ANNUALS

ANNUALS

An annual plant is a plant that completes its life cycle, from germination to the production of seed, within one year, and then dies. Summer annuals germinate during spring or early summer and mature by autumn of the same year. Winter annuals germinate during the autumn and mature during the spring or summer of the following calendar year.

Our annuals from the Creque's Greenhouse!

Care Information: Annuals

Growing transplants in the garden is necessary if you want special varieties that can't be grown from seed or if you start seeds indoors. To plant them, dig a hole at least twice as wide as the container the plant is growing in, but no deeper. Gently loosen and spread apart the roots (especially if the plant is rootbound) before placing the plant in the hole. Then cover the roots with soil and water well.​
  • ​Water your annuals well after you plant them -- they're most susceptible to drying out the first few weeks after you put them in the ground.
  • Lay a 2- to 3-inch-deep layer of mulch over the soil around your new plants. This helps the soil hold moisture and prevents weeds from growing.
  • Deadheading and pinching are two easy tasks that will keep your annuals looking their best.
PINCHING:
​Keep your annuals nice and compact by pinching off the top couple of inches of new growth from time to time. By removing the main growing point, you encourage the plant to branch out, becoming bushier instead of tall and lanky. 
WATER:
Because each annual has its own water needs, there's no one-size fits all rule to supplying the plants with the moisture they need.

​The most drought-tolerant varieties, including lantana, gazania, nasturtium, and moss rose may not need any supplemental water after they get established in your garden. Others don't hold up well to drought and require consistently moist soil.