Spring is one of the best times to enjoy a flower garden in Utah County. It is also a popular season for weddings! That is why I decided to research the easiest flowers to grow for my spring wedding.
We do have a little problem: Utah’s spring weather can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures and occasional late frosts. The good news is that several flowers can handle Utah’s spring conditions and are easy enough for beginner gardeners.
This guide covers 10 easy flowers to grow in Utah County and explains when they bloom, when to plant them, how much sunlight they need, and some basic care tips.
Before You Start Your Spring Garden
One important thing to remember about gardening in Utah is that planting time and blooming time are not always the same.
For example, spring-flowering bulbs such as crocuses, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are usually planted in the fall before the ground freezes. They then stay dormant through winter and bloom in the spring. Other flowers, such as pansies and calendula, can be planted in spring and are better suited to cooler temperatures.
Early Spring Flowers (March–April)
These flowers are some of the first ones you can expect to see when winter starts to fade.
1. Sweet Peas
Planting time: Early spring
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Sweet peas are delicate and romantic flowers. They come in colors like white, pink, lavender, and purple, making them especially useful for wedding flowers.
They grow as vines and may need a trellis or other support as they get taller.
For the best results, plant sweet pea seeds in early spring when the soil can be worked. Keep the soil moist while they are growing, but make sure it drains well.
Best for: Romantic bouquets and soft, delicate wedding arrangements.
2. Daffodils
Planting time: Fall before the ground freezes
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Daffodils are one of the most recognizable spring flowers. They are also a great option for beginner gardeners because they are long-lived and adapted to Utah conditions.
Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall in well-drained soil. Once they bloom in spring, let the green leaves die back naturally instead of cutting them immediately. The leaves help the bulb store energy for the following year!
Best for: A classic, low-maintenance spring garden.
3. Hyacinths
Planting time: Fall before the ground freezes
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Hyacinths are another easy spring bulb and are especially nice if you want flowers with a strong fragrance. They produce colors such as purple, pink, white, and red.
Like daffodils and crocuses, plant hyacinths in the fall.
Best for: Adding fragrance and color.
Mid-Spring Flowers (April–May)
Once the first bulbs have started blooming, these flowers can help keep your garden colorful.
4. Pansies
Planting time: Early spring
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Pansies are one of the easiest flowers for a beginner who wants to plant something directly in spring. They can handle cooler temperatures.
Pansies are easy to mix into bouquets or wedding decorations because of their colors.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy and give them plenty of sunlight.
Best for: Adding color and fillers.
5. Bachelor’s Buttons
Planting time: Early spring
Sunlight: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Bachelor’s buttons are simple, colorful flowers that are easy to grow. They are best known for their blue flowers, but they can also come in white, pink, and purple.
These flowers grow well in full sun and do not require much maintenance once they are established. They can be grown from seeds, making them an affordable option for a wedding.
Best for: Adding blue or soft color accents to bouquets and wedding arrangements.
6. Calendula
Planting time: Spring
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Calendula is an easy flower to grow. It produces bright yellow and orange flowers.
Calendula grows well in many Utah soils, and its seeds germinate well. Seeds can be planted when the soil reaches about 60°F.
Calendula prefers well-drained soil and regular watering while it establishes.
Best for: Beginners who want to grow flowers from seed. Bright color accents.
7. Tulips
Planting time: Fall before the ground freezes
Sunlight: Full sun
Water: Moderate
Tulips are one of the most popular spring flowers, and they are well adapted to Utah soils. They come in a huge variety of colors, including pink, white, yellow, orange, and red.
Planning is important with tulips, so plant Tulips in the fall because they require a period of cold temperatures before they bloom.
Best for: Bouquets and table decorations.
Late Spring Flowers (May–June)
As temperatures begin to warm up, these flowers will do best.
8. Sweet Alyssum
Planting time: Spring
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Sweet alyssum is a small flower that works well along garden borders, pathways, and in containers. This makes them a good choice if you have a smaller garden.
Sweet alyssum prefers well-drained soil and regular watering while it is becoming established.
Best for: Filling small spaces.
9. Snapdragon
Planting time: Early spring
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Snapdragons are tall flower spikes and come in many different colors.
They work well in flower beds and containers and can be mixed with shorter flowers such as pansies or alyssum.
Give them well-drained soil and regular water, especially in the summer.
Best for: Adding height and color to floral arrangements.
10. Stock
Planting time: Early spring
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Stock is known for its tall stems, clusters of small flowers, and sweet fragrance. It comes in wedding-friendly colors such as white, pink, lavender, and purple.
Stock prefers cooler temperatures. It grows best in well-drained soil with regular watering.
Best for: Adding height and fragrance to wedding bouquets and arrangements.
Tips for Growing Spring Flowers in Utah County
- Plan ahead for bulbs
You need to plant bulbs in the fall so they can develop roots and go through the cold period they need before flowering.
- Watch the weather
Utah spring weather can change quickly. A late freeze is always possible.
- Do not work wet soil
It can be tempting to start gardening as soon as the snow melts, but working the soil when it is too wet can damage the whole thing. Wait until the soil is workable and crumbles rather than staying in a ball when squeezed.
- Give your flowers enough sunlight
Before planting, check out your yard and notice which areas receive the most sunlight. Most flowering plants will produce more flowers with enough sunlight.
- Water according to the weather
Check the soil before watering, rather than watering every day.
- Enjoy Spring in Your Garden
You do not need a huge garden or years of experience to start. Starting with a few easy varieties can give you the color and life you want for your wedding! Good luck!
Quick Summary
Early spring (March–April):
Try crocuses, daffodils, and hyacinths.
Mid-spring (April–May):
Try pansies, primrose, calendula, and tulips to keep the garden colorful.
Late spring (May-June):
Try sweet alyssum, snapdragons, and forget-me-nots to help extend the season.
The most important thing is to choose flowers that match both your growing conditions and the time of year you want them to bloom. You can go a long way with a little planning!
