and fragrant blooms. These flowers are often called “pinks”, named after the fringed or ‘pinked’ appearance of the petals. The scent of this flower is often compared to cinnamon and cloves,” Berendsen says.

She suggests growing this flowering plant in well-drained soil and full sun, as it needs a lot of light to bloom. Give your Dianthus about an inch of water a week, and avoid waterlogging the soil.