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Get to know annual flowers, what they are, and how to care for them.
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What are annual flowers?
Annual flowers are plants that complete their life cycles in one growing season. This means that they will grow, bloom, produce seeds and die — all within a period of a few months. Some annuals will self-seed (that is, drop their seeds to the ground and grow new plants the following season), but most need to be replanted each year.
There are two main types of annual flowers: spring annuals and summer annuals. Spring annuals are planted in the spring and bloom throughout the spring and early summer. Summer annuals are planted in the summer and bloom throughout the late summer and fall.
Although annual flowers only last for one growing season, they can provide your garden with color and interest for many months. With careful planning, you can have annual flowers blooming in your garden from early spring until late fall.
The benefits of annual flowers
Annual flowers are a great way to add color and beauty to your garden. They can also provide food for pollinators and can be used in cut flower arrangements. Annuals typically bloom for a shorter period of time than perennials, but they will often re-seed themselves so that you can enjoy them year after year.
The best annual flowers for your garden
Annual flowers are one of the best ways to add color and interest to your garden. They are quick-growing, easy to care for, and come in a wide variety of colors and shapes. If you are looking for something to brighten up your garden, here are some of the best annual flowers to consider:
Zinnias: Zinnias are one of the most popular annual flowers for gardens. They come in a wide range of colors, from white and pale pink to bright orange and red. They are easy to grow and care for, making them a great choice for beginners.
Marigolds: Marigolds are another popular annual flower. They are available in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, and red. Marigolds are easy to grow and care for, and they make excellent border plants.
Cosmos: Cosmos are tall, elegant annual flowers that come in a range of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red. They make a great addition to any garden and are easy to grow and care for.
Impatiens: Impatiens are one of the most popular annual flowers for shade gardens. They come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, purple, red, and orange. Impatiens are easy to grow and care for and make an excellent addition to any shady garden spot.
How to care for annual flowers
Although annuals only live for one season, they provide color and beauty in the garden from spring until fall. The key to success with annual flowers is to choose the right plant for the right place, and to care for them properly throughout the growing season.
With a little love and attention, annual flowers can provide months of enjoyment in the garden. Follow these tips on how to care for annual flowers, and you’ll be sure to enjoy a bountiful harvest of blooms all season long.
Pick the right plant for the right place.
When you’re choosing annual flowers for your garden, it’s important to pick plants that will thrive in your particular climate and growing conditions. If you’re not sure what will do well in your area, ask your local nursery or gardening center for advice.
Give them a good start.
Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter to help retain moisture and improve drainage. If you’re planting in containers, use a quality potting mix. Water your plants well before planting, then water regularly throughout the season, especially during periods of hot, dry weather.
Deadhead regularly.
Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage plants to produce more flowers. Deadheading not only keeps your plants looking their best, it also helps them to conserve energy so they can put more effort into producing new blooms.
Fertilize regularly.
Feed your plants every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for flowering plants. Be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can promote leaf growth at the expense of flower production.
