I am also a newcomer to the forums. You'll find great information here. I would suggest Zinnias and Sunflowers. These were the extent of the flowers we took to market last year and sold almost every stem we took. We're trying to broaden our horizons this year. There are lots of other options for cut flowers, but I'll leave those for the experts to suggest. Congratulations on the upcoming nuptial. I'm sure your new wife will be pleased with such a thoughtful gift.
Connie

I second the vote for zinnias and sunflowers and please add cosmos to your list, which are also directly sown. If you plant larkspur within the next week, you should be able to get them the cold period they need for germination.

You mentioned daisies, however, keep in mind those are perennials and do not bloom the first year from seeds.

You may want to go to some of the Internet seed sites such as Renee's Seeds, Burpee, Johnny's and see if they have cutting garden collections to get an idea of what works well when direct down.

Good luck,

Teresa

Where do you fine larkspur seeds? Is that something I can pick up at home depot or is it a special order seed?

You should be able to find larkspur seeds at Home Depot or any other store that carries a wide selection of seeds. If you are not planting the day you purchase them, put them in the fridge to start the chilling process.

They are a tall, blue spikey flower; however, they tend to stop blooming when the weather gets really hot. I use them a lot until then.

Teresa

Hi White Rabbit--

If you post your wonderful query on the Winter Sowing forum I can practically guarantee that folks will be willing to send you cutting garden seeds for a SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope). They are a bunch of generous softies and you'll probably get more seeds and advice than you can use. (Oh, and this forum is mainly about the somewhat unusual concept of sowing seeds outdoors in winter, but there is plenty of spring, summer, and fall sowing too.)

-Orena

Here is a link that might be useful: Winter Sowing forum

Another easy beginner flower is Batchelors Buttons. YOu can get them either in blue or in a mix of blue, white, pink and dark red Your new wife might like something lacy and white to mix with the other flowers. Ammi Majus is beautiful and she can cut on it most of the summer. It grows tall and has many white lacy flowers. Ammi Visnaga, also called Ammi Green Mist" is just as nice and has a slight greenish color that is beautiful with most other flowers.