Cut Flower Garden Plan (Annuals, 3 Raised Beds)

Part of Our Garden Plan Collection

This plan is one of many in our free Garden Plan Library, with tested layouts for vegetables, flowers, and mixed gardens. Each plan shows what to plant, when, and how—so you can grow with confidence, whether you’re aiming for fresh produce, beautiful bouquets, or both. →Browse the full Garden Plan Library.

What This Plan Delivers

• A dedicated layout for a pure cutting flower garden
• Step-by-step instructions for soil prep, planting, watering, and maintenance
• Plant list for seed shopping.
• A planting schedule and spacing guidance for consistent blooms
• Real gardener insights using this exact method

Quick Facts

Keep in mind that this plan is specifically for annual cut flowers (vs. perennials), as it’s a pure cutting garden. Raised beds warm faster in spring, improve drainage, and make harvesting easier, but the layout can also be adapted for in-ground borders.

The Cut Flower Plot Plan

This layout packs a surprising amount of flower power into just three raised beds, producing enough blooms to keep fresh bouquets flowing from midsummer into fall. Annual cutting flowers come in nearly endless colors, shapes, and sizes. Mix and match varieties to suit your color palette—pastels, brights, monochrome, or a lively mix. For more ideas, see our guide on Flowers for a Cutting Garden. 

 The Plant List

See the Flower Growing Guide Library for full instructions on each plant.

Why Grow a Dedicated Cutting Garden?

• Boosts pollinators and garden health: Annual flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects that improve pollination for nearby plants.
• Marks life’s milestones: Fresh bouquets brighten birthdays, anniversaries, and everyday moments.
• Sparks hope: Planting seeds and watching them bloom brings anticipation and renewal after long winters.
• Promotes relaxation: Floral scents connect to the brain’s emotional center, easing stress.
• Lifts beauty and mood: Colorful blooms help you feel connected to nature.
• See our lovely article by a cut flower farmer on “Flower Power: The Surprising Healing Benefits of Flowers.”

How to Create Your Cutting Garden

Step 1: Preparing the Soil

• Fill raised beds with 12–18 inches of rich, well-draining soil.
• Mix in compost or aged manure to promote strong roots and abundant blooms.
• Optional: Use a Soil Calculator to get the right balance for raised beds.

Step 2: Timing Your Planting

• Cool-season flowers (Snapdragons, Larkspur, Sweet Peas, Cornflowers) can be sown indoors or planted outdoors in early spring.
• Warm-season flowers (Zinnia, Cosmos, Sunflowers, Amaranthus) should be planted after the last frost when soil has warmed.
• Succession sow every 2 to 3 weeks for continuous blooms.

Step 3: Planting Tips

• Space flowers generously to allow airflow and reduce disease risk.
• Larger flowers, like sunflowers, may need staking.
• Label beds or squares to track varieties and bloom times.

Step 4: Watering and Maintenance

• Keep soil evenly moist using a soaker hose, drip line, or gentle hand watering.
• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Harvest frequently—cutting flowers encourages new growth and prolongs blooming.

Step 5: Harvesting Flowers

• Cut flowers in the morning when blooms are hydrated.
• Remove lower leaves before placing stems in water.
• Re-cut stems every 1–2 days in fresh water for longer vase life. See our tips on Making a Beautiful Bouquet.

Gardener Spotlight: Susie’s Experience

“This little plan produces enough flowers to see my family and friends through the summer into fall. Zinnias, Cosmos, Amaranthus, and Sunflowers are my favorites. I sow some seeds indoors and others directly in the beds once the soil warms. Harvesting regularly keeps the blooms coming, and it’s so satisfying to share fresh bouquets with everyone.”
–Susie H.

FAQs for Cutting Flower Garden Plan

Q: Can I mix perennials with these annuals?

A: Yes! Reserve a small bed or border for perennials like Echinacea or Rudbeckia.

Q: Do I have to start seeds indoors?

A: Not always! It depends on the type of flower:

• Warm-season flowers (like zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos) are sensitive to frost, so it’s best to plant them outdoors after the last frost.
• Cool-season flowers (like pansies, snapdragons, and sweet peas) can handle cooler weather, so starting them indoors a few weeks early gives them a jumpstart on the season.

Q: How do I keep flowers blooming all season?

A: For many annuals like zinnias, cosmos, and marigolds, succession planting every 2–3 weeks and harvesting regularly encourages continuous blooms. Some flowers, however, bloom just once per stem, so for those, planting new seeds or seedlings in succession ensures your garden stays colorful all season.

Q: How do I make bouquets last longer?

A:  Cut in the morning. Use clean, sharp tools – Pruners or scissors give a clean cut and protect the plant. Snip at an angle. Leave enough foliage. Re-cut stems in water immediately. See our tips on How to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh for Longer. 

More References

• How to Plant Flowers

• Building a Raised Flower Bed

• Filling a Raised Flower Bed

• Best Flowers for a Cutting Garden

Wit & Wisdom

• Every flower has a symbolic meaning—choose blooms for your cutting garden and create bouquets that tell a story! See Flower Meanings!
• While scent usually attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, some flowers can even change color to signal ripeness or attract pollinators.
• Some flowers can “hear” buzzing bees and respond by producing more nectar.
• Roses are related to fruits like apples, peaches, and cherries.
• In the 17th century, tulip bulbs in Holland were so valuable that they rivaled gold.
• “Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” — Lady Bird Johnson

Other Plans to Explore

Want a dedicated space just for cutting flowers? Check out our Annual Flower Plan (Annuals, Raised Beds), designed to keep a steady supply of blooms flowing for bouquets all season.

Or explore our full Garden Plan Library for tested layouts of vegetable, flower, and mixed gardens suitable for every skill level and space.