Strategic Timing for Sowing Annual Bloomers in Garden Edges: Expert Advice forDynamic, Colorful Displays
Oh, Hey There! Wondering when to drop your annual flowering plants in the garden? Let's dive in, mate!
These vibrant and fast-growing babies are just what the doctor ordered to add some pop to your flower bed ideas, but only if you nail that planting schedule! Whether you're into bedding plants for shade or full sun, there's a colorful little bloom out there for every garden, no matter the size or aspect.
But once you've selected your stars of the show, it's time to get to know these portable barstowers. Plant them too early, and a cold snap could spoil the party – plant too late, and you risk missing that wow-factor window. Timing, my friend, is everything – you need to get this just right!
Morris Hankinson, the founder and managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, sets the stage: "Bedding plants are an easy and beautiful way to brighten up a garden, patio, or balcony with lots of color and interest."
Hopes Grove Nurseries, by the way, is the only specialist grower-retailer of hedging plants in the UK. Morris established it all back in 1992, after scoring a Commercial Horticulture Degree from Writtle College, Essex.
He continues: "Being annuals, they won't tolerate really cold conditions. So, it's important to know when to plant out bedding plants by keeping an eye on frost dates for your area and cold weather spells."
As you might've guessed, the advice will be slightly tweaked based on the specific variety of annual flowering plants you've chosen. These are no ordinary fence-sitters; they're more like Goldilocks-style plants!
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Summer Annual Flowering Plants
So, you're still wondering when to plant out your annual flowering plants? Well, the timeline shifts a bit depending on which ones you're working with.
Landscaper and gardening expert Steven Bell, with years of experience under his belt, clears the air: "In the UK, the general guideline for planting out summer annual flowering plants is after the last frost, which is typically in late May to early June, depending on your location."
And the plants on that list? Petunias, calibrachoas, lobelias, and surfinias, just to name a few. But don't sweat it if they don't survive frosty conditions – they can be planted in pots, containers, and hanging baskets during late April and kept under cover until temperatures warm up. A greenhouse, for example, will do the trick!
"Some plants need a little longer to grow, so this is an ideal way to bring trailing begonias and pretty geraniums along," chimes in Morris Hankinson of Hopes Grove Nurseries. "Anything planted under cover first will need to be hardened off before being planted in its final growing place."
Steven continues: "Areas further south may be safe from mid-May, whereas northern or more exposed areas might be better waiting until early June. The key is to ensure that the risk of frost has fully passed, as most bedding plants are tender and won't tolerate cold temperatures."
To avoid transplant shock, Steven offers the following top tips:
- Check the weather forecast before planting.
- Aim for a mild, overcast day to reduce transplant shock.
- Prepare the soil well with ample compost and water it in thoroughly.
Autumn and Winter Annual Flowering Plants
Careful timing is also crucial for autumn and winter varieties, such as pansies, violas, and wallflowers. The advice here, as you might've guessed, is slightly different.
"For these, you'd typically plant them out in September to October so they can establish before the coldest months set in," Steven suggests.
Planting Annual Flowering Plant Plugs
If you're growing your annual flowering plants from seed or plugs indoors or in a greenhouse, the advice shifts yet again.
"You can start them earlier in spring and harden them off for a week or two before planting them out," explains Steven. "This involves gradually acclimatizing them to outdoor conditions, favorably placing them outside during the day and bringing them in at night for about 7–10 days."
It's worth the effort, especially if you make the choice to work with some of the bedding plants that slugs hate the most.
What Temperature Is Too Cold for Annual Flowering Plants?
It's a reality: it can be too cold for annual flowering plants, particularly in cold snaps or when temperatures are sitting at below or just above freezing point. But have no fear if you've planted yours out a tad early—there's still hope!
"If the urge to plant out bedding plants is too strong to resist, keep a close eye on the weather, and either bring them under cover or cover with horticultural fleece in cold weather, particularly during a frosty period," advises Morris Hankinson of Hopes Grove Nurseries.
Time to figure out which ones to stock up on for your garden! Personally, we're racing to the checkouts for the last few geraniums. May the fastest gardener win!
Tara HamptonTara Hampton joined our platform as a Content Editor in the spring of 2023, eager to hit the ground running. With a background in content creation and the occasional freelance writing, she’s more than ready to contribute her expertise to our team.
To complement your home-and-garden lifestyle, consider adding annual flowering plants to your garden and indoor spaces. Plant out summer annuals, such as petunias, calibrachoas, lobelias, and surfinias, after the last frost, typically in late May to early June. For autumn and winter varieties like pansies, violas, and wallflowers, aim for September to October planting to ensure they establish before the coldest months.
