Summer’s Sprouts

Written by: Sitara Nair

Summer’s Sprouts

Now that it's starting to heat up across the United States, some plants are beginning to thrive and some plants are needing a little bit more help to do so considering the weather. Let’s take a look into some of the plants that thrive in the Summer!

Zinnias

Native to Mexico and Central America, Zinnias are one of the most beautiful, heat loving plants we know of today. These plants are annuals, growing rapidly from seed to bloom in just a few weeks and do especially well in the hot summer months. When thriving they are vibrant and colorful, commonly being seen in yellow, pink, red, yellow, and magenta. Just like their color, their appearance/shape can vary significantly: single blooms, large double-dahlia shapes, cactus-style petals, and pom-pom. These plants thrive in the heat of the summertime because they are used to it coming from the dry climates of Mexico, but their coarse, thick foliage that minimizes water loss and their strong roots help quite a bit as well. If one were to plant zinnias some important things to note that even though they are drought resistant, the high heat can still drain their moisture. This can be mitigated by watering deeply at the base of the plant, allowing their cells to stay hydrated and help those strong roots out!

Purple Coneflowers

Purple Coneflowers are another summer favorite because they can also handle the heat with ease. They are native to the central and eastern regions of North America and are well known for their beautiful bright purple petals that surround the orange-brown center. These perennials also have deep taproots that allow them to reach moisture way below the surface and which helps them survive periods of drought and intense summer temperatures. They also have tough stems and leaves that reduce waterloss, making them naturally resilient to summer’s heat! When planting purple cornflowers, you should choose a location with plenty of direct sunlight as well as well-draining soil for the best results. Mature Coneflowers require little maintenance and can often thrive with only occasional watering during dry spells and young plants might need some more regular watering. These plants often attract butterflies and bees throughout summer so keep that in mind when adding them to your gardens!

Tomatoes

Apart from flowers there also a ton of yummy fruits and vegetables that thrive specifically during the Summer months. One of those fruits include tomatoes! While commonly thought of as vegetables these fruits are native to western South America and later cultivated through Central America. They especially love long days of sunlight as well as consistently warm temperatures to produce harvests (they prefer temperatures between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit). To grow quick and juicy flavorful fruit at home, there are a few important things to keep in mind. They need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day and should be watered deeply and consistently at the base. (If you add mulch around the base it can help the soil retain moisture and keep the roots cool during periods of heat!) With proper care, tomatoes can be lovely garden vegetables and allow for harvest all summer long!

Squash

Another summer sprout is Squash, thriving in the heat of the summer and growing quickly hen given plenty of sunshine and warm soil. They are native to the Americas, have been cultivated for thousands of years, and come in a wide variety. Some varieties include summer squash, such as zucchini and yellow squash, or winter squash, such as butternut and acorn. Summer squash in particular grows rapidly during the hottest months, often producing fruit just a few weeks after flowering. One of the reasons squash performs so well in the summer is its large root system and broad leaves, which help it absorb water efficiently while supporting fast growth. If you're planning to grow squash, you should choose a location that receives full sun and has well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Watering deeply at the base of the plant helps encourage healthy roots and reduces the risk of disease on the leaves. So overall, with consistent care, squash plants can produce a great harvest throughout the season, making them a favorite for all types of gardeners!I