The Best Full Sun Annuals to Plant in Your Garden
Full sun annuals are the perfect choice for gardeners looking to fill their flower beds, window boxes, and pots with blooms that love soaking up the sunshine.
In this helpful, no-fluff article, we will reveal 11 of the best full-sun annuals which we have also grown and inspected ourselves to level up your garden.
Cosmos
Cosmos likes in full sun and well-drained soil and has daisy-like flowers in colors of pink and white. We found that Cosmos is actually quite easy to grow and quickly fills your garden with life and its dill-like leaves. The plant reaches about 60-120 cm (2-4 ft) in height and is a great addition to summer gardens.
Petunias
This full sun hanging basket flower Petunia can grow up to 30cm (12in) tall, making them perfect for hanging baskets and window boxes. Our experts experienced that if you water these flowers all season long they will continuously bloom with their colorful flowers. These plants are great for adding vibrant splashes of color to any sunny spot.
Geraniums are popular full sun annuals, reaching up to 40-60cm (16-24in) in height. They require well-draining soil and moderate watering while blooming continuously throughout the summer. With their colorful flowers and soft foliage, we saw while growing these annuals that are resistant to rabbits that geraniums are ideal for containers and window boxes.
Geranium
Zinnia
Zinnia is a drought tolerant annual flower that grows to about 30-100 cm (1-3 ft) tall, is perfect for full sun and can handle drought conditions. It's an excellent choice for cut flower gardens and attracts a variety of pollinators. Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and are a popular choice for adding quick color.
Gazania
Gazania is a sun loving plant that grows up to 25cm (10in) tall, so when it comes to planting annuals, it isn't a hassle. These tough plants perform best in full sun and well-drained soil, offering a variety of colors. Gazanias open their petals in sunlight and are perfect for hot, dry spots where other flowers might struggle.
Nasturtium
Nasturtiums, with their edible flowers and leaves climbing up to 30-60cm (12-24in) long, are amazing and colorful vines. These climbing annuals love full sun and poor to average soil, which makes them easy for beginners. Their interesting blooms come in shades of yellow, orange, and red.
Salvia
Salvia types can reach up to 120 cm (1.3-4 ft). The deer resistant annual flourishes in well-drained soil and offers a long blooming season. The plant is a magnet for bees and butterflies and can also be used as a herb, for example in teas. Salvia's easy care and hardiness make it a great plant you can choose.
Lantana
Growing to about 60-90 cm (2-3 ft), Lantana is a vibrant choice for landscaping or planters. It does best in full sun and has blooms with many colors that can even combine. This bush for full sun is perfect for adding a tropical feel to patios and balconies, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blooms.
Portulaca
Portulaca, or moss rose, is a ground-covering succulent that thrives in hot, sunny spots, reaching up to 15cm (6in) in height. It's perfect for rock gardens, borders, and containers and requires minimal water once established.
Marigolds
Marigolds are drought resistant plants for sun that grow up to 30-60cm (12-24in) tall, these vibrant flowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Their strong scent is a natural deer deterrent, while their bright orange, yellow, and red blooms add a splash of color from spring until frost.
Vinca
This ground cover plant is valued for its evergreen foliage and star-shaped, blue flowers that appear in spring. Vinca grows to about 10-20 cm (4-8 in) tall. It prefers well-drained soil and grows in sunny spots but also in shade.
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Calin is in the garden industry for 5 years now and knows a lot about gardening and plants. He is the owner of this website and responsible for most of the content.