Wouldn’t it be great to plant something once and have it come back year after year—with zero replanting? Well, that’s exactly what self-sowing plants do. These clever botanical overachievers drop seeds at the end of their growing season, lie dormant through the winter, and pop right back up when the weather warms up again.
In this article, we’ll highlight 12 self-sowing plants that practically take care of themselves. Whether you’re into bold blooms, pollinator-friendly flowers, or even edible herbs, there’s a self-sower here ready to earn its place in your low-maintenance garden.
What Are Self-Sowing Plants?
Self-sowing (or self-seeding) plants produce seeds that naturally fall to the ground and germinate on their own without human help. These plants are usually annuals or biennials, but because they keep reseeding, they behave like perennials.
With the right conditions—well-drained soil, sunlight, and a little room to spread—these plants will keep your garden blooming season after season, all on their own.
1. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
These vibrant orange wildflowers are a must-have for sunny gardens. California poppies reseed readily and thrive in dry, poor soil. Once they take hold, expect a flush of color each spring—no fuss needed.
Bonus: They’re drought-tolerant and attract bees!
2. Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella damascena)
This delicate annual produces dreamy blue, pink, or white flowers surrounded by feathery foliage. After blooming, the unique seed pods develop and burst open—spreading future generations all over your garden.
Tip: Let the pods dry on the plant before pulling anything up!
3. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, adds bright cheer to borders, beds, and pots. The golden-orange petals are not only pretty—they’re edible! Once established, calendula will reseed generously, especially in cooler climates.
Pro tip: Deadhead some, but leave a few blooms to go to seed.
4. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
If you’re craving a cottage garden vibe, cosmos delivers. These tall, airy flowers come in shades of pink, white, and magenta, and they self-sow like pros. Just scatter the seeds once and enjoy their carefree bloom cycle every year.
Bonus: Butterflies adore them.
5. Borage (Borago officinalis)
With its star-shaped blue flowers and fuzzy leaves, borage is a bee magnet. It’s also an edible herb, perfect for garnishing salads or cocktails. Let the flowers go to seed, and borage will surprise you with new plants next season.
Did you know? Borage improves soil health and grows well near tomatoes.
6. Larkspur (Delphinium consolida)
Larkspur brings height and elegance to any bed with its towering spikes of purple, blue, or pink blooms. Though technically an annual, larkspur reseeds freely, giving you perennial-like performance without the commitment.
Heads up: Seeds need a chill period, so fall sowing is ideal.
7. Cleome (Cleome hassleriana)
Often called spider flower, cleome is a bold self-seeder with long stems and dramatic flowers. These tall plants add a wild, whimsical touch and attract pollinators like crazy.
Note: They can get large—give them space to spread.
8. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)
These cheerful blooms aren’t just pretty—they’re edible, too. Nasturtiums reseed easily in well-drained soil and full sun. Let some flowers fade and drop their seeds, and you’ll be rewarded with a fresh flush next year.
Bonus: They’re great for companion planting with veggies!
9. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Foxgloves are biennials, but they self-sow so well that you’ll get a reliable show every year once they’re established. Their tall flower spikes are a favorite among hummingbirds and shade gardens.
Important: All parts of the plant are toxic—keep away from pets and children.
10. Verbena bonariensis
This tall, airy plant creates a soft purple haze in the garden and self-seeds enthusiastically. It’s perfect for naturalistic plantings or mixed borders where you want a hint of wild charm.
Bonus: Butterflies can’t resist it.
11. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
The dainty white flowers with yellow centers aren’t just cute—they’re also a soothing herbal tea. Chamomile will self-sow in cracks, borders, or between veggies if you let it flower and go to seed.
Tip: Snip a few blooms for tea, leave a few for reseeding.
12. Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis sylvatica)
True to their name, forget-me-nots are hard to forget—and harder to stop once they start! These tiny blue blooms love shady spots and will happily pop up year after year if allowed to set seed.
Ideal for: Underplanting in woodland-style gardens.
Quick Tips for Managing Self-Sowing Plants
Want them to come back—but not take over? Here’s how to keep things in check:
-
Deadhead strategically: Remove most spent blooms, but let a few go to seed.
-
Thin seedlings early: Pull extra sprouts to avoid overcrowding.
-
Label your plants: Helps you remember what to expect when new growth pops up.
-
Mulch lightly: Too much mulch can smother self-sown seeds.
Final Thoughts
Self-sowing plants are nature’s way of saying, “Relax, I got this.” With just a little planning, you can enjoy a colorful, thriving garden year after year—no replanting, no problem. Whether you’re a hands-off gardener or just love a good floral surprise each spring, these 12 self-sowing favorites are guaranteed to bring beauty with less effort.