10 Easiest Flowers to Grow in the Midwest

If you've ever wondered which are the easiest flowers to grow in the Midwest region of the US, you've come to the right place. Much of the Midwest lies in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 6. Narrowing in on the specific USDA Plant Hardiness Zone in which you reside will equip you with the knowledge you need to plant a thriving cut flower garden. That said, here in Eureka, Missouri, where Wheels 2 Fields Flower Farm is located, we enjoy a moderate climate, with very warm summers.

Over the years, I've experimented with a wide variety of flowers, as well as various methods for growing. As a result, I've learned a lot about both the most difficult and the easiest flowers to grow in the Midwest.

The high temperatures, sunny days and high humidity we experience here make for excellent growing conditions for a variety of flowers. Whether you start from seed, or purchase young plants at a local nursery, the following verities of flowers are likely to grow well and produce beautiful blooms here in the Midwest.

Zinnia: As a relative of both sunflowers and daisies, the zinnia is one of the easiest flowers to grow in the Midwest. These beautiful blooms range in diameters from six to twenty-four inches. Single color blooms in shades of red, yellow, pink, purple, white and orange are common, but zinnias also come in bi-color and tri-color varieties. One of the characteristics I love most about zinnias is that they attract both butterflies and hummingbirds, so they make a great addition to beds located near peaceful seating areas. 

Cosmos: Though they may appear dainty and delicate, cosmos are hearty flowers and can do well even in poor soil conditions. These flowers have tall stems with blooms shaped like an open cup or bowl. Maroon, yellow, white, pink, orange, red and yellow are common colors for cosmos. This is another of the easiest flowers to grow in the Midwest that attracts birds, bees and butterflies.

Celosia: This variety of flowers is commonly used in dried wreaths and bouquets, including some of the ones we create here at Wheels 2 Fields. We love celosia for its vibrant color; deep red to bold oranges are very common. Celosia best thrives with at least eight hours of direct sunlight every day but don't let its exotic appearance fool you; celosia is not difficult to grow.

Sunflowers: This popular bloom needs no introduction. Sunflowers are one of the most popular and recognizable flowers for good reason; their bright petals and large blooms make them an excellent addition to bouquets. These flowers, though, also can stand also stand alone in a vase. Sunflowers are fast growing and require little maintenance.

Coneflower: You might not be familiar with coneflowers but this is a rockstar among the easiest flowers to grow in the Midwest. They're both heat and drought tolerant and very easy to grow. They also bloom for months, which make them an excellent addition to your cut flower garden. You can find coneflowers in purple, pink, red, orange, white, yellow and green.

Rudbeckia: With a look similar to sunflowers, rudbeckia have become more and more popular in recent years. These showy flowers grow to a diameter of 2-3 inches. Though yellow blooms are very common, rudbeckia can also be found in shades of orange, orange-red and deep mahogany. This flower prefers drier soil over soggy ground, and loves the sun.

Peonies: If you've spent any time scrolling Instagram, you've likely seen this showstopping, pom-pom-like bloom. It's a popular choice for bridal bouquets, landscape and cut flower gardens because of the low maintenance they require. The biggest drawback is that these gorgeous flowers have a very short blooming window, typically ranging from 7 to 10 days. Many would say, however, that even given the short bloom, peonies make an excellent addition to any flower-lovers garden.

Yarrow: Among the most versatile of the easiest flowers to grow in the Midwest is this delightful perennial, with flower heads composed of many tiny, tightly-packed blooms sitting atop clusters of ferny leaves. While it makes a lovely accent addition to any bouquet, this particular flower is equally beautiful when dried. It's important to note, though, that yarrow can quickly overtake neighbor plants, so be mindful of that when you plan for its spot in your garden.

Snapdragons: Known for both fragrance and hardiness, snapdragons are often one of the first flowers a gardener can safely plant because they are frost tolerant. Given their range of height, they can make a great option for a middle layer flower between taller plants in the back and shorter bedding flowers in front. Snapdragons are available in many colors and because they bloom from the bottom of the plant up, they have a nice long period of bloom.

Coreopsis: Perhaps a workhorse in the garden, coreopsis provides a steady, drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, long-blooming addition to your Midwest garden. These delicate blooms resemble that of a daisy and appear in shades of yellow, orange, rose, lavender, white, and bi-colored flowers. If you want to attract butterflies, coreopsis is a must!

As you can see, there is no shortage of beautiful blooms on the list of easiest flowers to grow in the Midwest. By planting a wide variety of these flowers in your garden, you can create colorful landscapes and gorgeous arrangements for your home.