Planting Annual Flowers

Planting annual flowers is a quick, easy way to add color, fragrance and beauty to your landscaping design. By definition, annual flowers bloom, generate seeds and die within a single year. Their temporary nature makes annual flowers a flexible landscaping design element, which may be modified, removed or extended from one year to the next. Colorful annual flowers can draw attention to the attractive features of your home, such as a porch, deck or field stone walkway. Annuals can also mask unsightly elements, such as garbage cans, a compost heap or the foundation of an older house.

Annuals can be planted from seeds or purchased at nurseries as bedding plants. Buy mature plants near the end of the season to save money, or at the beginning of the season if you prefer to get a head start on your planting. To quickly add a pop of color to your landscape or beautify your yard for a summer party or wedding, plant beds of marigolds, begonias, sweet william or bachelor's buttons. Because annuals produce and drop seeds during their life cycle, you may see a return of the same flowers the next year.

Preparing to Plant Annuals

Before you buy bedding plants or begin sowing seeds, choose the areas of your landscape where you want the flowers to grow. Review growing information to determine whether the species you intend to plant prefer sunlit areas or shady portions of the yard. The soil should be weeded and cultivated before planting, especially if the area has never been used for gardening. Soil can be enriched with mulches, compost or grass clippings. Mulch provides natural fertilizer and discourages the growth of weeds.

Annual flowers are highly versatile, and colorful varieties can be found to suit nearly any climate. Although annuals tend to be fairly hardy, it's best to choose plants that will thrive in your local growing conditions. Soil and moisture are also important considerations. For the maximum growth and health, focus on flowers that can easily adapt to the conditions in your garden.

Plan your flower beds as borders for walkways or bedding for accent gardens. Annuals can be used to fill gaps in your landscaping or to bring the elements of a yard together in a harmonious design. If you've recently planted young trees or shrubs, a bed of annual flowers can fill the space until the woody plants develop. A bed of lobelia, black-eyed susans or pansies can draw attention to accents like fountains, benches or gazebos. Annual vines, such as sweet peas or morning glories, can trail along bird baths, trellises or balcony railings.

When to Plant Annual Flowers

Many of the most popular annual flowers grow well in warm soil, after the dangers of frost have passed. Planting annuals early in the spring may be risky if you live in a climate that experiences late frosts or springtime snow. If you purchase bedding plants ahead of time, store them in an area that isn't exposed to strong, direct sunlight and keep them lightly watered until you are ready to plant them.

Many annual flowers are easy to maintain, and you can enjoy their beauty and fragrance with relatively little care. Watering patterns should be based on the type of flowers and the natural patterns of rain fall in your area. Deep watering promotes the growth of a deep, healthy root system. If possible, keep the foliage dry to discourage microbial growth and diseases. With a little planning and preparation, planting annual flowers can be an easy, rewarding experience that will lend color and beauty to your exterior design without overextending your landscaping budget.

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