Flowering Annuals

Yes, Annuals do need replacing twice a year – spring /summer and autumn/winter – but it is worth the effort. Stay with your favourites or change it up.

Requirements 

-Full sun

-Good clay loam soil with summer water holding capacity

-Work in Tui General Fertiliser before planting

- Deep watering in dry summer periods

 Pests and Diseases

- Possible pests are Aphids and caterpillars.

To control spray with Mavrik which is bee safe and soft on ladybirds.

-Possible disease is powdery mildew, particularly in hot and humid conditions.

To control spray with Grosafe Enspray Oil which will smother the spores.

-Removing spent flowers will prolong flowering

-To get the best from winter and early spring flowering annuals they should be planted in March.

Season of availability and recommended planting time

Many Flowering Annuals are available over specific periods in areas which are subject to frosts.

Set out below is a general guide for the Hawke’s Bay.

Autumn

Recommended varieties to plant March to April for winter and early spring flowering: Alyssum, Calendula, Nemesia, Pansies, Polyanthus, Poppies, Primula, Stock, Sweet Peas, Sweet William, Wallflowers.

Lobelia can be planted also but is frost tender.

Spring

Recommended varieties to plant September - October outside once frosts are past: Alyssum, Cosmos, Dahlia, Dianthus, Impatiens, Livingston Daisies, Lobelia, Marigold, Petunia, Phlox, Portulaca and Zinnia.

-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 1 metre 

Uses

-Plant in mixed borders or massed beds

-Good ‘gap’ fillers

-In pots and containers

-Some are good for floral art.