2005 Year in Review

Annuals to Brighten Garden

Annual flowers can color up a yard from spring through fall and can be used to fill-in voids of a newly-planted perennial garden, soften the edge of a walkway, or plant in front of a fence, said Susan Grupp, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator based in DuPage County.

"When gardeners talk about annuals, they usually mean flowers," said Grupp. "Annual flowers are among the most versatile and rewarding group of plants to grow. Annuals can be used in many ways. They can be grown with perennials, shrubs and even under trees. They are also easy to grow in containers and window boxes.

"Annuals can add interest to a vegetable garden, too." Flowering annuals complete their life cycle in one season. Compared to other plants, they produce an abundance of continuous blooms, which they hope will lead to lots of seed and a guarantee of their future.

"The proper growing conditions are important for annuals," she said. "Many annuals prefer full sun-at least six hours of sunlight. Others need a shady spot. Pay attention to soil conditions and wait until the weather warms for transplanting annuals into the garden."

Grupp said that annuals are sold in small cell packs, flats and individual pots. A flat or tray of annuals is priced at a lower cost per plant than if purchased as individual packs. Recently, annuals have been offered in larger pot sizes, such as four-inch and six-inch pots. These larger--and more expensive--plants have become quite popular.

"When shopping for annuals, be sure to pick out the healthiest ones you can find," she said. "Look for well-shaped plants with strong stems and leaves. Avoid tall, spindly plants. Instead, buy the shorter, stockier ones. Unless the plant is supposed to have unusual coloration, stems and leaves should be a healthy shade of green.

"Read the plant tags found in the packs. They have valuable information such as the plant height and spread and flower color, light and drainage requirements. Follow the spacing recommendations to avoid overbuying and overspending."

Grupp said it is best to pick plants that have not yet formed their flowers.

"A flat of cell packs deteriorates quickly, so be sure to time your purchases with your planting date," she said. "Store your transplants in a protected spot until you are ready to plant. They will dry out and need to be watered frequently."

Grupp recommended preparing the garden by digging in a complete fertilizer, such as 13-13-13, at a rate of 1.5--2.0 pounds per 100 square feet.

"Just before planting, water your transplants and allow the excess water to drain," she said. "Then, gently remove the plants from their pack and inspect the root ball. Often the root system is circling the pack and looks root-bound. If this is the case, gently roughen or 'tickle' the roots. This is a very important step and will encourage roots to stop circling and begin to grow into the surrounding garden soil.

"If roots fail to grow outward, plants will languish all season long."

Transplants should always be planted at the same depth they were grown.

"Gently tamp the surrounding soil and water immediately," said Grupp. "A starter fertilizer may be used at this time. Most annuals will benefit from a soft pinch to remove flowers or flower buds.

"These steps will encourage roots to develop and help plants get established in the garden."

by  Editor, theCity1.com
March 7, 2005