There are many annuals that will self-seed, but remember that they spread widely in your garden unless kept under control. However, if you like a lot of beautiful volunteers spread throughout your garden, let them naturally reseed. Choose heirloom or open-pollinated species. Avoid hybrids as they will not breed true to type. The following flowering plants are suitable for the Northeast area, and easily self-sow.

Sweet alyssum (Alyssum maritima)

Amaranth (Amaranthus  sp.) – very prolific

California poppy (Eschescholzia californica)

Spider flower (Cleome hasslerana)

Golden coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Snow-on-the-mountain (Euphorbia marginata) – good cutting flower

Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) – petals are edible and good in salads

Honesty (Lunaria annua) – biennial with attractive seed pods

Love-in-the-mist (Nigella damascena)

Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) – makes an architectural statement with tall, slender stems

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service