If you are looking for eye-catching blooms throughout the growing season, annuals are the way to go. Though they only last for one year, annuals pack a lot of color into their short lives. These versatile plants are relatively easy to care for and fairly inexpensive. Treat them right and your garden will be the envy of the neighborhood.
It is important to remember that while annuals are incredibly easy and versatile in the garden, no two are alike. There are three main types of annual flowers, hardy, half-hardy and tender.
Hardy Annuals - These are plants that will handle the cold. They can be planted in the fall or spring. It is best to plant them before the last frost if you are planting in the spring. Hardy annuals are capable of handling frost and some freezing, and still survive. However, they are not able to handle the heat. When the weather starts getting warmer, these plants will start to wither and die.
Half-Hardy Annuals - These are plants that handle the cold, wet weather. Their seeds will germinate in colder soils. They cannot, however, handle frost. It is best not to plant them until after the last frost. You may notice that these will wither during the summer, since they do not handle hot temperatures well. Many will re bloom once the weather begins to cool off in the fall.
Tender Annuals - These are plants that do not handle the cold well. Most are native plants in warmer regions of the world. Seeds for these plants will not germinate in cold soil. It is best to wait a few weeks after the last frost before you plant outside.
Now that you know the different kinds of annuals, there are some basics to know about their care. Since there are thousands of different varieties, it is a good idea that you do a little research about the individual plants. Some of their requirements may be slightly different. However, the following are some guidelines that are suitable for most annuals.
Sun
Most annuals prefer a lot of sun (though there are exceptions). At least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day is recommended, though some (like impatiens) will do well in part shade.
Soil
All plants benefit from well-prepared soil. In general, annuals need a pH between 5.8-7.0. The soil should be amended well, especially with heavy soils like clay. A moderate amount of organic materials like compost will help amend and aerate the soil for better root growth.
Planting
When planting your annuals from pots, the best time is either late afternoon or on a cloudy day. This will help minimize transplant shock. Water the plants and the soil they are to be planted in well. Then, dig a hole a little bigger than the root ball. Remove the plant from the pot and loosen the roots if needed. Place the plant in the hole and gently pack the soil around the plant to ensure good contact with the roots. It should be at the same level it was in the pot.
Watering
When your plants are new, you need to be sure to keep them well-watered until they start developing new growth. The soil should be damp, but not soggy. If you pick up a handful and give it a squeeze, it should wring out a few drops, not a puddle. Too much water can lead to root rot.
After this point, your plants will thrive on about an inch or so per week. Deep watering is best, as it encourages strong, deep roots. Soaker hoses are excellent for achieving this. You can water overhead if you prefer, but be sure to avoid getting too much water on the foliage. It also helps to water early in the day so the water can evaporate before the sun goes down. Too much water on the leaves can lead to disease.
Maintenance
Maintaining your plants is the easy part. A layer of mulch at least a couple of inches thick will help make watering easier and more efficient. A bonus is that it makes your flower bed more attractive and the colors stand out even more. It also helps to keep the weeds down, making your job much easier.
Weeding is another important job when caring for your plants. Weeds can detract from the beauty of your garden, plus they can bring garden pests and disease. Not to mention, they are taking vital nutrients away from your plants. For these reasons, it is best to keep them out of your garden. It is advisable to visit your plants every few days, and catch the weeds while they are young. They are easier to pull this way, and they don't have a chance to take root.
Another important (but very easy) step in caring for your annuals is dead heading. Dead heading means removing the faded blooms. This serves a few purposes. First, it just makes the plant look better. Nobody wants to look at a bunch of dead flowers. Second, decaying plant matter attracts insects. Removing them will help keep the plants healthy. Third, removing the spent blooms will help to encourage more blooms, making the plant more attractive.
You can choose to prune your plants, but be sure to check the needs of your individual plant first. Some annuals do not take well to heavy pruning. Most plants will do well by having the top pinched. This prevents the plant from getting spindly-looking and makes the plant become bushier.
If you choose only a few or a whole garden of annuals, they can provide you with an instant boost of intense colors and interest in your garden. Used to spruce up a perennial bed or fill in during colder months, they can keep your garden ever-changing. One of the beautiful things about annuals is that your garden can stay gorgeous year-round.
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