A Guide to Annuals
Hoping to pick up some fabulous annuals this season? From gorgeous geraniums to easy-to-grow petunias, they're a wonderful way to fill in a yard or garden fast. New to annuals? Here's what to know before you buy.
What Is an Annual?
Annuals complete their entire life cycle in a single season — they sprout in spring, bloom through summer, set seed, and die back once frost arrives. A few plants sold as annuals will actually behave as perennials if grown in a warm enough climate, so it's worth checking a variety's hardiness for your zone.
Choosing the Right Annuals
The right choice depends on your experience, how much upkeep you want to take on, and your climate. Some annuals tolerate a weekend without water; others need near-constant attention. Some love hot, dry conditions, others prefer cool and damp. If you're new to gardening, start with varieties known to be forgiving — early wins make it much easier to try something more ambitious next season.
Annuals prefer warm soil, so there's rarely a reason to rush planting early in the season. Once roots look a bit compacted in the pot, gently loosen them before planting — it helps the plant establish a stronger root system in its new spot.
Planting Your Selection
Set each plant at roughly the same soil depth it sat at in its original pot, backfill, water well, and work a little starter fertilizer into the soil around the base. A layer of mulch afterward helps keep weeds down and the soil evenly moist through the season.
