Care of Annuals

Annuals & Bedding Plants

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 on it, it is advisable to eliminate these pests with Finale. Wait about one week for the Finale to eliminate weeds. Next, apply a 2-3" layer of Sweet Peet and mix into the soil to a depth of 6".

Planting
Water plants in cell packs or pots thoroughly. Then, remove plants from their containers and break up the root systems slightly. After planting, mulch with about 1 inch of mulch, or better yet, Sweet Peet, taking care to keep the bark away from the stems of plants. (Cypress mulch is best.) Finally, water in the plants thoroughly and only when needed. Watch the plants carefully for water the first 2 weeks. IMPORTANT: over mulching will stunt or kill your plants.

Fertilizing
Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with a liquid fertilizer such as Jack’s Classic 20-20-20. An alternative to liquid food is granular slow-release fertilizer. Apply Osmocote 14-14-14 as directed only once at planting.

Annuals for sun or light shade:
Geranium
Marigold
New Guinea Impatien*
Alyssum
Ageratum
Celosia
Petunia
Dark-Leaved Wax Begonias

Annuals for light shade or shade:
Impatiens*
Green-Leaved Wax Begonias
Dark-Leaved Wax Begonias
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.

Hanging Basket Tips

Hang in sun or shade area depending on variety
Bring inside if the night temperature is going to drop lower than 55 degrees F. Cool nights will stunt hanging basket 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 - 1 gallon will be enough normally. Make sure water drips all the way through. By feeling the weight of the pot, with experience, you will also be 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 overwatered will rot off.
Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with a liquid fertilizer such as Jack’s Classic 20-20-20. An alternative to liquid food is granular slow-release fertilizer. Apply Osmocote 14-14-14 as directed only once at planting.