Monsoon-Perfect Blooms: 9 Seeds Worth Sowing Now
The monsoon season, typically starting in July or the last week of June in the Indian subcontinent, brings a unique opportunity to transform gardens and balconies into vibrant and colourful oases. Here are some recommended flower seeds and plants that thrive during this wet season.
Marigolds (Genda)
Marigolds, with their bright yellow and orange blooms, are a popular choice for monsoon gardens. They are easy to grow, don't require fertilizers, and are drought-tolerant. Marigolds also help repel pests like aphids and whiteflies, making them an ideal addition to your garden.
Balsam (Gulmehndi)
Balsam, another fast-growing flower, loves humidity and is suitable for monsoon sowing. Its flowers, which come in various shades of pink and purple, add a touch of elegance to your garden.
Cosmos
Cosmos, with their daisy-like flowerheads, are fast-growing annual flowers that grow best during the summer season. They are drought-tolerant and can be sown during monsoon months as well. Cosmos come in a variety of petal colors, including pink, yellow, and orange, and some varieties even have spiky yellow bulbs.
Wildflowers
For a more natural, wildflower effect, species like pink balsam and flame lily are ideal for the monsoon season. These wildflowers add seasonal colour and thrive in the rainy conditions.
Other Hardy Plants
Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is a low-maintenance plant that tolerates heavy rains well and provides continuous colour. Snake Plant (Sansevieria) and Aloe Vera are also suitable for monsoon environments, given they prefer high humidity and low water conditions, respectively.
Other Notable Mentions
Calendula, also known as the poet's marigold, is a stunning flower for the monsoon garden. Its edible flowers come in yellow and orange colours and can be used in summer salads.
Zinnia plants are suitable for various spaces and can transport your terrace, balcony, and outdoor gardens. They have a single flower on each stem and can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Petunias come in almost 400 varieties of different colours, sizes, patterns, and growth habits. They are popular annuals with an extensive library of flowering hybrids, suitable for various garden spaces.
Cockscomb plants attract butterflies and thrive in full sun and moist soil. They have clustered blooms of red, yellow, orange, gold, and pink, and are often named for their resemblance to a burning fire.
Gomphrena prefers full and direct sunlight and medium watering. Its soil can be enriched with organic fertilizers. After the harvest season, its globular blossoms can be used as dried flowers.
In summary, for easily grown flower seeds during the Indian monsoon, marigold and balsam are top choices due to their fast growth, pest resistance, and suitability to wet conditions. For a more natural, wildflower effect, species like pink balsam and flame lily also suit the season well. Proper soil drainage and avoiding waterlogging are important considerations given the heavy rains.
- Marigolds, with their vibrant yellow and orange blooms, are a favored choice for transforming gardens during the monsoon season, offering ease of growth, resistance to drought, and pest control.
- Balsam, with its pink and purple flowers, is another fast-growing flower suitable for the monsoon season, adding an elegance to any outdoor space.
- Cosmos, known for their daisy-like flowerheads, are annual flowers that thrive during the summer season, making them suitable for sowing during the monsoon months as well.
- For a more natural, wildflower effect, choose pink balsam and flame lily to add seasonal color and flourish in the rainy conditions.
- Periwinkle, snake plant, and aloe vera are low-maintenance plants that tolerate heavy rains and are suitable for monsoon environments.
- Calendula, with its edible yellow and orange flowers, is a magnificent addition to monsoon gardens and can be used in summer salads.
- Zinnias, with their single flowers on each stem and capacity to grow up to 3 feet tall, are ideal for terraces, balconies, and outdoor gardens during the monsoon season.
- Petunias, available in over 400 varieties, are popular annuals that add color and charm to various garden spaces, while cockscomb plants attract butterflies and flourish in full sun and moist soil. Gomphrena, with its globular blossoms, prefers sunlight and medium watering, making it an excellent choice for the monsoon season.
