Creating a Cut Flower Garden
Posted by Jessie Jacobson on Jul 25th 2024
Creating a Perennial Cut Flower Garden
The joy of cut flowers harvested from your very own garden is hard to beat. As we move throught the months of spring and summer, we have a tremendous opportunity to plant not only for beauty in the garden, but also for our homes.
July is the peak of the garden season with an abundance of flowers in bloom. Plant with purpose and you'll be able to bundle them up as gifts for friends, neighbors, and most importantly you!
How to get started
- Anchor your garden with medium sized shrubs that have both foliage and flower interest.
- Choose perennials with multiple heights to create depth and interest.
- Plant in large groups to maximize flower production.
- Vary flower shape and size.
- Plant flowers with fragrance.
- Choose perennials with long bloom times, or that rebloom with deadheading.
- Add plants with interesting foliage.
- Always plant for pollinators too!
Time to harvest
- Harvest flowers in the morning when they cool and most hydrated
- Use a sharp knife and cut at a 45 degree angle
- Remove most of the foliage
- Place in cool clean water for 2-3 hours
- Arrange in groups of 3 or 5 in a your vessel of choice
Plant List for full sun
- Echinacea (Coneflower)
- Lily
- Coreopsis, Tickseed)
- Achillea (Yarrow)
- Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)
- Heuchera (Coral Bells)
- Cotinus (Smokebush)
- Mondarda (Bee Balm)
- Hydrangeas (Pee Gee type)