How to choose your flowers
By definition, annuals are plants that complete their lifecycle in one season. Seed them outside in the spring – they flower all year, finish seeding in fall and then die. so they need to be replaced every year… which means you get to create a whole new garden experience every year!
Nowadays, annuals are increasingly sold in individual pots or divided flats, both of which offer several advantages:
- Less root stress when planting;
- Better planned development;
- Immediate results in flower beds and planters.
Moreover, you can buy them and plant them at any time throughout the season.
Pay particular attention to these criteria:
- Sun exposure;
- Full sun = over 6hours/day
- Partial-shade = 4 to 6hours/day
- Shade = 2 to 4hours/day
- Water needs;
- Fertilizing requirements;
- Soil type: In most cases the soil can be improved (amended) to suit your plant’s needs;
- Growing method: height, spread, single plant, common rootstock etc.
How to plant annuals
You can start planting annuals as soon as the risk of night frost is passed. Usually this is between early May and mid-June, depending on where you live.
When planting:
- Choose an overcast day to plant or try to avoid the mid-day period when the sun is at its hottest
- Make sure the soil is fertile, friable and well drained.
- Turn the soil to a depth of 15 to 25 cm because if it is too hard, the plant will remain small and not produce many blooms.
- Add 3 to 5 cm of compost and ground bone incorporating well into the soil which ensures good water retention
- After planting, add a slow-release granular fertilizer.
- Water sufficiently to keep the soil from drying completely.
- Space plants according to their size at maturity
