How to Choose Annual Flowers for Spring Planting

With the end of winter and the arrival of spring in the temperate zones, we can now begin to prepare for yard and garden flower planting. Although we may not have seen the last of the occasional early morning frost, it’s time to consider what planting to do when the time arrives. Garden houses and greenhouses will begin to offer and display plants somewhere around the first of May or so depending upon your area. Here is a 10 step guide to follow for selecting plants for maximum growth and enjoyment in your yard.

This guide focuses on the selection of annual plants; Unlike perennials, annual plants that must be replanted annually as the name suggests. These are the plants and flowers sold in flats. A flat is a rectangular tray that holds around twelve individual trays. Each tray is divided into quarters each with one individual plant. These individual flowers are planted singly, usually about 6 inches apart. As the season progresses, the flowers will blossom to fill out a border or area will a complete ground cover of blooms. They will get to a height of approximately one foot. When choosing your annuals, keep these ten questions in mind.

Where will you plant them? Annuals are best used for borders along terraces, sidewalks. Annuals can also planted around the base of trees or yard structures like sheds, bird baths or patios. Annuals are also used to fill window boxes, planters or urns. If you want to cover large wide areas, choose a fields flower or meadow seed mixture as opposed to annual plants which will be quite expensive.

How much sun will they get? Each plant is rated for shade, partial shade or full sun. Be sure to choose plants that fit the area where they will grow. Impatiens are a perfect shade plant. Geraniums love sun. And pansies and petunias enjoy partial sun.

Which direction of the house will you plant? The south facing side gets the most sun; the north gets the least as the yard is in the shadow of the house. The east side gets the morning sun which is the brightest sun and the west gets the afternoon sun which is hotter than the morning sun.

What is your soil type? Does your soil contain clay, sand or loam? What is the Ph or acidity level? You can test this to determine which plants will grow best.

What is your local weather like? Plants require more or less water depending upon their origin. Some need regular daily water and others, a periodic drenching. Do you live in an area that imposes watering restrictions? What type of sprinkling system do you have?

Do you live near salt water? If you live near the ocean, you will want to choose your plants with especial care. Salt is of course dangerous to many plants.

What trees do you have in your yard? The number and foliage of your trees will affect shade obviously, but also soil and root structure as well. Oak is very acidic for example, and sumac is really a large weed which sends out runners and can be toxic. If you have any sumac, have them removed. They will pollute your yard.

Does anyone have any plant or pollen allergies? This information will help you select safer less allergenic plants.

Do you have pets? Pets love to explore and sample in the garden and yard. Be sure to chose plants that are pet-friendly. You may want to keep your animals out of the flowers as their urine and feces is toxic.

What color scheme do you have? You can find annuals in just about any color you like. Choose your mixture to compliment the other colors in your yard and
home.

Common annuals are: impatiens, geraniums, petunias, pansies, dahlias, salvia, phlox, coleus, asters, moss roses and begonias. The most hearty are the geranium, impatiens and petunias. Enjoy your spring planting; remember the old gardener’s maxim: ‘Life began in a garden.’