Asters

Though not the easiest to grow, asters are among the most beloved of flowers. The large blooms can take a variety of forms, and daisy- and chrysanthemum-like forms are common. You'll also find a wide variety of colors including white, creamy yellow, pink, red, blue, lavender or purple, often with yellow centers. Varieties range in height from 6 inches up.

They do well in beds and borders, and are a favorite as cut flowers. Since they are prone to disease, avoid planting in the same location year after year. In dry weather, water by soaking the soil; don't sprinkle the plant. Keep faded flowers and yellowing foliage pinched off to encourage new blooms. These fragrant flowers will bloom from early summer to late summer and are resistant to deer. Disease free plants may be dug and added to the compost pile at the end of the season.

Bachelor's Button Cornflower

These cheerful, ragged blossoms are at home in temperate gardens around the world. They bloom so prolifically with so little care that they often are the first plants that children grow on their own.

The nickname "cornflower" comes from the fact that the plant grows wild in the grain fields of southern Europe. When Napoleon forced Queen Louise of Prussia from Berlin, she hid her children in a cornfield and kept them entertained and quiet by weaving wreaths of cornflowers. One of her children, Wilheim, later became the emperor of Germany. Remembering his mother's bravery, he made the cornflower a national emblem of unity.

Depending upon the variety, plants will grow to between 1 and 3 feet tall and are most effective when massed in beds and borders for color. Bachelor buttons are a cutting garden favorite, and they are one of the easiest flowers to dry for everlasting arrangements.

Bells of Ireland

Bells of Ireland is a lightly scented plant that grows 24 to 36 inches tall. The 1- to 2-inch, white-veined green bells that cling closely to stems are not really flowers but enlarged calyxes--the outer leaves that appear at the base of most flowers. The true flowers, tiny, fragrant and white, are deep within the bells. The popular names alluding to Ireland have been applied to this plant only because of the green color of the bells, not because the plant comes from Ireland; it is native to the eastern Mediterranean region, primarily Syria.

Bells-of-Ireland makes interesting and long-lasting cut flowers, and have additional value as dried flowers for winter arrangements. Dry them in a cool, dark, airy location and pick the sparse prickly-textured leaves off the stems so that the bells become more conspicuous. Whether you plan to use them in fresh or dried arrangements, the best time to cut is when the flowers are well-formed.

Since bells-of-Ireland are difficult to transplant, sow the seeds outdoors when there is no longer any danger of frost, but while the weather is still cool. Space them 12 to 16 inches apart. They germinate best at 50°; germination takes 3 to 5 weeks. They grow well in average soil and will not require side dressing if the soil is rich in organic matter. Water deeply in dry weather. Deep watering aids the formation of good root mass to support this tall plant.

The display is not long lasting but they should flower for a few weeks in summer. Once the flowers fade they will not flower again, so the plants can be removed. They shed seeds which will germinate the following year.

Delphinium

This cottage garden essential grows up to 3 feet high. Though perennials in cool climates, they are best grown as annuals in warm areas. Use them as background plants in mixed borders or massed where height is needed. Flowers appear in spring and early summer in warm zones and mid to late summer in cooler areas. They are delightful cut flowers. Cut when the lowest flowers are fully open and the top buds are starting to show color. The plants prefer full sun but tolerate half a day of sun. Provide shelter from strong wind, otherwise they will require staking. Soil should be well-composted and well-drained.

Seeds can be started in pots or trays and transplanted at 12-15 inch intervals when large enough to handle. Water regularly and deeply to encourage strong growth. Once plants are 6-8 inches high, apply compost or other fertilizer to encourage buds. In cool zones you may get a second season if flowers are left to die down naturally. If retaining the plants, cut off the foliage as it browns. The new stalks will bear flowers smaller than the first crop but no less colorful in about two and a half months--usually in early fall.

Dianthus Family

Unlike other members of the carnation family, this short, tufty plant is only slightly scented. It has gray-green leaves and single and double flowers in mixed colors, including red, and red and white bicolor. It grows 8-12 inches high and is suitable for massed planting, edging and flowerboxes or pots. It does best in cool zones but is also suitable for warm areas. It needs full sun and well-drained soil.

Prepare the soil by working in some lime. Best results are achieved from a spring sowing. Cover the seeds with no more than 1/4 inch of soil. When seedlings are 1-2 inches high, space them at six-inch intervals. Don't over water as it causes the foliage to yellow. Unless the weather is very dry a weekly watering should be enough. It is possible to get a second season out of these flowers, but it is usually a poor showing.

Larkspur

This traditional cottage garden flower is related to delphiniums, but will grow to a height of only 20 to 28 inches. They make a beautiful display in drifts or as a background to smaller annuals. Flowers in shades of red, pink, white and violet grow on spikes.

Larkspur can be grown in most areas, but will not do well in tropical regions. Choose a location with well-drained soil that receives full sun and has protection from strong winds. Enrich the soil with manure or compost a couple of weeks before planting.

Sow the seeds directly where they are to grow. Plants should be spaced about 6 inches apart. At this distance they will hold each other up and will not require staking. Larkspur needs regular deep watering, but be careful not to leave them standing in water. Sidedress monthly, and watch for aphids.

Larkspur makes an excellent cut flower. Cut long stems and scald the ends before soaking in cool water.

Marigold

Marigolds are easy to grow and have a long flowering period. African marigolds have a upright growth and can reach a height of 30-40 inches, while French marigolds grow to only 8-16 inches. The scent is strong and somewhat unpleasant, and is effective in repelling many garden pests. African marigolds come in shades of yellow and orange, while French marigolds are often multicolored in shades of orange, yellow, mahogany and crimson. Both are suitable for massed plantings or pots. They are attractive as cut flowers if the scent isn't a problem. Change the water in the vase frequently.

Snapdragon

Snapdragons are a particular favorite of children who like to pinch the tiny individual blossoms and make the "dragon mouth" open and close. Their large, blossom-laden flower heads are faintly fragrant and come in a wide assortment of bright colors. The vertical flower spikes, opening gradually from the bottom to the top, are available in two heights: dwarf varieties grow to about 10 inches while the taller types grow to a height of 18-24 inches. A variety that grows up to 5 feet has been developed, but it must be staked. A single snapdragon plant may produce seven or eight blossom spikes in the course of a summer.

Snapdragons make excellent cutflowers and excel in beds and at the front of borders. Gardeners used to be less than enthusiastic about snapdragons as cut flowers because blossoms tended to "shatter"--drop off shortly after being fertilized by bees, but plant breeders have developed shatterproof strains. Snapdragons flourish in well-fertilized soil and full sun.

Sweet Pea

The sweet-smelling flowers come in a wide range of colors and are the main feature of this climbing plant. The vine grows 6 to 9 feet tall, with dwarf types reaching 8-20 inches. Sweet peas are also suitable for baskets, tubs and spillover plantings, and make excellent cut flowers. They will do best if planted in a different place each year.

They do best in cool climates, but will grow in warmer ones. They need full sun and rich, well drained soil. Work in some compost before planting. Seeds should be sown directly where it is to grow. Soak seeds overnight then plant about an inch deep and 3-4 inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting, then restrict water until seeds germinate. Watering regularly after germination will promote good growth. Over fertilizing will cause dark green leaves and fewer flowers. The plant benefits from deadheading but leave a few flowers at the end of the season to seed for next year.

Zinnia

Zinnias are true American natives that originated from the Southwest US, Mexico and Central America. The original was a purplish wildflower that grew in the Mexican deserts. Hybridizers have turned it into one of the most popular bedding plants.

Zinnias grow to between 6 and 40 inches in height with single and double blossoms varying in diameter from less than an inch to 7 inches. The petals can be any of a wide range of colors or multicolored.

Sow seeds indoors six weeks before the last frost and plant outdoors after frost danger is past as young plants are susceptible to chilling cold. They will not grow substantially until temperatures are above 50 degrees. Zinnias are one of the easier annuals to start from seeds. Sow the taller varieties in 3 inch peat pots because they resent transplanting. Alternatively, seeds can be sown directly outdoors when the soil has warmed sufficiently. Pinch the tops out of young plants when they are 4-6 inches high to make them bushy. Remove faded blossoms to keep them producing. Plants should be spaced 4 to 12 inches apart according to variety.

If you provide a reasonably fertile, well drained soil, your zinnias will do well. They are subject to mildew if they do not have good air circulation. In hot, humid climates, a midsummer replacement sowing may be useful in cutting gardens. Taller varieties may need to be staked.

Zinnias perform well massed in beds, used as an edging, in rock gardens, in pots and containers, or as background plants. They make excellent cut flowers. Scald the stems after picking and change vase water every couple of days. Zinnias attract butterflies.