Growing
Annual Flowers Successfully!
No other plants provide
such continuous bloom. They fill voids in permanent plantings while young
landscape plants grow, and provide inexpensive color in almost any soil.
Annuals are used in perennial plant beds to continue interest following early
blooming bulbs and perennials.
Planning the flower border
The annual flower border can be an attractive element in the overall landscape
if you follow a few simple guidelines.
Curve the bed lines of an informal planting and plant masses of flowers in
“drifts” which gradually melt into each other.
Formal planting have angular bed lines. When annual beds include perennials,
mass the annuals together to simplify management. Graduate plant heights from
front to back, and use low perennials in front.
To be effective, each flower mass should be large enough to be clearly seen
from a distance.
Setting out the Plants
Most annuals don’t require very rich soil but they do need an adequate supply
of nutrients. Work in organic matter such as Michigan Peat to improve the soil
structure.
Plant late in the afternoon on a cloudy day when soil is moist to help
reduce transplant shock. Spacing depends upon the species.
Mulching
Mulching flowers beds not only makes them look better, it conserves moisture,
reduces unwanted vegetation growth, and can help moderate soil temperatures.
Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the plants after soil has had a chance to warm.
Deadheading
Many annuals that bloom all summer will benefit from additional pinching
throughout the summer to keep them compact and full of blossoms. Remove faded
blooms every 5-7 days to encourage additional flowers.
Fertilizing
Add a slow release fertilizer to your soil for a continuous feed of fertilizer.
Supplement with a liquid feed every 10 to 14 days.
Watering
Generally, plants need a single watering of 1 inch of water each week. A soaker
hose is one of the best ways to provide sufficient water. Irrigation watering
systems also provide a great watering option. Allow your watering system to
soak the soil 6 to 8 inches depth.
Water your plants during warm dry periods to assure continuous plant
development. Infrequent, deep watering is better than light, frequent ones.
Growing Annuals In Containers
Container Selection
Select containers that fit the setting and will accent the plant’s beauty
without dominating it. Containers should be sturdy and must have drainage
holes.
Plant Selection
Choose plants that will grow best where the container will be placed. How many
hours of direct or filtered sunlight does the site receive? Is it protected
from wind or out in the open? Does the site require plants that can tolerate
full sun and the reflected heat of a cement or brick patio, or are
shade-tolerant planted needed because of persistent shade?
Growing Media
A professional potting mix is essential. Check for watering often. Potting
mixes dry out quickly and require frequent watering. Deneweth’s recommends using Baccto Professional Potting Mix!
Planting
Plants are often spaced closely in containers. It’s usually best to place the
taller-growing plants in the center with the short growing and trailing plants
around the edges.
Watering
Water requirements vary considerably depending on the size and type of the
container, plant species, and weather conditions. Containers should be checked
daily for water needs. Always apply enough water to thoroughly soak the soil,
until the excess water flows out the drainage holes in the bottom of the
container.
Fertilization
Plants grown in containers require regular fertilization because they have less
soil from which to draw essential nutrients, and because frequent watering
leaches fertilizers through the soil mix.
Maintenance
Remove dried leaves and spent blooms regularly to promote continuous bloom and
keep the plants more attractive.
It maybe necessary to prune
petunia plants or other annuals in the middle of the summer when the stems
become long and leggy, with only a few blooms. Cut stems back to about four to
six inches, fertilize, and water well. Within a couple of weeks, the plant will
branch out and bloom for the remainder of the summer.