Planting seeds is a rite of passage for any gardener. It can be both deeply satisfying and, yes, a little intimidating. Words like “scarify,” “stratification,” and “pre-soak” tend to float around seed packets and garden guides, making transplants look like the simpler option.
But not all seeds are high-maintenance. Some are incredibly easy to grow, even for first-time gardeners, and better yet, pollinators absolutely love them. These five plants are what we like to call “scratch-and-grow.” Just loosen the soil, scatter the seeds, and let nature take it from there. No soaking, scarifying, or fussing needed.
Note: All the plants listed here prefer full sun and can be direct-sown outdoors once the soil has warmed. Around here in Western North Carolina, that usually means late April through early June—but if it’s already in the 80s or 90s, you’re good to go. These are great choices for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Always check your seed packet for spacing and timing recommendations.
1. Borage (Borago officinalis) – The Super Plant
If you’re only planting one pollinator-friendly flower this season, borage might be the one. With fuzzy stems, star-shaped blue flowers, and a knack for thriving in poor soil, borage is beloved by honey bees, bumble bees, and other native pollinators.
It’s also a magnet for beneficial insects. Lacewings often lay their eggs on borage, and its thick foliage attracts spiders, damsel bugs, ground beetles, and parasitoid wasps—all helpful predators that keep pest populations in check.
As a bonus, borage is a renowned companion plant. It’s often grown near tomatoes, squash, and strawberries because it helps improve their health and flavor, and may deter pests. The plant’s long taproot can break up compacted clay soil, which improves soil structure over time—a practice sometimes referred to as “green manure.”
It blooms from late spring through fall, reseeds prolifically, and both the flowers and young leaves are edible, with a fresh, cucumber-like flavor. Herbalists also value borage for its traditional medicinal uses, especially for adrenal support and anti-inflammatory properties.
Why Grow It: Easy, edible, and incredibly beneficial for pollinators and your whole garden ecosystem.
2. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) – A Veritable Buffet
Sunflowers are a classic, and for good reason. These cheerful giants are more than just pretty faces—they’re pollinator powerhouses.
Each sunflower head is actually made up of hundreds (sometimes thousands) of tiny disc flowers in the center, each one offering nectar and pollen. That’s a whole lot of food in one convenient location. Their broad faces make perfect landing pads for bees and butterflies, and they’re a fun, engaging plant to grow with kids.
Sunflowers are tough. They’ll tolerate poor soil, heat, and drought. No need to coddle them. Just give them a sunny, somewhat wind-protected spot, and they’ll grow sky-high… Or not. There are compact varieties that stay under three feet tall, ideal for containers or smaller gardens. Colors range from classic gold to rusty red, creamy white, and even bi-colored petals.
Beyond pollinators, sunflower seeds are a favorite of goldfinches, cardinals, and other seed-eating birds. Letting the heads mature on the stalk means you’ll be feeding your local wildlife into late fall.
Why Grow It: Big impact with minimal effort. A feast for bees, butterflies, and birds alike.
3. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) – Grow Extra for the Bees
We often think of basil as strictly culinary, but it’s just as valuable in the pollinator garden. Bees and butterflies absolutely flock to its flowers—if we let them bloom, that is.
Most gardeners are in the habit of pinching off basil flowers to keep the leaves tender and flavorful. But by planting an extra row—or even just a few additional plants—you can let some go to flower while keeping others for your kitchen. There are also ornamental and purple varieties such as ‘African Blue’ and ‘Holy Basil’ (Ocimum tenuiflorum) that flower continuously and are particularly attractive to pollinators.
Basil prefers full sun and consistent moisture. It’s a heat lover, so wait until nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F before sowing. Letting your basil go to seed in late summer will often reward you with volunteer plants the following year.
Why Grow It: Delicious, healing, and a beacon for pollinators in mid to late summer.
4. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) – Colorful, Edible, and Useful
Nasturtiums bring a lot to the table—literally and figuratively. Their round leaves and vibrant flowers (in shades of orange, red, yellow, and cream) add a peppery bite to salads, but they also attract an impressive array of pollinators, including hummingbirds and native bees.
They’re also beloved by aphids—which might sound like a bad thing, but it makes nasturtiums excellent “trap crops.” Plant them near aphid-prone vegetables like kale, broccoli, and cucumbers to draw pests away from your more valuable crops. At the same time, beneficial predatory insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps will flock to the area, helping to keep your pest population in balance.
Nasturtiums are very forgiving. They don’t need rich soil—in fact, too much nitrogen will give you lush leaves and few flowers. They’re fast-growing, thrive in containers, and don’t require staking or support.
Why Grow It: Easy, edible, pest-managing, and a magnet for hummingbirds and helpful bugs.
5. Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus) – Bring in the Ladybugs
Cornflowers, also known as bachelor’s buttons, are charming annuals with frilly, blue (sometimes pink or white) blooms that stand out beautifully in garden beds and bouquets. But they’re more than just pretty; they’re beloved by bees, butterflies, and especially ladybugs.
Ladybugs are voracious aphid-eaters. Just a few can make a serious dent in pest populations. By planting cornflowers, you’re giving ladybugs and other beneficials a reason to hang around your garden. That’s especially useful in organic gardens where chemical interventions are off the table.
Cornflowers grow best in full sun and well-drained soil, but they’ll tolerate lean conditions just fine. They reseed easily, so once you’ve grown them, you may see them popping up in your garden year after year.
They also dry beautifully for arrangements, adding rustic charm to winter décor.
Why Grow It: Pollinator-friendly, aphid-fighting, and perfect for fresh or dried bouquets.
Start Small and Grow Your Pollinator Paradise!
You don’t have to plant all five of these pollinator favorites at once. Choose one or two to start with. Observe which pollinators they attract. Note where they thrive in your yard. Over time, you’ll build a vibrant pollinator garden that supports your local ecosystem and brings color, movement, and life to your landscape.
Whether you’re growing for the bees, the butterflies, the birds, or simply for beauty’s sake, these easy-from-seed plants are a great place to begin.
Happy planting!
