Buzz
Perennials are plants that return year after year on their own. On the other hand, annual flowers typically live for just one season. However, certain annuals have the ability to reseed themselves under the right conditions, allowing them to return each year. While they’re not truly perennials—these flowers are more unpredictable and often sprout in different spots rather than regrowing in the same place as perennials—self-sowing annuals can still enhance your garden by filling in gaps and giving you low-maintenance blooms similar to those provided by perennials.
The likelihood of flowers self-sowing depends largely on your planting zone and growing environment. For instance, petunias are known to reseed in some regions, though I’ve had little success with them regardless of the zone I’ve been in. Similarly, cosmos, which should theoretically reseed in my current zone, are plants I continue to treat as annuals and plant generously.
In conclusion, while I can’t make any guarantees, these 11 plants have a strong tendency to self-sow.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is one of those flowers you’ll want to plant throughout your garden, alongside marigolds and nasturtiums, as they serve as helpful companions. Alyssum attracts beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps, hoverflies, and ladybugs, all of which are essential for a healthy garden. It also looks stunning as it cascades over the edges of your garden beds. While lavender, pink, and blue alyssum varieties have been introduced in recent years, only the white alyssum has reliably reseeded for me, creating large, fluffy clumps that line my garden.
Amaranth
Once you plant amaranth in your garden, it becomes a permanent resident. Even if you don't plant it yourself, birds will often drop seeds in your yard, and what you might have thought of as a weed could very well be amaranth. This striking and dramatic flower cascades beautifully in bouquets, and if you’re prepared to manage it, it’s a valuable addition to your garden. Just be cautious that it doesn’t spread uncontrollably.
Asters
There is a wide variety of asters, and some may even be native to your region. They come in sizes ranging from small to large, with petals that radiate out like sunbeams. These flowers typically bloom late in the summer and can persist into the fall. The main challenge with asters is their tendency to spread rapidly—each year, I reluctantly give up more and more of my front yard to the Douglas asters that seem to be taking over.
Bachelor's Buttons
To add a self-seeding splash of blue to your garden, bachelor's buttons are an excellent choice. These thistle-like flowers are spiky and come with a quirky feature: chewing one will cause a temporary numbing sensation on your tongue (harmless, of course). I always enjoy challenging visitors to try it in my garden.
Calendula
Forget that calendula can be harvested for use in calming lotions, oils, and balms. In the garden, this bright orange and yellow daisy-like flower helps by repelling tomato hornworms and attracting beneficial insects. Calendula stands out as one of the few flowers from this family (which includes daisies, echinacea, and zinnias, all of which share the classic flower shape) that will reseed itself.
California Poppies
Most poppies are self-seeders, but in my experience, the success rate of seeds turning into plants is extremely low—I’ve scattered what seems like millions of seeds over five years and only seen a handful of plants. However, California poppies are different—they not only self-sow and spread but are so iconic that people from around the globe flock to witness their magnificent “superblooms.” While regular poppies can grow up to four or five feet tall, the California poppy remains much smaller, typically reaching just a foot or so above the soil.
Cleome
Cleome was such a pleasant surprise to stumble upon a few years ago. Known for its fountain-like appearance, it draws hummingbirds with its vibrant flowers. Often referred to as “spider flowers,” the plant’s tall stems support a burst of blossoms at the top, mostly in shades of pink and purple. While Cleome’s beauty is undeniable, it can become a bit floppy, so be sure to provide support when it begins to grow.
Dianthus
Dianthus may not immediately steal the spotlight on its own. This low-spreading flower serves as an effective ground cover. However, when planted in a variety of colors, it transforms into a beautiful, woven blanket of color. It's also worth mentioning that while dianthus is typically known for its vibrant hues, many varieties also feature intricate, eye-catching details on their petals.
Nigella
Nigella, often called Love in a Mist, has a timeless, vintage charm with its soft, muted colors and delicate petals, and it self-seeds effortlessly in my garden. However, the real treasure of this plant is its dried seed pods, which are like little sculptural pieces that look amazing in flower arrangements.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are one of the most anticipated flowers in my garden every summer, and in good seasons, they return on their own. If you stay on top of trimming the blooms, you'll end up with strong, bushy plants that keep producing repeat-blooming flower spikes, much like the ones seen in the photo at the top of this article. Some varieties can reach nearly four feet in height, and their expansive growth makes them perfect for filling out larger spaces.
Sweet peas
I recall reading about sweet peas in Martha Stewart's magazine when I was younger, though I lived far beyond their growing range and could only dream of planting them someday. Now, they're the first flowers I sow every spring. While the flowers and seeds are extremely toxic to both humans and pets, in my opinion, the fragrance of sweet peas is more intoxicating than any other flower. These blooms can reach up to six or seven feet tall on a vine and display a wide array of colors. Though their delicate flowers are perfect for short-lived bouquets lasting a day or two, it’s important to deadhead them regularly. At the end of the season, let the seed pods form and fall to the soil so they can sprout again next year.
