What We’re Growing in Our Greenhouse This Year (And Why I Chose These Flowers)

This year we filled the greenhouse mostly with plugs instead of seed, because established plants can handle a missed watering or a few days away. The lineup is lisianthus, dahlias from cuttings, gomphrena, strawflower and ranunculus, with feverfew, amaranth and basil as fillers.

When I think about a space—any space, really—I think about how I want to feel when I’m in it.

And in my greenhouse?

I want to be surrounded by beauty.

I want to feel connected.

I want to enjoy my time out there… not feel behind or like I’m constantly trying to catch up.

So this year, we took a different approach.

We still chose flowers we love—those tried-and-true varieties that we know perform—but we skipped the fussy early stage and brought in plugs for a lot of it.

It’s a simpler way to grow, and it lets us get to the good part faster.

Why we chose plugs this year

This decision really comes down to real life.

We’re balancing full-time work, time between Knoxville and the farm, teaching, and everything else that fills a week. I’m not always standing in the greenhouse every day, and when you’re starting from seed, that margin matters.

It’s easy to miss a watering window and come back to trays of sad little starts.

Plugs give us a little grace there.

They arrive already established, with stronger roots and more resilience. If life pulls you away for a day or two, they’re far more forgiving.

For us, that means:

Less stress early on More consistency A greenhouse that fills in without constant hovering

We ordered our plugs from FarmerBailey.com. They offer full flats if you’re planting at a larger scale, but they also have options for smaller quantities if you’re just planting a garden or a few beds.

And that’s exactly what I wanted this season—a greenhouse that works with us, not one more thing to keep up with.

What We’re Growing in the Greenhouse

This is where we’re getting our jump on the season—strong plants, early blooms, and a space that’s already starting to feel full.

Lisianthus Voyage (White & Pink)

Soft, layered blooms that feel almost like roses but more delicate.

What they bring: elegance, long stems, and a soft neutral that works in everything.

Dahlias (from cuttings)

Karma Amanda (Violet + White) – bold and eye-catching

Cafe au Lait – soft, blush, and always a favorite

What they bring: focal blooms that anchor an arrangement.

Gomphrena ‘Audray Mix’

Heat-loving, globe-shaped blooms in mixed colors.

What they bring: texture and incredible staying power—fresh or dried.

Strawflower (Helichrysum ‘Monstrosum’)

King Size Mix + Raspberry Rose Mix

What they bring: structure, bright color, and blooms that last and last.

Ranunculus (started in the greenhouse)

One of the earliest signs that spring is really happening.

What they bring: layered, delicate blooms with strong stems—perfect for early bouquets.

What We’re Adding In (The Fillers + Movement)

These are the pieces that make everything feel gathered and full.

Feverfew → light, airy softness

Amaranth → movement and a little drama

Basil + Thai Basil → greenery with texture and scent

This is where arrangements really come to life.

What’s Growing Outside the Greenhouse

The greenhouse may get the spotlight right now—but outside is where things really stretch out.

Cut-and-Come-Again Annuals

Zinnias (lots of them, in every color). I always plant the most lovely varieties from Floret Flower Farm

Cosmos

Bachelor buttons

These just keep giving the more you cut.

Cool Season Favorites (Already Thriving)

Larkspur

Sweet peas

Both are incredibly happy in that early spring window and worth planting every year.

Perennials + Long-Time Favorites

Peonies (so many varieties, and worth every bit of the wait)

Lenten Roses to start off the season in every color you can imagine!

Lilies – Tiger lilies, day lilies – they are tried and true for adding color to the landscape.

Rudbeckia / Black-Eyed Susans

Calendula

Marigolds in unusual colors, not a perennial, but I just reseed using seeds from the previous year and I tuck them everywhere. Hard workers and plus, my chickens enjoy the blooms!

These are the backbone—reliable, beautiful, and returning year after year.

Herbs + Useful Plants

Comfrey

Horehound

Basil and other herbs

Some for bouquets, some for usefulness, and some just because they belong here.

Vegetables (Getting Ready to Go In)

We’ve also got heirloom vegetables started and coming along—getting ready for their place in the garden as the season warms up.

How It All Works Together

I’m always thinking about how everything works together—not just what looks good on its own.

This mix gives us:

Focal flowers → dahlias, lisianthus, ranunculus

Fillers → feverfew, gomphrena, basil

Movement → amaranth

Steady producers → zinnias, cosmos

Structure → perennials that return year after year

It makes arranging easier. It makes the space feel full. And it keeps something blooming at every stage.

You Don’t Need a Greenhouse to Do This

All of these can be grown outside.

The greenhouse just gives us a head start and a little more control.

If you’re planting outdoors:

Watch your frost dates

Start with good soil

Keep things evenly watered early on

That’s what sets you up for success.

More Than Just Flowers

This isn’t just about growing flowers.

It’s about creating a space that feels the way you want it to feel.

For me, that means:

Being surrounded by beauty

Feeling connected to what’s growing

Actually enjoying my time out there

This year looks a little different.

A little more intentional.

A little more forgiving.

And a whole lot more enjoyable.

And that’s exactly what I was after.

Now that’s BombDiggity. 🌸

Greenhouse flower questions we get asked

Why grow from plugs instead of seed?

Plugs arrive already established with stronger roots, so they are more forgiving if you miss a watering or travel for a day or two. With full-time work and time split between town and the farm, plugs gave us steadier growth and a greenhouse that filled in without constant attention.

Where do you buy flower plugs?

Ours came from Farmer Bailey, which sells full flats or smaller quantities. We also like supporting small and micro flower farms when we can.

What makes a good mix for cut flower bouquets?

Think in roles. Focal flowers like dahlias, lisianthus and ranunculus, fillers like feverfew, gomphrena and basil, amaranth for movement, steady producers like zinnias and cosmos, and perennials that come back each year for structure.

Growing more flowers? Our Growing Flowers guide brings all of our flower guides together in one place, from dahlias and zinnias to cool weather blooms and arranging.

You might also enjoy Spring Garden Planning Guide and Gomphrena — Small Blooms, Big Impact.