Types of Annuals

Plants that fit the “annuals” description vary depending on your region. Many popular annual flowers are tropical plants that do not survive winter temperatures outside of USDA hardiness zone 9. In your garden, use annuals for consistent color throughout the warm seasons. Mass plantings of annuals anchor garden beds and smaller pots add pops of color in your landscape.

Here are some favorite, widely available annuals that grown from seed or seedling.

Characteristic: Hardy or cool season annuals – tolerate cool temperatures and light freezing conditions.

Plant:

• Forget-Me-Not
• Larkspur
• Pansy
• Snapdragon
• Viola

Characteristic: Prefer full sun

Plant:

• Geranium
• Marigold
• Petunia
• Zinnia

Characteristic: Prefer shade or filtered sun

Plant:

• Ageratum
• Begonia
• Coleus
• Fuchsia
• Impatiens
• Lobelia

Characteristic: Semi-hardy annuals – tolerate cool temperatures, moderate frost.

Plant:

• Calendula
• Pansy
• Petunia
• Snapdragon

Characteristic: Tender annuals – won't tolerate cool weather.

Plant:

• Marigold
• Vinca
• Zinnia

Characteristic: Thrive in alkaline soil

Plant:

• Dianthus
• Strawflower
• Sweet pea

Characteristic: Thrive in average soil

Plant:

• Cosmos
• Gazania
• Nasturtium
• Poppy

Characteristic: Drought tolerant

Plant:

• Cleome
• Dusty miller
• Globe amaranth
• Petunia
• Zinnia

Characteristic: Tolerate wet climates

Plant:

• Browallia
• Fuchsia
• Nicotiana
• Pansy

To keep your garden vibrant all summer, plant annuals that thrive in hot, sunny summer temperatures. Here are seven great options:

• Mandevilla: Tropical flowers in red, pink and white attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Rio dipladenias are low-maintenance plants with glossy green foliage and non-stop blooms. Dipladenias require at least 4 hours of direct sunlight and are drought-resistant.
• Heat-tolerant, fragrant lavender grows in full sun with well-draining soil. Keep the air flowing through this Mediterranean plant if you live in a humid climate.
• Easy-to-care-for geraniums prefer full sun but can tolerate light shade, like in pots on the edge of a covered porch. Prune leggy stems to encourage new growth.
• Star-shaped pentas' red, pink and white blooms attract pollinators. They flower all summer with a minimum of 3 hours of direct sunlight.
• Lantana's bright, variegated blooms tolerate heat, drought and salt. Check the plant tag - some varieties grow up to 5 feet tall and can be perennial in warmer climates.
• Cuphea, also known as Mexican heather, is a low-maintenance, sun-loving plant that attracts hummingbirds and looks great in containers.

In the Garden Center, look for more heat-loving plants like cacti, succulents, petunias and salvia.

You can grow annuals from seed or purchase seedlings and mature plants for your garden and containers.

• Seeds: Starting seeds requires plenty of space, good light and proper temperature levels. Some seeds can be directly sown when soil warms in spring. Zinnias and marigolds are two popular annuals to direct sow.
• Live plants: In the Garden Center, choose plants that are a deep green in color and are neither too compact nor too spindly. Also, look for plants with buds yet to bloom.
• Containers and hanging baskets provide room for the plants' roots to grow and they bring color to eye level.
• Screens and hedges: Plant fast-growing annual vines like mandevilla, dipladenia and sweet potato vine next to trellises and fences for added privacy.

When you're ready to plant annuals in your garden, keep these tips in mind.

• Know the dates of first and last frost in your area for the best time to plant. See the Frost Date Calendar for the best date to plant in your area.
• Most annuals can be planted as soon as the danger of frost is over or when soil temperature is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Before planting a garden bed, get a soil test from your local Cooperative Extension Service office or from the Garden Center. Most annuals prefer soil with a pH between 6.7 to 7.4.
• Most soils, especially clay soils, benefit from organic amendments like compost. Work them into the soil prior to planting.
• Based on soil test results, add lime to acidic soils or aluminum sulfate to alkaline soils.
• When planting, gently untangle roots to help plants take hold of soil.
• Dig placement holes for each plant slightly larger than the root ball.
• Plants should stand in the ground at the same level as in the container.
• Carefully tamp down the earth around the plant for stability.
• Water thoroughly after planting.

Follow these tips for caring for annuals.

• Fertilize annuals at least once or twice during growing season. You can start with half-strength fertilizer applications early in the season.
• Soil enriched with compost may not require fertilizer.
• Annuals need between 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches of water per week during growing season.
• Water early in the morning and aim the hose at the base of the plant and not the foliage.
• Add mulch to retain moisture in soil and reduce growth of weeds.
• Weed regularly to improve appearance and reduce insects and disease.
• Pinch off dead blooms (“deadhead”) to encourage new flowers.