So you want to know how to plant a cutting garden? You have seen those pictures of arm loads of flowers on Instagram, that bunch of Dahlia’s at the farmers market takes your breath away and the scent of roses on the summer breeze simply puts a smile on your face. All of it so gorgeous.
Like so many things ,there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes of those photos and farmers market booths. However, it is possible for you to grow your own cutting garden. With a little knowledge and work you too can have a gorgeous arrangement on your table that you cut from your very own cutting garden.
what is a cutting garden?
A cutting garden simply put, is a garden that is planted with flowers that you will cut for arrangements or bouquets. The flowers in the cutting garden are varieties that last longer when cut then some other blooming plants. A cutting garden will bring you so much joy.
what is a perennial?
A perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years. It will grow during the growing season and die back in the winter, then reemerge in the spring.
what is a annual?
An annual plant is a plant that lives for one growing season. A lot of annuals have more color and longer blooming time. These qualities make annuals a perfect addition to your cutting garden.
what is a biennial?
A biennial is a plant that lives for 2 years. The first year it will develop roots and grow stems and leaves. The second year it will produce blooms. After the second year the plant will die.
can you plant perennials in a cutting garden?
Perennials are a nice option in your cutting garden. They can be relied on for blooms year after year. There are many perennials that will make a statement in your garden.
A saying for perennials is ” the first year it sleeps, the second year it creeps and the third year it leaps.”
Some perennials like peonies take a few years to be established before you cut the blooms. A peony plant needs 3 growing seasons to establish a healthy enough root system to handle the cutting. However, once the roots are established a peony plant can live up to 100 years.
how do i know what to plant?
There are hundreds of flowers that would work in a cutting garden. If you are overwhelmed this cut flower plan will give you an exact list of the type of flowers to plant and how many of each variety to get. This book is also a great resource for your cutting garden. Look for varieties that grow at least 18″ tall. Zinnia’s, sunflowers and marigolds are good flowers to start with. All three of these varieties are easy to grow from seed.
best flowers for a cutting garden
- snapdragon
- zinnia
- cosmos
- gomphrena
- sunflowers
- coneflower
- astilbe
- sedum
- peony
- rose
- sweet pea
what kind of soil do I use for a cutting garden?
Most flowers like rich soil that drains well. When you start your cutting garden buying good quality garden soil and compost. Add this to your soil that you have. The compost will give the soil organic organisms which are an important part of your soil and help with draining.
You can have your soil tested to see what amendments you need to add. Most state’s have an extension service that will test your soil for a small fee. This is not a step that you have to do. I have grown many flowers in beds that the soil has never been tested.
where is the best place for my cutting garden?
Most varieties of blooming flowers need at least 8 hours of sunlight a day. There are a few types of plants that will bloom in the shade and example would be the perennial plant astilbe. Take some time to observe your yard. Go out several times a day and see where the sunniest spot in your yard is.
Put it on paper
It is a good idea to measure the spot your are going to put your cutting garden. Take the time to read and find out the spacing you will need for each plant. Draw out your plan on paper. Take into consideration when each flower will bloom. You do not want to put in plants that will bloom all at the same time. Plants that bloom at different times during the growing season will keep your vases from spring until fall. Here is a free printable plan for a simple cutting garden.
Now that you know some of the basics of how to plant a cutting garden. Get outside and dig into that soil. After a bit of hard work you will be able to make someone smile with an arm load of freshly cut flowers.
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flower farming
If you are interested in starting a flower farm, here are a few posts on how to get started. How to start a flower farm and Starting a flower farm part 2.