Kesäkukat

Kesäkukat, a Finnish term literally translating to "summer flowers," refers to annual plants that are typically grown for their vibrant blooms during the summer months. These plants are not native to Finland's climate and are therefore not perennial, meaning they complete their life cycle within a single growing season and must be replanted each year. Kesäkukat are a popular choice for adding color and life to gardens, balconies, and window boxes, especially in regions with shorter summers.

The selection of kesäkukat available is vast, encompassing a wide range of colors, sizes, and growth habits. Common examples include petunias, geraniums (pelargoniums), marigolds, impatiens, and begonias. These flowers are often purchased as young plants or seedlings from garden centers and nurseries in the spring, after the risk of frost has passed. They thrive in sunlight and require regular watering and occasional feeding to maintain their health and prolific blooming.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, kesäkukat play a role in supporting local ecosystems by providing nectar and pollen for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Their temporary nature also allows for easy garden redesign and experimentation with different color combinations and plant arrangements each year. The tradition of planting kesäkukat is deeply ingrained in Finnish summer culture, symbolizing the embrace of warmth and longer days after the preceding winter.