the problem.. is whether it will be a mature enough plant.. root-wise ... to take the heat of summer when it hits.. in a month or 6 weeks ...

though it can be done.. i would just buy a 4 pack.. and plant those ... or do both.. in case the seedlings fail ...

ken

Lily...zinnias and marigolds are amongst the easiest to grow from directly sown seed. There are other options that I hope others will suggest. As ken mentioned, you will have to accommodate young seedlings, but the two I mentioned are pretty darned tough.

One problem you might find in regards to ordering on line is that the seed companies may be running low on inventory. You might want to check with the local garden centers /nurseries to see what kind of seeds can be found locally.

How big a space are you talking about?

You can't beat zinnias. If you have doubts, you could sow them in four inch pots and keep them where you will not neglect to water them. I start zinnias and marigolds in the highest heat of summer here, but with some late afternoon shade. In pots, they never let me down. Both will be blooming in 4 to 5 weeks.

Emilia (tassel flower) is another unbeatable one, as well as sunflowers.

I agree with the zinnia, sunflower, marigold suggestions, plus cosmos or Verbena Boniarensis or tithonia. It depends how much space you have and what colors you prefer. Cosmos and especially zinnias come in different colors. As far as finding seeds, I'm sure there are plenty of seeds still available in stores or online. If you really can't find much, check the seed exchange or beg here on this forum. I know I still have way more seeds than I can use this year.

Martha

Don't order on line. Head down to a store that sells seeds--big box or department stores. Zinnias and marigolds are very common seeds and are sure to be in their racks. If you order on line it will likely take a week or more and that will really put you behind with planting them