Top 10 Flowers Grown in Iowa

Erica Wendland
5 days ago
2 min read

Bloom-lovin’ notes from a small farm in the Heartland.

Rows of vibrant cut flowers on a small Midwest family farm with sunlight across the fields

If you’ve ever driven a gravel road in Iowa in July, you know exactly how this story starts… sunshine shimmering across the fields, pollinators humming like a tiny orchestra, and blooms stretching their faces toward the sky. Here on our little family farm, flowers aren’t just something we grow — they’re part of our rhythm, our seasons, our joy.

So today, let’s wander down the rows together and peek at Iowa’s Top 10 Most Beloved Flowers — the ones that thrive in our Midwest climate, charm our customers, and keep the bouquets coming all season long.

1. Zinnias

The queens of the summer garden. Bright, bold, and endlessly cheerful, zinnias thrive in Iowa heat. They’re the backbone of so many bouquets and a favorite for beginners and seasoned growers alike.

2. Sunflowers

There’s nothing quite like an Iowa sunflower field in full bloom. These towering beauties attract bees, photographers, and joy-seekers from miles around.

Tall sunflowers with bright yellow petals blooming on a Midwest farm.

3. Dahlias

A little high-maintenance, sure — but worth every ounce of effort. Dahlias give showstopper blooms from midsummer through frost, with colors ranging from soft blush to deep burgundy.

Close-up of a dahlia flowers with layered petals in vibrant summer color.

4. Cosmos

Light, airy, and whimsical. Cosmos dance in the breeze and add that wildflower feel every bouquet deserves.

Light pink cosmos flowers swaying in the breeze on a small farm.

5. Snapdragons

One of the earliest bloomers on the farm and a crowd favorite. Their long stems and dreamy colors make them a staple from spring into early summer.

Rows of snapdragon stems in soft pastel colors growing in a field.

6. Lisianthus

The rose look-alike that melts hearts. Slow to grow but absolutely magical, lisianthus holds up beautifully in bouquets and arrangements.

Cream and blush lisianthus blooms resembling roses in a farm garden.

7. Strawflower

Dried-flower lovers, this one’s for you. Strawflower shines in fresh bouquets and keeps its color long after the season ends.

Strawflowers with papery petals in warm tones on an Iowa flower farm.

8. Basil (yes, the herb!)

Flower farmer secret: heirloom basil varieties make incredible filler. They smell heavenly, add volume, and last surprisingly long in the vase.

A bundle of fresh-cut basil stems used as fragrant filler in bouquets.

9. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan)

A Midwest classic. Cheerful, hardy, and happy to bloom even during dry spells.

Bright yellow Black-Eyed Susan flowers blooming in the summer heat in a mixed bouquet

10. Celosia

Fluffy, funky, and full of personality. Celosia brings texture and color that you just can’t find anywhere else — from coral plumes to velvety brain-shaped blooms.

Vibrant celosia stems with fluffy plume and cockscomb textures.

Why These Flowers Thrive in Iowa

Iowa growers work with a unique blend of hot summers, cool nights, rich soil, and a steady breeze rolling across the fields. These blooms aren’t just pretty — they’re reliable, resilient, and well-adapted to our Midwest climate.

Bringing These Blooms Into Your Own Garden

If you’re dreaming of starting your own cutting patch, begin with zinnias, sunflowers, basil, and rudbeckia. They’re forgiving, prolific, and give you that instant flower-farmer confidence boost. Add dahlias and lisianthus once you’re ready for a little challenge with big rewards.

Final Petals

No matter where you’re growing in Iowa — a backyard patch, a few pots on the porch, or a full flower field — these blooms bring color, pollinators, and pure happiness to your space.

And if you ever want to see these top-10 favorites up close… well, you know where to find us. There’s always a fresh bouquet waiting at the stand and a spot saved for you in the rows.