Pollinator Attracting Flowers: Zinnias, Cosmos, Agastache and More

Your riot of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds does not take years to establish. Sun-happy seed and an area of soil will do it. That can also help with the harvest of nearby squash, cucumbers, beans and tomatoes that rely on cross-pollination. Pollinators are not only wonderful to observe.

Four flowers that can be grown from seed and are easy to grow will be discussed in this article. Next, it talks about how to grow them and nurture the pollinators they attract.

What Makes a Flower Good for Pollinators?

Many flowers may look attractive but actually do little to feed insects. Modern plant breeders have often selected for bigger flowers with denser petal structures, which can cover the nectar and pollen and leave very little food available for pollinators.

Flowers that attract pollinators should have blooms that are open enough for insects to land on and easily reach the nectar and pollen.

Another factor to keep in mind is when the flowers bloom. Pollinators need consistent food from early spring up until the first frost, so planting pollen-producing flowers that mature at different times throughout the growing season is important.

Bloom shape also plays a role. Bees like flat blooms, butterflies are drawn to clusters of smaller flowers where they can rest, and hummingbirds are especially attracted to tubular blooms. Fortunately, the four flowers discussed below offer different bloom shapes that support a range of pollinators.

Four Flowers to Start From Seed

Zinnias

Zinnias are simple to grow and are exceptional butterfly magnets. Their flat, fairly large, showy flowers bloom from midsummer into frost. Bees are also attracted to the abundant pollen.

In the garden, you can start seeds directly after the last frost, and within six to eight weeks you may begin to see flowers. Pollen is generally easier to access on single or semi-double blooms, while fully double flowers may limit access for pollinators.

Regular cutting encourages more blooms, while spacing plants properly improves airflow and can help reduce powdery mildew. Sow successive crops every 14 days for a continuous display until frost.

Cosmos

Cosmos are well known for being easy growers, tolerating poor soil and requiring minimal water. Rich soil can actually encourage more leafy growth and fewer flowers.

The daisy-like flowers attract bees, hoverflies and butterflies, while their delicate foliage adds texture and movement to garden borders.

After the last frost, sow seeds onto bare soil and lightly cover them with dirt. Plants can reach heights of two to four feet and often begin blooming in less than two months.

Many cosmos varieties will reseed themselves, so you may find volunteer plants appearing the following year. Taller varieties may benefit from nearby support plants or a few stakes, especially in windy locations.

Agastache

Also known as hummingbird mint, agastache produces beautiful spikes of blooms that attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

It adds upright color and interest to garden borders from mid to late summer, when many other flowers may be slowing down. Some cultivars are also grown for their aromatic leaves, which can have an anise-like scent and may be used in teas.

Agastache seeds are quite small and require light to germinate, so press them gently into the soil rather than covering them deeply.

If you start seeds indoors about eight weeks before the last frost, you may get flowers by the end of the first year. Agastache is a long-flowering perennial that grows well in average to dry conditions but does not tolerate soggy soil.

Leave the seed heads in place at the end of the season, as birds may feed on the seeds.

Sweet Alyssum

Sweet alyssum is a low-growing flower with clusters of tiny blooms that attract hoverflies and other beneficial insects to the garden.

Hoverfly larvae feed on aphids, making sweet alyssum a useful companion plant for vegetables and roses. Its low, spreading growth habit also helps fill gaps at the front of borders where taller flowers cannot reach.

It works well in containers, along garden edges, on balconies and in other small spaces. Sow the seeds on bare soil and keep the surface evenly moist.

Blooms often emerge around six to eight weeks after sowing. Sweet alyssum is also more tolerant of cool weather than many annual flowers, making it suitable for slightly earlier planting.

If the plants begin to look tired during hot summer weather, trim them back. They may produce another flush of flowers as temperatures cool.

How to Grow a Seed-Based Pollinator Garden

Choose a Sunny Spot

All four flowers perform best with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Weed the planting area thoroughly and avoid over-fertilizing, since too much fertilizer may encourage foliage instead of flowers.

Place the tallest flowers, such as agastache, toward the back. Medium-height flowers like zinnias and cosmos can go in the middle, while sweet alyssum works well along the front.

Plant flowers in groups of several plants rather than scattering individual flowers throughout the garden. Pollinators can more easily notice larger patches of the same bloom, and grouped planting often creates a stronger visual effect.

Sweet alyssum can often be sown first because it tolerates cooler weather. Plant zinnias and cosmos after the last frost, and start agastache indoors around two months before the last frost.

Water evenly and regularly while the plants are becoming established. Once they are growing well, water more deeply but less frequently to encourage stronger root systems. Allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings can be especially helpful for cosmos and agastache.

Keeping Pollinators Safe

A pollinator garden is only effective if visiting insects remain safe. Minimize pesticide use whenever possible. If treatment is necessary, choose targeted products and apply them during the evening when bees and other pollinators are less active.

You can also provide a shallow dish of water with small rocks where bees can land safely while drinking.

Leave a few patches of bare soil for ground-nesting bees. Avoid cleaning every part of the garden completely in autumn, since hollow stems and plant debris can provide shelter for overwintering insects.

Leaving seed heads in place can also provide food for birds through the colder months.

Starting Small and Moving Out

You do not need a large garden to create a useful pollinator habitat. Even a few pots of sweet alyssum along a balcony can begin attracting beneficial insects.

Start with zinnias, cosmos, agastache and sweet alyssum, then observe which plants grow best in your conditions and attract the most activity. Each year, you can expand your planting as you learn what works best in your garden.

Want to create a pollinator garden? Explore Emma Garden's selections for zinnia, cosmos, agastache and sweet alyssum, and consider picking up a few extra seed packets to share with a neighbor. Discounts may also apply when purchasing multiple packets of the same flower variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What flowers attract the most pollinators?

Zinnias, cosmos, agastache, and sweet alyssum are among the best flowers for attracting bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and hummingbirds. Their nectar-rich blooms provide food throughout the growing season.

Can I grow a pollinator garden in containers?

Yes. Many pollinator-friendly flowers grow well in pots and containers. Sweet alyssum and compact zinnia varieties are excellent choices for balconies, patios, and small-space gardens.

How long does it take pollinator flowers to bloom from seed?

Most annual pollinator flowers begin blooming within six to eight weeks after sowing. Cosmos, zinnias, and sweet alyssum are especially fast-growing options for beginner gardeners.

Do pollinator gardens help vegetable gardens?

Yes. Pollinators improve the production of many crops, including cucumbers, squash, beans, melons, and tomatoes. Planting pollinator-friendly flowers nearby can increase visits from beneficial insects.

What is the easiest pollinator flower for beginners?

Zinnias and cosmos are among the easiest flowers to grow from seed. They germinate quickly, bloom for months, and attract a wide variety of pollinators with minimal maintenance.