The Best Annual Red Flowers to Plant in Your Garden

If you’re wondering which red flowers would make your garden, balcony, or home look most beautiful, this article got you. I will introduce to you all you need to know about the most popular and most beautiful red flowers you can easily grow and enjoy.

Annual Red Flowers to Grow This Year

Red Impatiens

Impatiens, also known as “busy Lizzies“, are a popular genus of flowering plants in the family Balsaminaceae. They are known for their brightly colored, teardrop-shaped flowers that come in a wide range of colors, including red.

Some popular red impatiens varieties include ‘Super Elfin Red’ and ‘Elixir Red.’ Impatiens are shade-loving plants, making them a great choice for shady gardens or for planting under trees or on the north side of buildings.

Red impatiens are also popular for indoor container gardening. They grow best in cool and moist conditions and typically bloom from spring to fall. They are easy to care for, making them a great choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

Light	Red impatiens like partial to full shade.
Soil	Well-draining, moist, and rich soil.
Watering	Keep the soil moist, but not overwatered.
Fertilizer	Fertilize every 2-3 weeks.
Pruning	Prune when the stems reach about 8 inches tall.
Diseases/ Pests	Powdery mildew, leaf spot, downy mildew.
Temperature	Between 60 and 75°F (15 and 24°C)
Overwintering	They should be removed after the first frost in the fall.

Red Poppies

Poppies are a popular genus of flowering plants in the family of Papaveraceae. One of the most well-known species is the red poppy, Papaver rhoeas, which is also known as the “corn poppy” or “Flanders poppy.”

They are often seen growing in wildflowers meadows and along roadsides. They are easy to grow and care for. They typically bloom in late spring to early summer. They will self-seed and can come back year after year.

Light	Full sun.
Soil	Well-draining soil.
Watering	Water regularly (moist soil not waterlogged)
Fertilizer	Don’t require fertilizer but can be added.
Pruning	Prune the dead flowers to encourage new growth.
Temperature	can survive temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C).

Red Salvia

Salvia is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, also known as sage. There are many species and cultivars that come in a variety of colors, including red. Some popular red salvia varieties include Salvia splendens, also known as “Scarlet Sage” and Salvia coccinea, also known as “Crimson Sage” or “Summer Jewel Red”.

These plants are known for their showy, colorful flowers and are often used as bedding plants, in borders, or as container plants. They are also popular for their ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

They typically bloom in late spring to summer and are easy to care for, making them a great choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

Light	Full sun to partial shade.
Soil	Well-draining soil.
Watering	Drought-tolerant. Prefer to water at the base of the plant to avoid fungal diseases.
Fertilizer	Every 4-6 weeks, use a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning	Trim each now and then to promote thicker growth.
Temperature	Between 60°F to 95°F (15°C to 35°C)
Overwintering	Can survive a light frost.

Red Zinnias

Zinnias are a popular genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. They are known for their brightly colored, daisy-like flowers that come in a wide range of colors, including red. Some popular red zinnia varieties include ‘Crimson King,’ ‘Carmen,’ and ‘Benary’s Giant Cherry.’

Zinnias are easy to grow and care for, making them a popular choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

They are often used as bedding plants, in cutting gardens, or as container plants. They are also popular for their ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees.

Light	Full sun.
Soil	Well-draining soil.
Watering	Always keep the soil moist, not waterlogged.
Fertilizer	Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer 2-3 times a week.
Diseases/ Pests	Powdery mildew, fungal diseases.
Temperature	Between 60-85 °F (16-29 °C).
Overwintering	Sensitive to frost.

zinnias beautiful — Photo by Portia Weiss

Red Marigolds

Marigolds are very known in the genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. They are known for their brightly colored, daisy-like flowers that come in a variety of colors, including red.

Some popular red marigold varieties include ‘Moulin Rouge,’ ‘Fireball,’ and ‘Red Decora’. They are easy to grow and care for, making them a popular choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

They typically bloom from late spring to fall. They are often used as bedding plants, in cutting gardens, or as container plants. They are also popular for their ability to deter pests and attract beneficial insects.

Light	Full sun.
Soil	Well-draining soil.
Watering	Water regularly.
Fertilizer	Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer 2-3 times a week.
Pruning	Prune the tips to promote growth.
Diseases/ Pests	Not affected by pests. Susceptible to powdery mildew.
Temperature	Between 60-85°F (16-29°C)
Overwintering	Tolerates only light frost.

Red Celosia

Celosia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Amaranthaceae. They are known for their brightly colored, feathery, or plumed flowers that come in a variety of colors, including red. Some popular red celosia varieties include ‘Dragon’s Breath,’ ‘Flamingo Feather,’ and ‘Cockscomb Red.’

They are often used as bedding plants, in borders, or as container plants. They are also popular for their ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. They bloom from summer to fall. They are very easy to care for, even for beginners.

Fun fact about red celosia flowers: They are known as “cockscomb” due to the shape of their inflorescence, which resembles the comb on the head of a rooster.

Light	Full sun.
Soil	Well-draining soil.
Watering	Water regularly.
Fertilizer	Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer 2-3 times a week.
Pruning	Remove dead blooms to promote more growth.
Diseases/ Pests	Not affected by pests. Susceptible to powdery mildew.
Temperature	Between 60-85°F (16-29°C).

Red Gaillardia

Gaillardia, also known as blanket flowers, is a genus of plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). They are known for their brightly colored, daisy-like flowers.

Some popular red Gaillardia varieties include ‘Goblin,’ ‘Arizona Sun,’ and ‘Fanfare Red.’ These plants are native to North America and are popular for their ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions. They are often used as bedding plants, in cutting gardens, or as container plants.

Red Gaillardia flowers bloom from late spring to fall.

Fun fact about gaillardia flowers: They are known as a “blanket flower” because of their large, colorful blooms that resemble blankets.

Light	Full sun.
Soil	Well-draining soil.
Watering	Drought tolerant but prefers to remain moist.
Fertilizer	Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer 2-3 times a week.
Diseases/ Pests	Not affected by pests. Susceptible to powdery mildew.
Temperature	Between 60-85°F (16-29°C)

Red Nicotiana

Nicotiana is a genus of plants in the family Solanaceae, commonly known as tobacco plants. They are known for their trumpet-shaped, fragrant flowers that come in a variety of colors. Some popular red nicotiana varieties include ‘Red Riding Hood’ and ‘Perfume Deep Red’.

These plants are often grown as annuals and are popular for their ability to bloom all summer long. They are often used as bedding plants, in cutting gardens, or as container plants. They bloom from late spring to fall. The red varieties of Nicotiana are known for their intense red color and sweet fragrance.

Light	Full sun to partial shade.
Soil	Well-draining soil.
Watering	Water regularly.
Fertilizer	Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer 2-3 times a week.
Diseases/ Pests	Not affected by pests. Susceptible to powdery mildew.
Temperature	Between 60-70°F (16-21°C)
Overwintering	Can survive a light frost.

Red Petunias

Petunias are a popular genus of flowering plants in the family Solanaceae. They are known for their brightly colored, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors, including red.

Some popular red petunia varieties include ‘Fire Chief,’ ‘Crimson Star,’ and ‘Red Ruffles.’ These plants are often used in hanging baskets, as bedding plants, or in container gardens.

They are also popular for their ability to bloom all summer long and are known for being easy to care for. They are grown as annuals in most climates but can be perennials in tropical regions.

Light	Full sun.
Soil	Well-draining soil.
Watering	Water regularly.
Fertilizer	Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer 2-3 times a week.
Pruning	Prune dead flowers to promote more blooms.
Diseases/ Pests	Susceptible to powdery mildew. Can be affected by aphids, and thrips.
Temperature	Between 60-85°F (16-29°C)

Red Verbena

Verbena is a genus of flowering plants in the family Verbenaceae. There are several species of verbena, and many of them come in different colors, including red.

These plants are often used as ornamental flowers in gardens and as groundcovers. They are known for their showy, colorful blooms and are often used in butterfly gardens and other pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Light	Full sun.
Soil	Well-draining soil.
Watering	Water regularly.
Fertilizer	Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer 2-3 times a week.
Pruning	Remove deadheads to encourage more flowering.
Diseases/ Pests	Not affected by pests. Susceptible to powdery mildew.
Temperature	Between 60-85°F (16-29°C)

I hope this information was helpful and now you’re able to decide which red flowers you should get!

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Disclaimer: Some of the above-used images are generated by AI ( Midjourney)