Annual Flowers

Annual flowers are plants which fulfill their life cycle in one season. In some mild climate locations, many annuals behave like perennials (meaning they come back every year), but usually not without some special care. The wonderful thing about annuals is that they typically have large, brightly colored flowers. Plants such as Petunias, Pansies, Marigolds, and Impatiens are typical varieties of annuals. Of course, there are many more than just these.

Don’t be afraid to plant annuals close together. This “crowding” can give a wonderfully full look that doesn’t harm the plants. Fill containers and flower beds with plants. When working with several varieties of flowers, I like to take the plants and place them while still in their pots, on top of the ground so I can get plant height and colors where I want them before planting. Placing your plants in advance of planting also helps to organize your space effectively, even if you are doing mass plantings.

Once you have your plants in the ground or in the containers, water them in so the soil settles around the roots and fills any open spaces. For best blooms and foliage, use a water soluble feed such as Miracle Gro or Peters every second or third watering. Deadheading is also an important part of maintaining continued blooming of your plants. By keeping the plant from going to seed (developing seed pods), your plant will be forced to make more flowers. If your plants get too leggy or stretched out, feel free to prune them back. This actually promotes branching and will make your plant fuller with more places for flowers to bud.

The biggest thing I see most often is that people neglect to regularly water and feed their plants, especially in hot weather. Container plants, especially, will dry out faster in warm weather, than plants in ground beds. Remember, never feed a wilted plant. The salts in the feed will kill your plants. Water them first until rehydrated, then feed them the following day. Also, never allow plants to sit in a container of water for a long period of time, as this will cause the plant to drown.

A little extra care of your annual plants will make your investment a showstopper for the entire season. There is nothing like annual flowers to add color and brightness to your home or business. Happy planting!