Annuals, especially when planted in masses, will brighten up an otherwise boring landscape all summer and fall.
Soil Preparation
To prepare a bed for annual flowers, spade grass and weed-free soil deeply to about 6″. If the soil has a lot of perennial weeds and grasses in it, it is advisable to elimiate these with an herbicide. Wait about one week for the herbicide to kill the weeds. Next, apply a 2-3″ layer of Sweet Peet or compost and mix into the soil to a depth of 6″.
Fertilizing
Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with a liquid fertilizer such as Jack’s Classic. An alternative to liquid food is granular slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote 14-14-14. Apply as directed only once at planting time.
Annuals for Sun or Light Shade
Geranium
Marigold
New Guinea Impatien*
Alyssum
Ageratum
Celosia
Petunia
Dark-Leaf Wax Begonia
Ageratum
White Alyssum
Dark-Leaf Wax Begonia
Celosia
Coral Geranium
Marigolds
New Guinea Impatien
Pink Petunia
Annuals for Light Shade or Shade
Impatiens *
Green-Leaf Wax Begonia
Dark-Leaf Wax Begonia
Fuchsias
Tuberous Begonias
Non-Stop Begonias
* New Guinea Impatiens in pots or hanging baskets may need light shade on a hot, sunny summer day. Regular impatiens may not do well in areas of dense shade. For sunny areas, use Sunpatiens or Spellbound Impatiens.
Dark-Leaf Wax Begonia
Non-Stop Orange Begonia
Pink Green Leaf Wax Begonia
Yellow Tuberous Begonia
Fuchsias
Impatiens
Hanging Basket & Container Tips
- Hang or place in sun or shade depending on variety
- Bring inside if the night temperatures drop to below 55 degrees F. Cool nights will stunt annual flowers.
- Fertilize every 10 days with a liquid fertilizer. Water with the fertilizer solution until it drips through the pot.
- Clean baskets by periodically breaking off old flowers, dead leaves, and dead or dying wood.
- IMPORTANT: Plants that need water will droop slightly. Water hanging baskets with 1-2 gallons of water when very dry. About 1/2 to 1 gallon will be enough on average. Make sure water drips all the way through. By feeling the weight of the pot, with experience, you will also e able to tell when a plant needs water. If the plant is moist all the way through, don’t water it as watering too often will rot plant roots and cause wilting. Reiger and non-stop begonias over-watered will rot off.
- Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with a liquid fertilizer such as Jacks Classic. An alternative to liquid food is granular slow-release fertilizer. Apply Osmocote 14-14-14 as directed only once at planting.
Geranium Hanging Basket
Streptocarpella Basket
