Ah, May — that magical month when the days get warmer, the soil softens up, and gardens everywhere start waking up for real. If you want a backyard bursting with color all summer long, now’s the perfect time to grab your gloves, dust off your trowel, and get planting.

But don’t just plant anything! Timing is everything. Some flowers practically beg to be planted in May if you want them putting on a show when summer hits its stride. Here’s a lineup of 10 stunning flowers you should plant right now for a bloom-filled summer you’ll be proud to show off.

1. Zinnias

Zinnias are the life of the party, no doubt about it. These bright, cheerful flowers love the heat and don’t mind a bit of drought either. Plus, they come in just about every color you can dream up — reds, pinks, yellows, oranges, even funky multi-colored varieties.

Quick Tip: Sow zinnia seeds directly in the soil once it’s warmed up. You’ll be rewarded with nonstop blooms all summer.

2. Marigolds

Talk about tough cookies! Marigolds are practically bulletproof and perfect for beginner gardeners. Their bold orange, yellow, and gold flowers can light up borders, veggie gardens, and even containers.

Bonus: They also help repel pesky insects like aphids and nematodes — talk about beauty and brains!

3. Cosmos

Cosmos are like those effortlessly stylish people who just look amazing without even trying. Plant them once, and they’ll sway their feathery foliage and daisy-like flowers all through summer.

They’re also a magnet for butterflies and bees, so your garden will be buzzing with life before you know it.

4. Sunflowers

Nothing screams “summer” like a patch of towering sunflowers waving in the breeze. Plant sunflower seeds in May, and by mid to late summer, you’ll have massive blooms that practically demand attention.

Pro Tip: Choose varieties like ‘Autumn Beauty’ or ‘Mammoth’ if you’re after extra drama!

5. Nasturtiums

Want flowers that are colorful, edible, and basically take care of themselves? Nasturtiums are your new best friend. Their vibrant blooms and pretty rounded leaves look amazing trailing from pots or climbing up trellises.

Fun Fact: Both the leaves and flowers are peppery and delicious in salads!

6. Petunias

Old-fashioned? Maybe a little. But petunias have stuck around for good reason. Their rich, velvety flowers keep going strong through the hottest days of summer if you give them plenty of sun and regular watering.

Go wild with colors — deep purple, pure white, electric pink — or find blends that shift shades throughout the season.

7. Salvia

If you’re after bold spikes of color that practically glow against green foliage, salvia is where it’s at. These sun-loving perennials (often grown as annuals in cooler climates) are incredibly low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once they’re established.

Hummingbirds and bees go absolutely crazy for them, too — so don’t be surprised if your garden turns into a wildlife hotspot.

8. Dahlias

Dahlias are like fireworks for your flower beds. Plant dahlia tubers in May once the frost is gone, and get ready for an explosion of color by mid to late summer.

With blooms ranging from palm-sized to dinner-plate big, you’ll feel like you’re living in a botanical wonderland.

9. Celosia

Looking for something a little different? Celosia, with its crazy flame-like plumes and vivid shades, definitely stands out from the crowd. These heat-loving annuals laugh in the face of sweltering summers.

Tuck them into sunny spots, water them during dry spells, and let them steal the show!

10. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

Reliable, tough as nails, and sunny as can be — black-eyed Susans are the kind of flower that make any garden feel instantly more joyful. Plant them in May, and they’ll reward you with months of golden blooms all the way into early fall.

Heads-up: Bees and butterflies love them, and once established, they’ll spread happily in your garden.

Tips for Success When Planting in May

Before you dive headfirst into planting, a few quick pointers to set you up for success:

• Check the last frost date in your area to make sure your soil’s warm enough.

• Loosen the soil and mix in a little compost for a nutrient boost.

• Water deeply after planting to help roots settle in.

• Mulch around new seedlings to keep the soil moist and discourage weeds.

Get those basics right, and you’ll be halfway to a bloom-packed summer already.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been sitting on the fence, wondering whether it’s too late to plant for summer, here’s your sign: it’s not. In fact, it’s the perfect time. May gives you a golden window to get those seeds and transplants into the ground while the days are still mild and the plants have time to gear up for a long, glorious summer of blooming.

Grab your favorite flowers from this list, dig in — literally — and before you know it, your garden will be the kind of summer paradise that makes you want to kick back, sip some lemonade, and soak it all in.

Ready to get your hands dirty?