16 Best Flowers To Grow In Raised Beds (+Pictures & Basic Care)

You don’t need much space to create a stunning flower garden. All you need is a couple of raised beds and the right plants to flourish in them. 

The favorite part is you can grow all your favorites in these raised beds, given the favorable environment. So, a crucial step is to choose the right flowers that can easily thrive in raised beds and your cultural conditions.

Keep reading to learn about the best flowers you can grow in your flower garden created with raised beds. We have also covered their basic needs and requirements.

Marigolds

Marigold

Marigolds are one of the most suitable flowers to grow in raised beds. It will be a great companion to vegetables grown in raised beds and attract butterflies and pollinators. 

The cheerful blooms add color to your raised beds. It is fast-growing and will flower within a few months of planting.

Light: Grow marigolds in the sunny area of your home. Keeping them in shady locations will make the plant lean and weak. Also, the plant will have fewer flowers.

Watering: Water young marigolds regularly to promote blooming. Water the established marigold only when the soil is dry. Avoid too much watering as it can cause more issues than under watering.

Fertilizer: Feed marigolds growing in inferior soil with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Deadheading is good enough to keep the plant blooming throughout the season.  

General care: Marigolds will prosper in high temperatures and bloom in those hot summers. Only in the height of summer do these flowers stop blooming and then resume once the weather cools down. They can thrive in all humidity levels.  

Penstemon

penstemon

Penstemon features gorgeous flowers in colors like pin, red, purple, yellow, white, etc. To give your raised beds a unique and eye-catching look, grow penstemon in them. 

These flowers will catch everyone’s eye and attract hummingbirds, butterflies, etc. It can reach up to 6 feet in height.

Light: Expose penstemon in full sun for best growth and flowering. Keeping them in full sun is essential to maintain their stalks upright.   

Watering:  Penstemons are drought tolerant once established. Water the plant when the soil feels dry from the top. Do not overwater, as it can cause more harm than good.

Fertilizer: Feed penstemon with organic fertilizer once a year in the fall. Avoid excess fertilizer as it can boost excess growth in the short term but decline the plant’s life. 

General care: Penstemon thrives in high temperatures from 65°F to 80°F. It can flourish in all humidity levels.  

Borage

Borage

Borage produces vibrant star-shaped blooms and gray-green leaves. Its striking flowers will enhance the look of your raised bed. It is also a great companion to many plants you can grow together in your raised bed. 

Borage self-seeds, due to which it keeps coming year after year. It is also fantastic for attracting pollinators to your flower garden.

Light: Keep your borage in good lighting, i.e., in six hours of direct sun daily. Full sun will promote blooming and stocky stems, and it performs best in full sun but will do well in partial shade too.

Watering: Watering young borage plants promotes their growth and root system. Mature plants are drought-tolerant but will be happier with even watering.

Fertilizer: Borage will enjoy periodic feeding, especially those growing in the poor soil mix. Add fertilizer by diluting it to half the recommended dosage. Using high-phosphorus fertilizer will stimulate flowering.      

General care: Borage can withstand all temperature levels from low to high. Though it will suffer in freezing temperatures, you should take proper care in such conditions. It will do well in all humidity levels.

Poppies

Poppies

Poppies are known for their large blossoms that come in various colors. They will flourish all year long with a little care in the beginning. Their self-seeding habit will give you more of them yearly—an easy-to-grow plant perfect for raised beds.

Light: Poppies appreciate a sunny spot and will have abundant blooms and better growth in full sun, and low light can deter their flowering.

Watering: Water poppies weekly with an inch of water. Once matured, water them only when the soil is dry and avoid keeping the soil overly wet.

Fertilizer: Feed poppies with a slow-release food in spring. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended dosage. Adding compost or manure tea also helps in nourishing the soil.

General care: Poppies prefer room temperature and moderate humidity. In high temperatures and high humidity, the plant tends to suffer. 


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Petunias 

Petunias

Petunia produces funnel-shaped blooms, a great addition to any raised beds. It is also an easy option for beginners to try their luck.

They will blossom all summer long, provided their needs are met. Also, self-seeding will give you endless petunias in your raised garden.

Light: Petunias are flexible and can grow from full sun to partial shade. They will flourish in direct sun, but if there is a lack of light, they will also do well in shady spots.

Watering: Water petunias when the soil feels dry to touch from the top. Do not overwater, as sogginess can lead to root rot and other conditions. Too much water also hinders their flowering and makes the plant lanky.

Fertilizer: Feed petunias while planting with a balanced fertilizer. Feed the plant while the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer weakened to half the instructed strength.

General care: Petunias prefer temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. During freezing temperatures, move the plant to a warmer location. Fireplaces, furnaces, etc., help in raising the temperature.

Pansies

Pansies

Pansies are renowned for their heart-shaped flowers with face-like markings at the center. They work great as borders in your raised beds, and expanding and complementing spring flowers in raised beds is easy.

Light: Pansies will flower best in full sun but grow in partial shade too. Keeping them in full shade for long periods can hinder their growth.

Watering: Water pansies sufficiently to keep them growing for extended periods. Do not over-water; it can lead to fungal problems, root rot, etc. Target to keep their soil evenly moist but never drowning.

Fertilizer: Feed pansies a balanced liquid fertilizer every month in their growing season. Though pansies are heavy feeders, avoid too much feeding as it can make the plant leggy.

General care: Keep pansies in warm temperatures as they tend to decline in high temperatures. Deadhead the plant regularly to prolong its blooming period. 

Sunflowers

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a classic addition to your raised beds. Their bright flowers will uplift your mood and bloom from summer to fall. The only demand is full sun and well-draining soil.

They are fast-growing and will rapidly cover your raised beds with flowers. Make sure you plant them in spring when the temperature is around 55°F.

Light: Sunflowers, as the name suggests, are sun-loving plants. Choose a sunny location for them to keep them blooming with solid stems. If there is low light, the blooms will turn towards the available light and droop due to the same.

Watering: Water sunflowers when the soil is dry, and they are drought-tolerant, but keeping the soil moist will promote flowering. Check the soil from the top before watering; water only if the soil is dry.

Fertilizer: Feed sunflowers with a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium, and it will boost their growth and help them set flowers. Feeding right is as vital as the fertilizer you provide. Feed with a slow-release fertilizer if the soil is poor in the spring, and follow instructions to feed in the correct quantity.

General care: Sunflowers will be cheerfullest in temperatures between 70°F and 78°F. They can also withstand high humidity but should have good air circulation to prevent rot and diseases.

Nasturtium

Nasturtium

Nasturtium features eye-catching jewel-toned blooms that can raise the vibe of your flower garden.

It is the perfect candidate for your raised bed and an excellent companion to many other plants. They look beautiful as borders in the raised beds and are fast and easy to grow in favorable conditions.

Light: Nasturtiums grow well in full sunshine but can tolerate shade too. Some shade is good if the sun is intense. Flowering will be best when they receive at least 6 hours of sun on most days.

Watering: Water nasturtium weekly to keep its soil consistently moist. However, the intense sun increases the frequency of water. Even though the plant can withstand moderate droughts, the blooming will reduce, and the plant will become spindly.

Fertilizer: Nasturtiums will grow and blossom without any feeding. However, you can add organic fertilizer to the soil if the soil is inferior or the surrounding plants need nutrients.

General care: Nasturtium thrives at around 70°F and suffers in freezing temperatures. They might struggle with extreme lows and highs. They would relish a moderate moisture level.

Calendula

Calendula

Calendula is an easy-growing plant that can be quickly grown from seeds and grown in raised beds with other plants.

Its gold flowers will cheer up your garden, and it is also well known for its medicinal properties. It comes in various colors like yellow, orange, red, pink, and cream.

Light: Calendula blossoms in direct sunlight. During the hottest summers, the sun is intense, and it is advised to provide some shadiness to the plant to avoid wilting. 

Watering: Water calendula seeds and young plants frequently to promote growth and establish a root system. Once installed, water the plant occasionally; it is better to go underwater than over-water these plants.

Fertilizer: Calendula will do well without feeding, especially when the soil is rich. You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly if the soil is poor. Do not overfeed, or the plant will become leggy.

General care: Calendula will flourish in medium temperatures and struggle in high temperatures. They can withstand poor soil conditions but will perform best in rich soil. Protect the plant from frost, and you can use a frost blanket at nighttime and uncover it in the morning as the temperature increases. Adding mulch can also help in protecting the plant from cold weather.

English lavender

English lavender

English lavender features refreshing aromatic purple flower spikes. Due to its sweet fragrance, it is often used in potpourri, aromatherapy, etc.

It can be grown in raised beds to fill color from late spring to early summer and can also be used as a border in your raised beds.

Light: English lavender performs best in full sunshine. Though shade can deter its blooming, some shade is appreciated during the afternoon heat.

Watering: Young English lavender plants need frequent watering to grow strong roots. Mature plants do not lie too much watering—water weekly, which may vary, based on the climate conditions. Increase water frequency after the flower buds form to promote flowering.

Fertilizer: It is better to avoid feeding English lavender. Feeding might do more harm than good to the plant, and it may inhibit its flowering and burn the roots.

General care: English lavender will grow well in moderate temperatures, and the plant tends to suffer in high temperatures and high humidity. Cut faded flowers to prolong their blooming period.

Creeping thyme

creeping thyme

Creeping thyme is a great ground cover and grows well in raised beds. Its flowers come in multiple colors depending on the type. Be patient in the first year when growing from seeds, as it is a moderate grower.

Light: Creeping thyme desires direct sun; aim to keep them in a sunny location. Though some shade is good in intense sun, aim at keeping them in six hours of sunlight daily.

Watering: Creeping thyme when young demands water more frequently to stay evenly moist. Established plants need water less often but increase their water intake during sweltering temperatures. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Fertilizer: Creeping thyme needs feeding only if the soil is poor. Feed with slow-release fertilizer once at the beginning of its growing period. Follow the label instructions to avoid over-feeding.

General care: Creeping thyme prefers cool and dry weather. During high humidity, the plant may show signs of stress. Improve airflow and add gravel around its base to prevent contact with moist soil. Repeated pruning is essential for plant growth and flowering.

Impatiens

Impatiens 1

Impatiens are popular as bedding flowers due to their delicate, colorful blooms. They come in multiple colors like white, red, violet, pink, purple, coral, etc.

They are also a great option to grow on raised beds. They are fast-growing and a little more demanding, but their bright flowers are worth it.

Light: Impatiens are known for flourishing in the shade, and they will grow well in a sunny location, but with the moisture level in check, they will keep blooming summer-long even in full shade.

Watering: Water impatiens weekly, at a moderate temperature. During high heat, water it deeply daily. It is advised to check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering.  

Fertilizer: Feed impatiens with a balanced liquid fertilizer throughout the growing season. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the spring and again in the mid-summer. Refrain from overfeeding; follow the instructions for the appropriate feeding guide.

General care: Impatiens prefer warm temperatures and struggle in high temperatures. They grow well in humid situations. In long dry spells, the plant may wilt but will come back with proper moisture.  

Sweet pea

Sweet pea

Sweet pea is a favorite among many plant owners, as it is easy and fast-growing. It produces clusters of flowers in multiple colors.

It can be grown in raised beds, adding color to the space with its colorful blooms. The plant’s vine will reach up to 8 feet tall.

Light: Keep sweet peas in full sunlight. If the sun is intense, consider moving the plant to a shady location; however, too much low light can affect its blooming and growth.

Watering: Water sweet peas consistently to keep the soil moist. Ensure that the soil is dry before watering. Dig a finger in the soil from the top to check the soil moisture.

Fertilizer: Sweet peas appreciate regular feeding in their growing season. Feed it with high-potassium fertilizer every month. Add blood meal to the soil for long and strong stems.

General care: Sweet peas prefer warm temperatures and can withstand the occasional chill. During sweltering temperatures, keep the plant in a safer spot with mild temperatures. Prune the growing tips to increase branching.   

Cosmos

Cosmos

Cosmos is a quintessential plant with flowers in several colors on the top of stems. It is the best choice for plant owners wanting to create raised bed gardens.

It is free-flowing, easy to grow, and makes beautiful cut flowers and self-seeds, making it perfect for just every plant lover. It attracts pollinators and predators too that eat pests.

Light: Cosmos grows best in full sunlight. In partial shade, the plant will have lesser blooms and slow growth. They will flourish in direct sun in the hottest summer too.    

Watering: Water the cosmos only when the soil is dry. Established plants do not need much watering. If there is a lack of water, these are the last ones that need water.

Fertilizer: Feeding the cosmos is not essential as feeding can be more harmful to the plant than good. They thrive in poor soil and should be fed if they struggle.

General care: Cosmos likes hot weather and can flourish in all humidity levels. They appreciate deadheading as it will extend its blooming season. Stalking the plant also supports them and prevents drooping.

Lupine

Lupines

Lupines bring a celebration vibe to your garden when it begins to bloom, and their colorful spikes will be a sight to watch for plant lovers. It can also be grown in raised beds due to its easy-growing trait.

They also look great as border plants, and staking is helpful for tall varieties. Some care and favorable conditions will take them on a long journey with you.                                                                                                                      

Light: Lupines succeed in full sun and will have the best blooms in such conditions. They can grow in partial shade, too but will have fewer blooms. The plant will enjoy some shade on hot afternoons.

Watering: Lupines bloom best in consistently moist soil and do not like to sit in water, so watering is essential. Let the soil dry from the top before watering.

Fertilizer: Feed lupines with a balanced liquid fertilizer in their growing season. They will benefit from an acidifying fertilizer as it will lower the pH level of alkaline soil. Be mindful while fertilizing, as too much feeding will affect its blooms.

General care: Lupines relish cool temperatures and low to moderate humidity. The plant tends to suffer in high heat, resulting in the loss of flowers. Adding mulch around the base of the plant will possess soil moisture during a hot climate. 

Phacelia

Phacelia

Phacelia produce clusters of flowers in purple and blue. It is an ideal choice for plant parents with no garden wanting to create a garden for themselves using raised beds.

This plant is a great companion, improves the soil structure, and suffocates toxic weeds with its leaves. 

Light: Phacelia flourishes in good lighting, i.e., six hours of direct sun on most days. They can succeed in partial shade too. However, some shade in the intense sun in the summer afternoon is appreciated.   

Watering: Phacelia grows best with dry soil and is quite drought tolerant. It’s good to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy.

Fertilizer: Add organic fertilizer to the soil for growth and development while planting phacelia. Fertilize the plant with balanced organic fertilizer during the growing period only if the soil is flawed.

General care: Phacelia favors warmer temperatures and can withstand cool temperatures, and they might not take frost well. The plant may even die in freezing temperatures. You can deadhead the plant to prevent self-seeding; otherwise, it is unnecessary.


Richa

Hello everyone, My name is Richa and I am here to make you a better gardener by creating an in-depth and helpful resource for all the fellow gardeners out there. If I could help even a few people understand their plants better then I call it a success for my efforts.

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