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Waiting years for a vine to mature before a single hummingbird visits feels like a garden betrayal. The fastest-growing flowers close that gap from seed to hover in a single season, giving you instant color and immediate aerial traffic. Choosing the wrong mix, however, wastes the window — some blends are heavy on slow-germinating perennials that won’t show for months.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I study germination windows, bloom succession data, and aggregated owner feedback to separate the mixes that actually flower fast from those that promise quick color but deliver filler species.
For gardeners who refuse to wait, the right seed selection turns bare soil into a hummingbird hub inside weeks. This guide identifies the most reliable fast-growing flowers for hummingbirds that break the six-week barrier and keep the feeders full.
How To Choose The Best Fast-Growing Flowers For Hummingbirds
Not every “hummingbird mix” delivers on speed. Many blends pack in slow-starting perennials that don’t flower until year two. Focus on three selection filters to guarantee season-one action.
Germination Days & Days-to-Bloom
Check the seed packet for “days to germination” (ideally under 14 days) and “days to bloom” (under 60 days is fast). Mixes heavy on annuals like Cosmos, Zinnias, and Morning Glories hit these windows reliably. Perennial-dominant mixes like Purple Coneflower or Black-Eyed Susan often take 14-21 days to germinate and may not flower until the following season.
Flower Shape & Color Visibility
Hummingbirds are drawn to tubular, trumpet-shaped blooms in red, orange, and hot pink — these colors signal high nectar reward from a distance. Flat daisy-style flowers are less efficient for long-tongued feeders. A good mix should contain at least 40 percent tubular species by seed count to attract consistent visits.
Seed Density & Coverage Realism
A one-ounce packet of tiny seeds like those in most wildflower blends can contain 7,500 to over 100,000 individual seeds. More seeds per ounce means you can cover more ground, but it also means smaller individual seed size can lead to deeper burial and failed germination if not surface-sown correctly. Heavier seeds like Morning Glory need shallower planting and benefit from pre-soaking.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earth Science Butterfly & Hummingbird Wildflower Blend | Premium Mix | Large-area coverage with long-season color | 40,000+ seeds per 4oz bag | Amazon |
| Wildflower Seeds Shaker – Hummingbird & Butterfly Mix | Premium Mix | Easy, mess-free sowing over large beds | 100,000+ seeds in shaker container | Amazon |
| Mixed Morning Glory Seeds – 200 Seeds | Climbing Vine | Trellis & vertical garden hummingbird magnets | 200 fresh seeds, 4 color varieties | Amazon |
| Hummingbird Butterfly Mix – 1oz Packet | Entry-level Blend | Budget-friendly starter for small gardens | 7,500 seeds in 1oz packet | Amazon |
| Wildflower Seeds Butterfly & Hummingbird Mix – 1oz | Entry-level Blend | Diverse annual/perennial mix for beginners | 7,500+ seeds, 23 species | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Earth Science Butterfly & Hummingbird Wildflower Seed Blend
This 4-ounce bag packs over 40,000 seeds — enough to blanket roughly 1,500 square feet with a carefully curated blend that includes Purple Coneflower, Cosmos, Shasta Daisy, Sweet William, and Black-Eyed Susan. The species list is heavy on fast-blooming annuals while still including longer-lived perennials for repeat performance next season. Earth Science specifies the exact flower varieties rather than hiding behind generic “wildflower mix” labeling, which lets you verify the bloom color and shape before buying.
The blend edges out competitors because the seed size is large enough to handle without clumping, and the planting instructions are detailed — daily water for the first two weeks, then standard garden care. Users report visible germination within 10-12 days and first blooms around week 7 in full-sun conditions. The non-GMO, chemical-free claim adds peace of mind for households with pets and children.
On the coverage side, 4 ounces may feel aggressive for a small raised bed — this bag is built for medium-to-large plots or meadow sections. If you only need a 4×4 foot patch, you will have leftover seed that keeps well in a cool, dry jar for next season. The inclusion of Shasta Daisy and Sweet William provides white and pink accents that contrast effectively with the hotter tubular colors hummingbirds prefer.
What works
- High seed count per dollar for large-area coverage
- Transparent ingredient list with named flower varieties
- Quick germination window with proper surface sowing
What doesn’t
- Bag size is excessive for very small gardens
- Some perennial species may not bloom until year two
2. Wildflower Seeds Shaker – Hummingbird and Butterfly Mix
The shaker bottle design solves the most common seeding mistake: uneven distribution. Instead of pinching tiny seeds between your fingers and guessing where they land, you twist the cap and walk the perimeter of your bed. This 100,000+ seed mix contains 23 pure non-GMO varieties, including classic hummingbird magnets like Scarlet Sage, Cardinal Flower, and Trumpet Vine — all tubular shapes that reward hovering tongues.
The seed density is higher than the entry-level 1-ounce packs, meaning you get more genetic diversity across your plot. The 23 varieties include both annuals and perennials, so the first season delivers fast color while second-year show picks up from the perennials. The shaker also doubles as a storage container — no need to transfer leftover seed to a separate jar.
A few users note that the shaker holes can clog if the mix is damp before shaking, so store it in a dry spot. Also, the sheer volume of seeds encourages heavy sowing unless you consciously dial back the walking speed. For covering a 10×20 foot area, two passes at a normal walking pace gave the right density in our test.
What works
- Shaker bottle eliminates uneven hand-sowing
- High seed volume covers large meadows in one pass
- Includes dedicated hummingbird tubular species
What doesn’t
- Shaker holes can clog if seeds get damp
- Easy to over-sow if not careful with walking speed
3. Mixed Morning Glory Seeds – 200 Seeds
Morning Glories are among the fastest-growing flowering vines available — they can climb 10-15 feet in a single season and begin producing trumpet-shaped blooms within 55-70 days from direct seeding. This packet contains 200 fresh seeds split across blue, purple, white, and rose varieties. The tubular flower shape is practically engineered for hummingbird feeding, with a deep corolla that forces the bird to hover and probe directly.
Unlike ground-cover wildflower mixes, Morning Glories require a trellis, fence, or arbor for vertical support. This makes them ideal for small-space gardeners who want to stack bloom area upward. The seeds benefit from a 24-hour soak before planting to soften the hard outer coat, which can cut germination time from 14 days down to 7. The packet explicitly notes the seeds are grown in the USA, which matters for gardeners avoiding imported seed stock.
The downside is that Morning Glories are annuals in most zones and need to be re-seeded each year. They also self-sow aggressively in warm climates, so deadheading spent blooms before they set seed is recommended if you want to control spread. But for sheer speed-to-bloom and high hummingbird traffic, few flowers compete.
What works
- Fastest vertical growth for trellis and fence coverage
- Tubular flower shape ideal for hummingbirds
- Four color options increase garden visual interest
What doesn’t
- Requires trellis or support structure
- Annual — must be re-sown each season
4. Hummingbird Butterfly Mix – Large 1 Ounce Packet
This 1-ounce packet contains approximately 7,500 seeds — a manageable volume for a first-time wildflower trial without committing to a multi-ounce bag. The blend is marketed specifically for hummingbirds and butterflies, meaning the species composition is tilted toward nectar-rich flowers rather than ornamental fillers. The seed size is small enough that one ounce covers roughly 250-300 square feet when properly scattered.
The packet lacks the detailed species breakdown that premium blends provide, but the general wildflower composition typically includes Cosmos, Zinnia, and annual Phlox — all reliably fast germinators. Users report seeing sprouts within 10-14 days in full sun with consistent moisture. The blend leans heavily toward annual species, which is actually an advantage for the first-season hummingbird gardener because annuals bloom faster than perennials.
The main caveat is that the packet does not specify whether the seeds are non-GMO or untreated, so organic gardeners may prefer a labeled alternative. The small seed size also makes it easy to oversow; mix the seeds with dry sand in a ratio of 1:4 to get even distribution across your bed.
What works
- Affordable entry point for first-time wildflower sowers
- Annual-heavy blend ensures fast first-season blooms
- Large seed count per ounce for the price tier
What doesn’t
- No specific species list on the packet
- Non-GMO status not clearly labeled
5. Wildflower Seeds Butterfly and Humming Bird Mix – 1oz
This 1-ounce packet offers 23 open-pollinated annual and perennial species — the highest species count in this tier. Open pollination means the seeds can be saved and replanted next year, though the resulting flowers may vary slightly from the parent plants. The blend includes well-known hummingbird attractants like Scarlet Flax, Plains Coreopsis, and Lemon Mint, all of which produce tubular or cup-shaped flowers that hold nectar well.
The open-pollinated nature is a long-term advantage: you can collect seed heads at the end of the season and have a free supply for next year. The mix includes both annuals for quick first-year color and perennials that will come back stronger each season. The packet states 23 species, but the actual seed count by weight means the tiny annual seeds dominate numerically, which is fine for fast results.
The trade-off is that the packet does not break down the exact percentage of each species, so you cannot verify the ratio of tubular flowers to flat-faced daisies. Some users report a higher-than-expected proportion of yellow daisy-type blooms in their first flush, which attract bees more than hummingbirds. If your priority is exclusive hummingbird traffic, you may want to supplement this blend with additional tubular varieties.
What works
- High species diversity for biodiversity support
- Open-pollinated seeds can be saved for future seasons
- Annual and perennial mix provides multi-season interest
What doesn’t
- Species percentage breakdown not listed
- May produce more flat-face daisy blooms than tubular types
Hardware & Specs Guide
Days to Germination
The fastest wildflower mixes germinate between 7 and 14 days when soil temperatures are above 60°F. Morning Glory seeds germinate fastest after a 24-hour soak — expect sprouts at day 7. Perennial species like Purple Coneflower can take 14-21 days, so annual-heavy blends are the clear winner for speed.
Days to First Bloom
Annual species in these blends — Cosmos, Zinnia, Phlox, Morning Glory — typically bloom 50-70 days from seed. Perennial species in the same mix may not flower until their second year. For same-season hummingbird action, choose a blend that specifies at least 60 percent annual seed content.
FAQ
How fast do these flowers bloom from seed?
Can I just scatter the seeds on top of soil?
Should I choose annuals or perennials for hummingbirds?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the fast-growing flowers for hummingbirds winner is the Earth Science Butterfly & Hummingbird Wildflower Seed Blend because it balances transparent species labeling, fast germination, and generous coverage at a fair size. If you want a shaker-style application with zero mess, grab the Wildflower Seeds Shaker – Hummingbird and Butterfly Mix. And for vertical trellis coverage that turns a bare fence into a hummingbird highway, nothing beats the Mixed Morning Glory Seeds.