Easy Cut Flowers to grow on the Canadian Prairies

Easy Cut Flowers for Growing in the Canadian Prairies

If you're living in the Canadian Prairies, you know how unpredictable the weather can be (I'm looking at my March window with falling snow right now!). With short growing seasons and sometimes harsh conditions, finding flowers that are not only hardy but also great for cutting can be a challenge. However, there are a variety of flowers that thrive in this unique climate, providing beautiful blooms that you can use in bouquets, centerpieces, or just to brighten your home. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these easy-to-grow cut flowers will help transform your garden into a floral haven.

Sunflowers 

Sunflowers are iconic and perfect for prairie gardens. These hardy flowers thrive in full sun and can grow quite tall, producing large, vibrant blooms. They're easy to grow from seeds, and with their long stems, they make excellent cut flowers. Whether you opt for the classic yellow variety or experiment with red or orange cultivars, sunflowers can add a cheerful touch to your garden.

- Sunflowers prefer well-drained soil and should be spaced about 12–18 inches apart.

- Water regularly but be cautious of overwatering, as sunflowers don’t like wet feet.

- Harvest when the flowers are fully open and the seeds start to ripen.

Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias are among the best flowers for cutting in the prairies due to their colorful blooms and heat tolerance. They come in a variety of shades, including red, pink, orange, purple, and white. Zinnias are relatively easy to grow from seed, and once they start blooming, they keep going all summer long. Their stems are long and sturdy, making them perfect for bouquets.

- Zinnias thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and need plenty of sunlight.

- Deadheading (removing spent blooms) encourages continuous flowering throughout the season.

- Cut flowers early in the morning or late in the evening to get the longest vase life.

Cosmos 

Cosmos are incredibly resilient and thrive in the prairie’s dry, hot climate. Their delicate, daisy-like flowers come in a range of colors such as white, pink, and purple. Cosmos can grow quite tall, making them excellent for cutting. They're also pollinator-friendly, attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.

- Cosmos prefer well-drained soil and moderate watering.

- They don’t require much fertilizer, so avoid overfeeding them.

- Harvest when the flowers are fully open and the stems are long and straight.

Peonies 

If you’re lucky enough to have a peony bush, you're in for a treat. Peonies are incredibly hardy and can withstand the cold prairie winters. Their fragrant, large blooms make them a favorite for cut flower arrangements. Peonies generally bloom in late spring to early summer, making them a beautiful addition to any bouquet.

Tips for Growing:

- Peonies prefer well-drained, fertile soil and a location with full sun.

- Plant them in early fall for the best results, as they take time to establish.

- When cutting peonies, it’s best to wait until the buds are just starting to open but are still tightly closed to ensure they last longer in a vase.

Shasta Daisies 

Shasta daisies are a timeless, easy-to-grow flower that thrives in the prairies. With their white petals and yellow centers, they evoke a feeling of simplicity and charm. These flowers make excellent cut flowers due to their long stems and resilience. They bloom in early summer and continue into the fall, offering plenty of opportunities for harvesting.

Tips for Growing:

- Shasta daisies prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

- Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms.

- Cut them early in the morning for the best vase life.

Snapdragons 

Snapdragons are not only visually stunning but also easy to grow in the prairies. Their tall, spiky blooms come in a range of vibrant colors, and they make an elegant addition to any cut flower arrangement. These flowers are hardy enough to withstand cooler temperatures and will continue to bloom through the growing season.

Tips for Growing:

- Snapdragons thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.

- Space plants about 6–12 inches apart to allow for good air circulation.

- Harvest when the lower flowers on the spike have opened but the top flowers are still in bud.

Lavender 

Lavender is perfect for prairie gardens due to its ability to withstand drought and heat. Not only does it offer beautiful purple blooms, but it also provides a pleasant fragrance, making it ideal for cut flower arrangements. Lavender is perfect for creating both fresh and dried floral arrangements.

Tips for Growing:

- Lavender prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

- Prune back the plants in the early spring to promote new growth.

- Harvest when the buds are fully formed but not fully open to preserve the fragrance.

Liatris (Liatris spicata)

Also known as gayfeather, liatris is a native prairie flower that thrives in the same conditions. With tall, spiky blooms in shades of purple, pink, or white, it adds vertical interest to any garden. These flowers are also great for cutting, as they have long-lasting blooms and are favored by bees and butterflies.

Tips for Growing:

- Liatris prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy soil.

- Water them moderately; they’re quite drought-tolerant once established.

- Cut when the flowers are fully open, and remove the spent blooms to encourage more.Growing cut flowers in the Canadian Prairies doesn't have to be difficult. With the right varieties and a little care, you can have a thriving garden full of vibrant blooms perfect for bringing the outdoors inside. Whether you're looking for colorful sunflowers, delicate peonies, or fragrant lavender, these flowers are hardy enough to handle the prairie climate while providing stunning arrangements all season long. With their beauty and resilience, they’ll brighten your garden and your home. Happy gardening!