If you love the idea of a fragrant garden but don’t want to wait months for blooms, these fast-growing, sweet-smelling flowers are perfect for you! From low-maintenance annuals to vigorous climbers, each of these plants offers quick growth, stunning blooms, and intoxicating scents. Below, we’ve included everything you need to know—planting tips, care requirements, and ideal growing conditions—so you can enjoy a fragrant garden in no time.
1. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Growth Rate: 6-8 weeks from seed
Fragrance: Sweet, honey-like
Bloom Time: Spring to frost
Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-draining, average fertility
Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Height/Spread: 4-6 inches tall, 6-12 inches wide
Special Notes:
- Great for borders, containers, and rock gardens.
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Self-seeds easily for recurring blooms.
2. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Growth Rate: 4-6 weeks from seed
Fragrance: Peppery, spicy
Bloom Time: Summer to fall
Sun Requirements: Full sun (tolerates partial shade)
Soil Needs: Poor to average, well-draining
Watering: Light; avoid overwatering
Height/Spread: 1-10 feet (depending on variety)
Special Notes:
- Edible flowers and leaves with a peppery taste.
- Thrives in poor soil—too much fertilizer reduces blooms.
- Trailing varieties are perfect for hanging baskets.
3. Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
Growth Rate: 8-10 weeks from seed
Fragrance: Strong, sweet, tropical
Bloom Time: Summer to fall (night-blooming)
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Soil Needs: Rich, well-draining
Watering: Regular, keep soil moist
Height/Spread: 10-15 feet tall (vine)
Special Notes:
- Flowers open at dusk and close by morning.
- Needs a trellis or fence for climbing.
- Sensitive to cold—best grown as an annual in cooler climates.
4. Nicotiana (Nicotiana alata)
Growth Rate: 6-8 weeks from seed
Fragrance: Sweet, jasmine-like (strongest at night)
Bloom Time: Summer to fall
Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter
Watering: Regular, do not let soil dry out
Height/Spread: 1-5 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Special Notes:
- Also called “flowering tobacco.”
- Some modern hybrids are less fragrant—choose heirloom varieties for best scent.
- Attracts moths and hummingbirds.
5. Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens)
Growth Rate: 8-10 weeks from seed
Fragrance: Vanilla, cherry pie
Bloom Time: Summer to frost
Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist
Height/Spread: 1-4 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide
Special Notes:
- Toxic to pets if ingested.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Works well in containers and garden beds.
6. Stock (Matthiola incana)
Growth Rate: 10-12 weeks from seed
Fragrance: Spicy, clove-like
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Soil Needs: Fertile, well-draining
Watering: Moderate, avoid waterlogged soil
Height/Spread: 1-3 feet tall, 1 foot wide
Special Notes:
- Excellent cut flower with long-lasting fragrance.
- Prefers cooler weather—may fade in extreme heat.
- Comes in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow.
7. Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Growth Rate: 8-12 weeks from seed
Fragrance: Sweet, floral, fruity
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
Sun Requirements: Full sun (cool climates), partial shade (hot climates)
Soil Needs: Rich, well-draining, slightly alkaline
Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy
Height/Spread: 3-8 feet tall (climbing)
Special Notes:
- Needs support like a trellis or fence.
- Soak seeds overnight before planting for faster germination.
- Not edible—toxic if ingested.
8. Dianthus (Dianthus spp.)
Growth Rate: 6-8 weeks from seed
Fragrance: Clove-like, spicy
Bloom Time: Spring to summer (some varieties rebloom)
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining, slightly alkaline
Watering: Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Height/Spread: 6-18 inches tall, 6-12 inches wide
Special Notes:
- Also called “pinks” or “carnations.”
- Deadhead to prolong blooming.
- Great for borders, rock gardens, and containers.
9. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Growth Rate: Fast-growing vine (several feet per year)
Fragrance: Intensely sweet, exotic
Bloom Time: Summer (varies by species)
Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile
Watering: Regular, keep soil moist
Height/Spread: 10-15 feet tall (vine)
Special Notes:
- Jasminum polyanthum (pink jasmine) blooms quickly.
- Needs support like a trellis or arbor.
- Can be grown in containers in colder climates.
10. Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa)
Growth Rate: 8-10 weeks from seed
Fragrance: Strong, sweet, citrusy
Bloom Time: Summer to fall (opens in late afternoon)
Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Average, well-draining
Watering: Moderate, drought-tolerant
Height/Spread: 2-4 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Special Notes:
- Tubers can be saved and replanted in warmer zones.
- Self-seeds readily—can become invasive.
- Flowers attract hummingbirds and moths.
Final Tips for Growing Fragrant Flowers Quickly
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost for earlier blooms. Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Fertilize lightly—too much nitrogen can reduce flowering.
With these fast-growing fragrant flowers, you can enjoy a beautifully scented garden in just weeks—perfect for impatient gardeners! Which one will you plant first? 
