Summer bouquets need flowers that love heat, throw long straight stems and hold once they are cut. These six annuals thrive in South African summers and are easy to succession sow from late spring into early autumn.
Zinnia
Why it works: a classic cut-and-come-again annual with sturdy stems, saturated colour and reliable vase life when picked at the right stage, grows in full sun after the last frost and keeps cutting to extend the show.
How to cut and condition: pick when the head passes the wiggle test and the stem stays firm when gently shaken, then strip lower leaves and stand in clean, tepid water. With good hygiene, expect about a week in the vase.
Sunflower
Why it works: bold faces on tall stems scream summer. For bouquets, choose single, pollenless cuts that do not shed. Direct sow after frost to avoid root disturbance and give maximum sun.
How to cut and condition: harvest when ray petals just begin to lift from the disc, recut stems under water, remove any foliage below the waterline and keep buckets scrupulously clean for roughly seven days of vase life.
Cosmos
Why it works: feathery foliage, airy stems and generous production from a small patch, cosmos relish poor, well-drained soils and full sun, which suits hot South African summers. Regular deadheading or cutting keeps them flowering.
How to cut and condition: harvest at the cracking bud to just-open stage and condition in deep, cool water. Vase life is shorter than zinnia at about five to seven days, so plan to refresh stems.
Celosia
Why it works: heat lover with sculptural texture, whether feathery plumes or bold crests. Colour holds exceptionally well fresh and the blooms dry beautifully, so stems do double duty in dried arrangements.
How to cut and condition: pick when heads are fully coloured and firm, strip foliage and refresh water often. Good stems last a week or more, then move them to your everlasting stash.
Gomphrena
Why it works: papery button heads are almost indestructible in heat and humidity, with slim stems that weave neatly through mixed bouquets. Full sun, modest water and frequent picking keep plants productive.
How to cut and condition: harvest when globes are full sized and richly coloured. Fresh stems are long-lasting and the heads dry to hold colour for months.
Ammi (false Queen Anne’s lace)
Why it works: a lacy filler that lightens heavier blooms and adds movement. Sow in place where possible and repeat every few weeks for a steady supply.
How to cut and condition: pick when most florets in the umbel are open and brace stems in deep water. Properly conditioned ammi often gives up to ten days in the vase.
Southern Hemisphere timing
In South Africa, sow heat lovers like zinnia, cosmos, celosia, gomphrena and sunflowers from late spring once frost has passed, then succession sow every two to three weeks for continuous stems into autumn. Ammi appreciates the coolest shoulder of the season, so sow earlier or give light afternoon shade in very hot regions.
Vase-life basics that matter most
Clean tools and buckets, strip leaves below the waterline, recut stems underwater and condition out of direct sun. Cool, clean water and hygiene extend life far more reliably than additives.
Easy pairings to try
Sunflower with ammi gives bold discs against airy lace. Candy-bright zinnia with gomphrena reads across a room. Tuck sculptural celosia into cosmos for texture and movement.
Bottom line: choose heat-proof annuals, pick at the right stage and keep your conditioning clean and cool. With a little succession sowing, you will have armfuls of stems all summer.
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