Choosing Annuals

The beginner horticulturist or even the most experienced green thumb, can enjoy experimenting with annual flowers. An annual flower is a plant that completes their lifecycle in just one growing season. That means when you plant an annual seed, it will grow foliage, then bloom, all in the same year. An advantage to an annual flower is that they will bloom from spring until summer frost. Although they must be replanted each year, annuals have season-long color and are great for experimenting with different colour schemes.

Strategies

A little planning is an important first step when considering annuals. There are many types of annuals to consider, all different colors and sizes. You should have an idea of your color scheme and garden size before ever purchasing any flower arrangement. The next thing to consider when planting annuals is whether you would like to purchase your annuals from a nursery or if you would like to grow your annuals from seeds. Seeds are more economical than purchasing the flower, but there is more work involved. However, most gardeners would agree, the work is half the fun! The next step to consider would be your soil and growing conditions. Annuals need a good quantity of compost or peat moss to improve your soil’s organic matter. Do not plant young annuals too close together; this prevents crowding once they grow. If you purchase your annuals from a nursery and they are potbound, you will notice a soil buildup in the roots as you remove them. It is important to remove this soil buildup around the roots to encourage the spread of roots once placed in the ground. Remember to do it gently as your annuals’ roots are quite delicate. After you’ve planted your flower, you should include a fertilizer to ensure a healthy, growing plant.

Key Information

Every gardener has their own tricks and tips for growing a healthy annual, but there a few tasks that you must do to keep your annuals looking healthy and in bloom. The most important task, is deadheading. Deadheading involves removing the old flowers; they should be removed as soon as you notice your flower beginning to fade. Annuals have a short lifespan; flower, produce seed, then die. If you are continuously removing the dead flowers, the plant will concentrate on producing new, healthy flowers. If you let the dead flowers linger, the plant will concentrate on producing seed, leaving your annual looking dead and faded. Annuals’ roots are very shallow and therefore need to be watered regularly. Try to avoid watering from above, as the water can stain certain types of flowers. It can also contribute to the growth of botrytis fungus, which affects certain types of annuals. A hose or direct watering are your best options. Annuals are straightforward to maintain and with a little regular care, they can provide season-long beauty.

Essential Tools

It is important to experiment as a gardener to see what works best with your schedule and with your garden. However, if you would like more tips on growing annuals or if you are having trouble with a particular plant, Gardener’s Supply Company has an answer for all your questions or interest. After you’ve purchased your annuals and are ready to begin work on your garden, you may be in the market for some new gardening tools. Spades, pruning tools and watering options are all important tools for your garden. Before purchasing, do a little research on which equipment you will need and which equipment will be right for you. Style at Home’s top-10 garden tools is an excellent start. Fiskars is a popular choice for garden tools, they can help you provide the right tools for specific jobs. Remember to talk to the store representatives for any tips or techniques when choosing the right gardening tool. Happy gardening and enjoy your annual flowers!