How to Plan a Stunning Cut Flower Garden Layout

Are you thinking about growing a stunning cut flower garden but have no idea where to start? I’ll walk you through the process of planning a layout that is not only beautiful but productive throughout the growing season.

Enjoying the beauty of a garden in full bloom is as easy as growing your own cut flowers. However, a successful garden requires careful planning and execution.

With the right steps and tips, you can create a thriving outdoor space that will give you colorful blooms all season long. I’ll share detailed steps and advice on planning and creating a healthy cut flower garden, from sowing the seeds to enjoying the blooms.

planning a cut flower garden layout

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flowers in the summer garden

I can’t tell you how much I love planning my cut flower garden layout each year.

My garden is never the same from year to year. I’m always experimenting with growing new flowers and I’m not afraid to say goodbye to any plant that didn’t fit in!

The planning phase is so important for gardening efficiency and your sanity! Trust me, your results will be much more positive if you invest more time in designing and planning your gardening space from the beginning.


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planning a cut flower garden layout: raised beds full of annuals

In this blog post, I’ll share five essential elements that will guarantee the success of your cut flower garden.

Choosing the ideal location for your annual cut flowers and the strategy behind deciding where to plant your seed starts is a great head start to your gardening dream.

Next, I’ll guide you through calculating the necessary space for your flower seeds and designing a layout that’s visually pleasing, practical, and easy to maintain.

And, of course, I’ll help you to make informed decisions about what flower seeds to order for your garden.


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 snapdragons in a cut flower garden

The sunlight, soil, and space needed to grow a fresh-cut garden must be evaluated before planning the layout of your cut flower garden.

When planning a garden bed, choose plants that require similar amounts of light, with some variety for interest.

Evaluate your garden beds for sunlight availability to create a thriving cut flower garden. Most flowers I grow in the cutting garden need at least 6 hours of sun daily.

Avoid overcrowding, which can cause competition among plants for resources like water and nutrients.

When planning the location of your cutting garden, you’ll want to ensure you have good garden soil. Choose an area with well-drained, healthy soil that is free from large root systems.

I highly recommend you perform a soil test before planting your seed starts. This will give you a better understanding of how your soil will perform and what amendments will need to be added to the ground.

There are soil test options available. You can buy an inexpensive test or hire a local garden resource center to test your soil conditions.

Many beginning gardeners pass on this step but usually never make the same mistake twice. It is such an important part of the process.

Your flowering garden will thrive when you add organic matter. I add fish compost to my garden beds every April and mulched leaves every fall to add nutrients to the soil.

planning a cut flower garden: planting seedlings in the garden

Cut flower gardens are quite different from regular flower gardens. They are all about producing flowers that can be cut and enjoyed repeatedly. They have a purpose.

I still try to keep the cut flowers looking as pretty as possible. Here are some things I consider when determining where to plant my seedlings.

I like creating flower beds by color when possible. Softer color palettes are usually separated from brighter blooms.

 pictures of flowers laid out to plan

In one garden bed, I plant seedlings that bloom at different times throughout the spring and summer. That way, the beds will always have flowers growing in them, no matter what time of the season it is.

An example would be to plant sweet peas (early summer bloom) and globe amaranth (late summer bloom) together in the same bed. Then, when the sweet peas start fading at the end of July in my hardiness zone 8b, the globe amaranth will start to bloom and take over the bed.

Cosmos and zinnias are always great to place among various flowers, as they last for most of the season.

planning a cut flower garden layout: sweet peas and strawflowers

I’m a visual person, so I may do things differently from others.

Planning the new year’s garden is almost like a puzzle, trying to fit all the pieces in the right spaces. I use graph paper and printouts of the flower varieties I’ve picked for this year’s garden. I lay everything out, looking for possible themes and color palettes.

Keep in mind the plant’s mature height and width. It’s important to keep the taller flowers towards the back of the beds, so they won’t shadow the others around them.

I made the mistake of planting very tall sweet peas in the center of the raised bed one year, not realizing that when the afternoon sun hit a certain direction, the flowers on the other side of the sweet peas were blocked entirely from the sun.

Those plants needing staked or netted are usually grown together in one bed so I can corral them.

planning a cut flower garden: all the supplies to plan a cut flower garden

Calculating the garden space you have to work with is important in deciding how many flower seed varieties you can grow.

Never shop a seed catalog before knowing how much dedicated garden space you must work with. This is where you can get into trouble!

When estimating the space they will take up, consider the number and type of plants. To ensure healthy plant growth, each seed should have at least 6-8 inches of space surrounding it. If planting in rows, make sure there are 12-15 inches between them for easy access and maintenance.

bee on light pink cosmos

Factor in any additional plants necessary to support pollinators such as bees or butterflies. Knowing exactly how much space is available will help you determine which varieties of flowers will work best for your garden.

The back of the seed packet indicates how much space to leave between each plant. However, I tend to space the seed starts just a little closer together than recommended for certain varieties that aren’t as bushy or susceptible to mildew.

This gives me more room, and I don’t get as many weeds growing in the beds. But make sure you’re familiar with the types of flowers you’re growing before you make spacing decisions other than what the directions recommend.

planning a cut flower garden layout

A thoughtfully designed garden enhances the visual appeal and makes it easier to care for your plants. Here are some key steps to help you design your cut flower garden layout.

Define Your Garden Space

Start by clearly defining the boundaries of your flower garden. You can create defined borders with garden edging, stones, or other materials.

This adds structure and prevents grass and weeds from encroaching on your flower beds.

greenhouse and white picket fence to cut flower garden

Consider the Natural Landscape

Consider the landscape features of your garden, such as trees, shrubs, or architectural elements like fences and walls. These elements can serve as backdrops or focal points for your flower beds.

Group Plants Thoughtfully

Group flowers with similar water and sunlight requirements together. This makes it easier to care for your garden, as you can provide the right conditions for each group without over- or under-watering or shading.

planning a cut flower garden layout: raised beds full of cut flowers

Create Paths and Access Aisles

Design your garden layout with paths and access aisles. These make it easier to reach and care for your flowers and add visual interest. To define these pathways, You can use gravel, stone, or wood chips.

Incorporate Focal Points

Add focal points to your garden, such as a decorative trellis, a birdbath, or a seating area. These elements can be eye-catching features and create a sense of balance and harmony in your garden design.

Think About Seasonal Interest

Plan for year-round interest by selecting flowers that bloom at different times throughout the seasons. This ensures that your garden remains appealing and colorful throughout the year.

strawflowers in the summer garden

Balance Color and Texture

Consider the color palette and texture of your flower varieties. Mixing complementary colors and varying textures can create a visually stunning garden.

Think about the height of your plants, with taller ones placed strategically to create depth and visual interest.

Sketch Your Garden Design

Before planting, sketch out your garden design on paper. This will help you visualize the layout and allow you to make adjustments as needed.

seedlings in raised beds

Start Planting

Once you’re happy with your garden design, it’s time to start planting your flowers. Follow your plan, giving each plant the appropriate spacing and care.

Designing a cut flower garden plot may seem intimidating, but it can be easy and fun with careful planning and the right steps!

planning a cut flower garden: flowers seed packets for the cut flower garden

When planning a cut flower garden, an important step is choosing the right varieties of flowers for cutting. A wide variety of annuals and perennials make excellent cut flowers, so selecting blooms that will work best for your climate and preferences is important.

When selecting varieties for cutting, consider the size, shape, color, and scent of each bloom. It’s also helpful to look at how long each flower lasts after being cut from its stem and whether it attracts beneficial insects or birds to your garden.

Once you’ve chosen your favorite flower varieties for cutting, you can start preparing your soil and planting.

Here are the cut flower seeds I ordered the past few years:

yarrow summer berry

If you’ve had a garden in the past, look back in your garden journal to see what worked and what opportunities there were.

  • Were there too many flowers that looked alike?
  • Was there enough overall color, too much of one color, or not enough?
  • Did you have flowers blooming throughout the growing season, with some going away and others taking their place?
  • Were there enough fillers to incorporate into your flower arrangements, and not all bright and beautiful blooms?
cosmos in a cut flower garden

Of course, you will want to stick with the flowers that performed best for you. But you may want to cut a couple of varieties from the list. That way, you can try a couple of new ones. It’s always fun to try something new, don’t you think?


Add an overline text

‘Growing a Cut Flower Garden’ Series


early spring cut flower garden

Planning a cut flower garden layout can be tailored to suit various needs and circumstances, such as gardening levels and space constraints.

For beginners, simplicity and manageable size are key.

Consider starting with a rectangular or square-shaped garden bed, which is easier to manage than more complex designs.

Choose a mix of easy-to-grow annuals like zinnias, sunflowers, and marigolds. Plant them in rows or blocks for a straightforward layout that’s visually appealing and low maintenance.

For those gardeners with limited space, container gardening or vertical gardening is a great option.

Use pots, hanging baskets, or trellises to grow flowers vertically, maximizing space. Compact, dwarf varieties of flowers are ideal for small spaces.

Consider staggered planting times to ensure continuous blooms throughout the season.

line zinnia in the cut flower garden

If this is your first time starting a cut flower garden from seed, you may be intimidated by the thought of the entire process. But I’m here to make it easier for you!

Below are some of my favorite easy-to-grow flowers. Although they require little effort to grow, they are not lacking in beauty.

  • one of the easiest cut flowers to grow, and that requires minimal maintenance and care
  • attracts beneficial insects like butterflies and bees, which helps to promote pollination and a healthy ecosystem
  • drought-tolerant and can thrive in dry, hot climates
  • disease-resistant, making them an excellent choice for beginning gardeners


  • come in a range of colors and sizes
  • attract pollinators
  • easy to grow and versatile
  • long blooming from mid-summer through fall
  • a natural pest resistant, making them a great choice for organic gardens
  • heat-resistant flower
  • easy to grow and require minimal care
  • provides a great source of food for birds, bees, and other wildlife
  • extremely drought-tolerant and can survive in harsh climates
  • easy to grow and require minimal maintenance
  • excellent cut flowers that can last up to two weeks in a vase
  • attract beneficial pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden
  • deer-resistant
  • easy to grow, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners
  • a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal attention and care
  • drought tolerant, and can thrive in a variety of soil types and conditions
  • attracts beneficial insects to the garden, such as ladybugs and bees
  • provides beautiful, fragrant blooms that can be cut and used in bouquets or enjoyed in the garden
  • can be used to create a living fence or trellis, providing a beautiful backdrop for other plants
  • seeds can be collected and used for future plantings
  • great source of nitrogen, helping to improve soil fertility
  • attractive and low-maintenance plants, making them ideal for any level of gardening experience
  • easy to propagate and can be grown from seeds or cuttings
  • drought-tolerant, and can survive in many soil types
  • attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden
  • blooms last a long time and can be cut and used in flower arrangements
  • can be used as edible flowers in salads or as a garnish
  • come in a variety of colors and sizes, allowing you to customize your garden or outdoor space

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The cut flower garden layout planning process involves understanding your soil type, selecting the right flowers for cutting, optimally planting them to ensure good growth and blooming potential, and providing ongoing care throughout the season.

By following the proper steps and a thorough planning process when creating a cut flower garden, you are setting yourself up for a stunning outdoor space.

I hope you were able to take away a few ideas for planning your cut flower garden.

If you have any questions or additional suggestions, please share them in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with anyone who may find these gardening tips useful.

Until next time,

Happy Gardening!

I’m a self-taught gardener who shares my opinions and what has worked for me in the garden.

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5 Comments

  1. Your garden is so beautiful and inspiring! Can you tell me if you built the raised garden beds on top of the pavers or if the pavers are placed around them? I can’t tell from the pictures. I’m new to raised beds and I’m trying to figure out what’s “allowed” as the base. Thanks!

    1. Hi Amy!
      Thank you so much for the kind words.
      The raised beds are basically a frame and the pavers were added a few years later. So there is no bottom. There are pros and cons to this. The pro is I have all those fabulous worms working hard from the existing soil. The con is that the moles can be a real pain with their digging.
      If you have any other questions feel free to email me at kim@shiplapandshells.com
      Thank you for reaching out!
      Kim

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