Annual flowers complete their life-cycle in one growing season. They give a longer, continuous display of bloom than any other flower. Annuals are easy to grow, providing plenty of choice and value. Whether you have a large enough space to plant a flower bed or a small porch or balcony for hanging baskets and containers, everyone can enjoy growing flowers. Full sun (six or more hours of direct sunlight) is best for most annuals. Others prefer part-shade (two to six hours of direct sunlight) or shade (indirect sunlight). The soil needs to be fertile and moist with an average pH of between 6.0 and 7.0. Annuals are not as deep rooted as perennials, so they do not require as deeply a prepared bed. However, loosening the soil to about a foot will allow moisture to penetrate and drain properly.

To keep the plants in bloom as long as possible, flower heads should be cut as soon as they fade, before they have time to set seed. Feeding regularly throughout the summer is essential for the long-term health of your plants. We add a slow release supplement to all of our hanging baskets. However, we strongly recommend that you incorporate using a water soluble fertilizer (Peters or Miracle Gro) into your regular watering regimen. For your own beds and containers, use a slow release fertilizer (Osmocote) in the soil in addition to a water soluble fertilizer.