There is nothing that rivals a bed of flowering annuals for sheer colour. Yes, they do need replacing twice a year – spring summer/autumn winter, but it is worth the effort. You can stay with your favourite or break out and have a change of variety and colour.

DESCRIPTION
Flowering annuals come in all types, heights, colours and uses

Renowned for mass colour

Flowers come in almost all colours.

They range in height from 15cm to a metre.

USES
Plant in mixed borders or massed beds

Good ‘fillers’

In pots and containers

Some are good for floral art

REQUIREMENTS
Full sun

Good clay loam soil with summer water holding capacity

Work in Rose fertiliser before planting

Deep watering in dry summer periods

Most annuals are free of pests and diseases.

Possible pests are: Aphids and caterpillars. – spray with ‘Mavrik’ (Safe to bees and soft on ladybirds)

Possible disease: Powdery Mildew – spray with Yates Greenguard

Removing spent flowers will prolong flowering

To get the best from winter / early spring flowing annuals they should be planted in March

SEASON OF AVAILABILITY AND RECOMMENDED PLANTING:
Whilst the range of annuals available is quite large, the following list covers the most popular and best performers. The planting and flowering times stated below may vary with variety and from season to season.

Autumn Planting Planting Time Flowering Period
Alyssum March – April Aug – Oct
Calendula March – May June – Oct
Lobelia March – May May – Sept
Nemesia March – May May – Oct
Pansy March – May May – Oct
Polyanthus April – July June – Oct
Poppy March – April Aug – Oct
Primula March – May May – Sept
Stock March – May June – Sept
Sweet Pea (early flowering) April Oct – Nov
Viola March – May June – Oct
Spring Planting Planting Time Flowering Period
Alyssum Sept – Oct Oct – April
Cosmos Oct – Dec Dec – April
Dahlia Oct – Dec Dec – April
Impatiens (Bizzy Lizzies) Oct – Dec Dec – April
Livingstone Daisy Oct – Jan Dec – April
Lobelia Aug – Dec Oct – April
Marigold Sept – Dec Nov – April
Petunia Oct – Jan Dec – April
Phlox Sept – Dec Nov – March
Portulacca Oct – Jan Dec – April
Sweet Pea Sept – Nov Dec – Feb
Zinnia Nov – Jan Dec – March
flower-see