Spring Gardening
 One of the more pleasant aspects of spring gardening is the addition
of color to the landscape. In the southeast, we have a long growing
season that usually lasts from mid-March through October. Although
annuals have a life span of only one growing season, they are
well worth the investment. They are the only plants that will
bloom continuously from spring until the first frost in the fall.
Once the threat of frost has passed, color gardening can have
a positive impact in any landscape, large or small.
Annuals come in a wide variety of colors, sizes and shapes. There
is an annual for virtually every area in the landscape. For planting
success, review the following guidelines:
Proper soil preparation is very important. Break
up the heavy clay to a depth of at least six inches and enrich
the native soil with a good quality planting soil, mushroom compost
or manure. When planting in containers, use a lightweight potting
soil or a soil mix that will not harden when it dries out. Dry,
caked soil prevents water from reaching the plants' roots.
Water annuals on an "as needed" basis. As a general
rule, annuals should be deeply and thoroughly watered at least
once a week. Of course, weather conditions play an important role
in how often you water. During the hottest part of the summer,
annuals planted in full sun may need to be watered daily. For best
results, don't allow annuals to become bone dry between waterings.
This will weaken the plants and result in drooping, wilting or
leaf curl. Watering on a regular basis to keep the soil comfortably
moist, but not soggy is recommended.
Annuals are heavy feeders. Whether they are planted
in containers or in the ground, apply fertilizer to your annuals
often to promote continuous blooms. Read and follow all package
directions.
This is the process of removing dead blooms as they
occur. Dead-heading prevents seed production and encourages the
annual plant to produce more flowers.
In bright sunny areas, vivid reds and yellows
show up best in the landscape. Cooler shades of blue, lavender
and light pink perform best in softer light. White can be used
in either sun or shade.
Asters, Begonias (bronze or red leaf),
Cockscomb, Dianthus, Geraniums, Gomphrena, pink or chartreuse Joseph's
Coat, Lantana, Marigolds, Petunias, Portulaca, Purslane, Salvia,
Sun Coleus, Sweet Potato vines, Verbena, Vinca (the annual, not
the ground cover) and Zinnia. Annual Vinca and red-leaf Begonias
are among the most drought tolerant of the sun-loving annuals.
Ageratum, Asparagus Fern, Begonia
(green leaf), Begonia (Angel-wing, Dragon-wing), Browallia, Caladiums,
Coleus, Impatiens, Nicotiana, Polka Dot Plant and Torenia.
If the proper growing conditions are provided,
most annuals will perform very well when planted in pots, hanging
baskets, planters or window boxes. Before planting annuals in a
container, consider the plant’s growing height. For example,
Portlaca is a spreading, low-growing annual that has its greatest
impact when planted in shallow containers or around the edge of
a pot under taller plants. Salvia, Geraniums and New Guinea Impatiens
have a tall, upright growth habit and look best when planted in
the center of a pot surrounded by lower growing plants or in window
boxes.
If you have any questions on what, when or where to plant please
give me call.
James F. Grice
Conco Horticultural, Inc.
West Palm Beach 561.721.9446
Delray Beach 561.496.1772
Broward 954.753.6036 • Fax 561.496.1778
Contact Us by Email
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