A Good Annual Return

This is the season of the bedding plant. Garden centres,stores and market stalls are sinking under a weight of annuals ready for planting out.They are not cheap but, used properly,they will provide 6 months of vivid colour, filling gaps in the garden.

There is still time to sow seeds outdoors where they are to flower. Growing from seed the plants will not be in flower until July but the cost is much less than buying plants and they will perform just
as well. They are ideal for new gardens where the plantings of permanent shrubs and trees are slow to make a show of colour. They may be used to fill any spaces left between shrubs to allow for future spread.

Before sowing seed or planting cultivate the soil, removing any weeds and their roots. Where possible, leave the ground to remain vacant for two weeks to allow another crop of weeds to germinate. Hoe or
spray them with weedkiller. Before planting, rake a general purpose,granular fertilizer into the surface at 30 grams (1 oz ) per
square metre. The seedling plants will grow away before more weeds germinate.

For a good display keep the bedding close together. Most plants will be happy spaced 20 cm ( 8 inches) apart. Where space allows plant the annuals in drifts of the same variety. Dot plants, taller than the surrounding varieties will create interest and add height. Amaranthus (Love lies bleeding), Cannas (Indian shot) and standard fuchsia will tower above asters, stock and nemesia.

Whole beds may be devoted to annuals and may be planted either in a riot of vibrant colours or in pastel shades. After planting water the plants to settle the soil around their roots. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails. They love the soft, young foliage of bedding plants and can devour planting schemes in a single night.


Don’t allow the plants to set seed. Dead head, removing the spent flowers, otherwise they may stop flowering. Apply a liquid, balanced fertilizer in mid July and again in late August. Annuals are ideal for planting in hanging baskets, window boxes and containers. They are prone to dry out so it is worth adding water retentive granules to the compost.When watering overhead, using a sprinkler or a hose, try to ensure the foliage is dry before nightfall. Wet foliage is prone to botrytis disease which will kill the plant and those close by. Annuals will flower all summer and into the autumn. Remove the old plants when the show is over. Replant with winter flowering pansies and polyanthus.

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