I'm planning my wedding for the end of September and would love to grow my own flowers for arrangements and bouquets to save on costs. Has anyone done this before? I'm particularly interested in growing lavender, baby's breath, lilacs, and wildflowers. Any tips on when to start them and how to ensure they germinate well?
3 Answers
Consider zinnias! They'll bloom until the first frost if you keep deadheading them. Also, look into Love-lies-bleeding and calendula. Just remember to check what's actually in bloom around your area come September; not all flowers are available year-round like they are at flower shops!
While you might have some luck with wildflowers and baby's breath in September, lavender and lilacs typically bloom in spring or early summer, so they won’t be available for your wedding. Most plants start winding down this time of year, saving energy for winter instead of blooming.
I actually grew flowers for my daughter's wedding—though I focused more on table decor than bouquets. If you're not an experienced gardener, keep in mind it can be a lot of work without a guaranteed outcome. Lilacs are out by May, so you’ll need to choose flowers that bloom in late September instead.
Totally agreeing on zinnias! They're vibrant and last long. Don't forget to check what's seasonal in your region, that's key!