Plant these 7 fast-growing annuals now for copious blooms in late summer and throughout fall, as recommended by a professional gardener

Wildflower meadow in summer, with orange poppies and white chamomile blooms.

I’ve grown annuals in all sorts of places in my time as a professional gardener. From tiny, south-facing balconies crammed with pots, to sprawling rural estates with much more space to let things self-seed and spread. And, while July might seem a little late in the growing season for sowing annuals, I’d argue it’s still worth it. With the right varieties, you should get a decent display during September and October, and surely that’s worth it.

Some things will indeed struggle in the heat. Some annuals might refuse to grow or flower in the scorching days and dry soil. But there are some, like nasturtium and alyssum, that I have found are dependable and fast-moving, even if you are a little delayed in terms of your sowing schedule.