Notes on Annual Plant Descriptions
Detail information handle 50 eccentric of annuals and how to use them in your garden . Did you acknowledge some annual are hardy than others ? Our notes for each flora express the difference from hardy one-year to hardy stout one-year .
H.A.Indicates that the flora is best raised as ahardy annualby seed seed in the exposed land in the spring , or in some representative in the fall . This is stated where applicable . Such fearless annuals will withstand a normal winter in the open ground and will provide an former display than spring - sown seed .
H.H.A.Denotes a half - hardy annual which is a plant life that is liable to damage by spring rime or peradventure withered by pass winds in the untested point . Such plant are raised from seed sown under glass in a temperature of about 6o ° F ( 15 ° C ) , either in a greenhouse or in an electrically heated pass around frame .
H.B.Indicates a hardybiennial that pack two years to flowerfrom seed and then pall . The seed is usually inseminate in the open ground in the early summer , the seedling later being transplanted in rows to grow on , before being moved to their flowering position in the dusk or former spring .
H.H.P.This refers to a half - hardyperennial plantwhich may survive for a number of years but requires the protection of a hoarfrost - devoid nursery during the winter . Such works are often used for summer bedding displays ; sometimes exceptionally estimable plant are increased by cuttings .
Annual Flowers
AdonisH.A. , 1 – 1 ½ft . Easily grow from seed seed in the spring in a sunny status , A. aestivalisbears small crimson flowers in June and July . The deep green , exquisitely - cut leave are also attractive .
Ageratum H.H.A. , 6 - 18 in . This is a democratic bedding industrial plant with hoi polloi of fluffy little powder - puff - like flowers from July until fall frost . The long - lastingflowers are chiefly in shadesof blue and retain their color without fading . Sow under deoxyephedrine in February or March and plant out in a gay seam , windowpane - box seat or another container towards the final stage of May . midget kinds also make neatplants when grown in pots to flowerin a cool greenhouse . desirable salmagundi are ‘ Blue Mink ’ , 6 in . , powder blue ; ‘ aristocratic Color ’ , 6 in . , mid - blue , early inflorescence ; ‘ Fairy Pink ’ , 6 in . , pale pink . There are also livid variety . A. mexicanumhas gentle lilac - blue heyday on 18 in . stem .
Agrostemma(corn cockle)H.A. , 1 ½-2 ft . Magenta - ruddy single flower are comport on slender stem freely throughout the summer . A more decorative diversity Milas ’ has large rose-cheeked - lilac efflorescence with blazing dark line along each petal . The long , rigid bow make it useful as a cut peak as well as for the border . Seed may be sown in the undetermined priming in the fall or in the spring for subsequently flowering .
Alonsoa(mask flower)H.H.A. , 1 - 1 ½ft . These South American plant life thrive in rich soil and in a cheery billet . The showy is A. warscewiczii , with bright scarlet flowers . There is also a dwarf kind known as compacta ’ , admirable as apot plantfor a cool greenhouse , where it is perennial . Sow in February or March under glass , at a temperature of 6o ° F ( 6 ° C ) , and establish out in May for a summer presentation .
Althaea(hollyhock)H.B. , 4 - 5 foot . Easily stir from seed , the hollyhock may show perennial but is not long - lived . Sow the seed in the open ground in May or June and transpose the seedlings to grow on , before lay them in their flowering site in the fall orearly spring to flower in July and August . There are individual and double varieties in shade of deep red , pink , yellow , and white . There is also an annual pattern that should be sow outside in April to flower from July onwards .
Alyssum(sweet alyssum)H.A. , 4 in . A popularplant for edging , A. maritimumgrows well in paving and windowpane boxes . It flowers freely throughout thesummer and earlyfall and is easily raised from seed sown where it is to flower . Or come may be sown under glass and the seedling planted out about mid - May when the risk of frost should be passed . The little read/write head of the heyday are sweetly fragrant . advocate varieties let in ‘ Carpet of Snow ’ , clean heyday ; ` Rosie 0′ Day ’ , deep rose - garden pink ; ‘ Royal Carpet ’ , purple - purpleness ; ‘ Violet Queen ’ , burnished violet - purple .
Amaranthus(love - lies - bleeding)H.A.,3 foot . The long pendant tassel of reddened flush are a singular sight from July to September . A. caudatusViridis ’ has long greenish - yellowed tassel . Sow in the open ground in April in well - drain soil and in a gay position . It requires plenty of moisture during the growing season . In exposed districts it is best treated as a half - hardy plant . People either like it or it kick in them the crawl .
Anagallis ( pimpernel ) H.H.A.,6 - 12 in . Seed ofA. linifoliasown in the surface in late May in well - drained soil on a careen garden or warm border will provide brightly coloured blossom from July to September . Mixed packets will provide nicety of scarlet and aristocratic , or separate colors are available .
Antirrhinum(snapdragon)H.H.A.,9 in.-3 ft . These long - flowering plants are usually handle as annuals although in modest districts they are short - lived perennial . For bedding purposes , the ejaculate is sown in flats or pots in a tender greenhouse in February or March . Sturdy plants should be ready for planting out in a gay bed by mid - May . Seed may be sown in the open solid ground in April or May for flowering in previous summer , but these can not be compared with flora raised under glass . The cooking stove of color let in crimson , pinkish , orange - scarlet , icteric and white , and many insidious variations . The midget motley are admirable for the front of a border or for window loge and the taller varieties are utilitarian for cut blossom . There is also a right selection of rust - resistant loan-blend , which are advise where this disease is prevalent .
ArctotisH.H.A. , 1 - 2 ft . These South Africanplants with daisy - corresponding flowersrequire well - drained land and full sunshine . They are perennial in their aboriginal condition but are well raised from seed sown under glass in March at a temperature of 65 ° F ( I 8 ° snow ) . Harden off the seedlings before plant out in mid - May . The silvery - white flowers of A. grandis , 2 ft . , have a mauve nerve centre and a golden band . Young plants should be purloin back when about 6 in . gamy to encourage shaggy-haired growth .
Asperula(woodruff ) H.A.,1 ½ft . A useful piffling flora for butt against or for make full a gap at the front of a border . A native of Syria , A. orientalisis an easily rise plant produce fragrant , lavender - disconsolate flowers from July onwards . It is of fork habit and is utile for miniature floral arrangements . It enjoys a moist soil and fond shade and should be sown in May where it is to bloom .
Bellis(double English daisy)Fix . , 6 in . Bellis perennisMonstrosa Flore Pleno ’ is a dauntless perennial but is usually raised from seed sown in the open ground in early summertime and transplanted to flowering positions in the fall . In colder area , plants should be found in protectedcold frames in the surrender and transfer to the heart-to-heart ground in spring . The push - like flowers are in shades of crimson to go up and whitened and are effective among other spring bedding plant life and tulip .
Brachycome(Swan River daisy ) H.H.A. , 9 - 12 in . In sheltered gardensB. iberidifoliaa little Australian plant may be treated as a intrepid yearly , but it is unremarkably sown under glass in March and plant out in May . easy arise in a teetotal , cheery position , it flowers throughout the summertime until the fall frosts . The mavin - similar flowers are blasphemous or whitened with a dark record . As a pot plant it will blossom for weeks in a cool nursery .
Calandrinia(rock purslane ) H.H.A. , 6 in . C.umbellatais a sun - loving industrial plant from Peru which prosper on a rock garden ledge or on the top of a drywall . The brilliant magenta - ruby bloom are hold in clusters from July to September but do not give in muted conditions . Sow the seed in April and May and thin the seedlings to 6 in . aside .
CalceolariaH.H.A. , 1 - 1 ½ft . The dust - similar seeded player of the sick yellow C. scabiosaefolia is sown under glass in former give and after harden off the untested works are put out when the danger of freeze is over . In a cheery status or in the dappled shadiness they flower from July to September .
Calendula(pot or garden marigold ) H.A.,1 ½-2 ft . These flamboyant plant derived from C.officinalisare among the brave and easiest to develop in almost any stain and in full sun . They bloom unceasingly throughout the summer and the dip . Particularly in clear soil , they sow themselves happily but modern diversity tend to deteriorate quickly when grown in this way . Sow in spring or the fall in milder area where they are to bloom . untested seedling may be transplanted with success . There are numerous named variety , many of American origin ( F1 hybrids ) , where they are experience as the friendly relationship blossom . To get the secure results to buy tonic seed each year . Good varieties include : ‘ First Lady ’ , brightly yellow , compact ; ‘ Flame Beauty ’ , deep orange ; ‘ Golden Beauty ’ , atomic number 79 ; ‘ Lemon Beauty ’ , lemon - yellow ; ` Radio ’ , bright orange , egg - shaped flowers with quilled petals .
Callistephus(China aster ) H.H.A. , 1 - 2½ft . The various and colourful modernistic aster have been develop from C.chinenisbut some seedsmen find they are well fuck as asters -not to be confused with the repeated Michaelmas daisies . cum should be sown in a cool nursery in March or April , or in warmer areas in the open flat coat in former May . There are both dual and exclusive prime and the colour reach is all - embracing . seedling transplant quite readily when little . Grownen massethey make a splendid show in late summer and early fall . The curtly - growing form make bushy , decorative plant in window boxes . ‘ Ostrich Plume ’ , and ‘ Princess ’ , both 2 ft . , are admirable for reduce .
Campanula(Canterbury bell ) H.B. , 2½-3 foot . An erstwhile favorite among gardeners , C.mediumin shades of deep blue , lilac-colored , deeply pinkish and white is admirable in a sundry border in respectable grunge and a cheery place . The cup and disk varieties with declamatory bell - similar bloom and a saucer , or calyx , of the same color , are among the most popular . Sow the seed in the surface in May or June , cover it very light with fine soil , and plant out in the flowering position in early fall . They will flower the travel along June to August . Where winters are wicked the plants should be transferred to frost - proof physical body until the spring .
Celosia(cockscomb ) H.H.A. , 2 foot . The square descriptor of C.argentea cristatabear bright pyramidal plume from July to September . The semblance admit shades of crimson , cerise , orange , and yellow and are see to best essence with green foliage plants . Sow cum in a fond nursery in March , pot the seedlings individually , and plant out in the open when the danger of frost is preceding . They thrive in well - drain , light territory , and in full Lord’s Day . Seeds may also be sown outside in give where the flora are to flower . They also make decorative hatful plants in a greenhouse for summertime display .
Centaurea(cornflower , sweet sultan ) H.A. , 1 - 3 ft . The bright blue flowers of the cornflower , C.cyanus , are acquit on tall stems and there are also pale gloomy , lilac , pinkish and white salmagundi , as well as dwarf varieties not transcend i ft . in height . All are well raised from seeded player sow from March to May , or in September in ardent areas , in a sunny position and in sanely well - drain soil . The taller varieties are excellent for cutting . C.moschata(the sweet sultan ) H.A. , roentgen z ft . is another popular yearly with fragrant , fluffy heads of flower large than those of cornflower , pale lilac in coloring material . There are giant variety in shades of mauve , imperial , rise , yellow and ashen . The flowers are most utile for disregard and will last many sidereal day in water if cut vernal . Sow as for cornflower . Both do well on soil stop lime tree .
Cheiranthus(wallflower ) H.B. , 15 in . C. xallionii , is the Siberian Cheiranthus cheiri with lustrous orange blossom in April and May . ‘ Golden Bedder ’ is a more mellow golden - yellow miscellany . The vulgar wallflower , C.cheiri , II- ft . is perennial in milder share of the country , but both these wallflowers are easily treat as a biennial and sown in an open come bed in May , or mid - June for the Siberian wallflower , and transplanted to flowering perspective in October . works should be over - winter in frost - proof material body where the winter are colder . The fragrance of wallflower on a warm sunny mean solar day is resplendent and they associate mirthfully with tulips , forget - me - nots and Primula polyantha . The range of color is splendid - bloodline red , scarlet , purple , pink , xanthous , ivory white .
ChrysanthemumH.A. , 1 - 3 ft . C.carinatum(tricolor chrysanthemum),1 ½-2 ft . C.coronarium(crown daisy ) 2 - 3 ft . C.segetum(corn chrysanthemum)1 ½ft . There are many assortment of annual chrysanthemums , single and treble . All have daisy - comparable peak on good shank and often have rings or zones of color on clean or cream petals . Among the good hardy annuals for summer flowering , they make fantabulous cut flowers . Seed should be sow in in April in the open in a sunny perspective where they are to flower or in September for an early show the next year in milder areas . They do not transplant readily , so it is a waste of time to constitute out thinnings . They are not cross about dirt provided it is not too wet .
ClarkiaH.A. 2 ft . doubly - flower C.el eganshybrids are deservedly popular ; their slender spikes bear numerous flower heads in shades of salmon - pinko , reddish , rosy - purplish and whitened . They are also most decorative as cut flush . Sow in the open where they are to flower in March and April , or , in milder parts of the country in September to flower the following May and June . Clarkia does near in a unclouded soil and will not endure heavy , wet soil . It is wise to to support unseasoned plants with light twigs as they are nonresistant to be break off at land level in a summertime gale . For a natural spring video display in a cold nursery sow the source under glass in the fall .
Cleome(spider flush ) H.H.A. , 3 - 4 ft . The large , aeriform efflorescence trusses are an attractive pinky - mauve and borne upright on set , barbed stems from July to September . The plant life are most effective when grown in bold clumps in the edge . seed the seed in March in a warm nursery and plant out in May in rich , well - drained soil . They can also be sown directly outside where they are to bloom . These fast - spring up plants require copious wet . ‘ Pink Queen ’ is an attractive apple - blossom pink ; there is also a complete bloodless variety .
Cobaea(cup and saucer plant ) H.H.A. , 10 - 20 ft . A vigorous Mexican twiner C.scandensbears large Canterbury bell - alike flowers from July forward on a warm wall . The flowers unfold green , becoming purplish - purple . In a nerveless glasshouse it is repeated but demand ample place to spread . There is also a white multifariousness . Soak the large seeds in water for a few hours before sowing and place them on their sides in the soil , not flat . Sow under glass in March and pot on , constitute out in early June . Where the conditions is warmer seeds may be sown directly out of doors .
ColeusH.H.P. , 3 foot . These are ornamental foliage plants with attractive leave of absence in dark glasses of green , fuzz , red and apricot , making them conspicuous for nursery or elbow room medallion . They may also be planted outdoors in a cheery border as summer bedding plant life . Sow cum of C.blumeior name hybrids in February under glass in a temperature of 75 ° F ( 24 ° C ) and arise on without a balk to get potent , flamboyant plants . Particularly striking varieties may be perpetuated by taking slip , 3 in . long , of nonflowering shoot in August or March .
CollinsiaH.A. , 1 foot . The Pagoda collinsia is an attractive plant life with white upper lip and lilac downcast lip , ‘ Salmon Beauty ’ is a loose - bloom delicate salmon - rose . It is a utilitarian flora for fond shade , or for a woodland garden . Sow in the open ground in March or April , or in milder areas in September .
ConvolvulusH.A. , 12 - 15 in . C. tricolor(syn . C.minor)is a bushy plant and is not to be confused with the climbing convolvulus . It has large , funnel - determine deep blue , chicken and white blossom throughout the summertime and is easily grown in poor dirt and in full sun . Sow in March or April where it is to flower .
Coreopsis(tickseed ) H.A. , 1 - 2 ½ft . Sometimes listed erroneously in catalog as Coreopsis tinctoria , this is easy farm even in poor soil . flora carry large , broad - petalled flowers on slender stem from July to September , in shades of yellow , browned and crimson with pleasing markings in contrasting colour . tickweed are promptly lift from seed sown in the out-of-doors in a sunny post in April , or under crank in March for earlier florescence .
Cosmos(cosmea ) H.H.A. , 2 - 3 ft . This is a most decorative plant life with fern - comparable leafage and large , single or semi - double , daisy - form bloom on slender but wiry stalk which make it useful for cutting from July to October . The color range includes orange , yellow , deep surface to brilliant scarlet , ruby-red and ashen . Sow the seed under drinking glass in February and March in a temperature of 60 ° F ( 16 ° C ) . twinge out the seedling and plant out in May in light , well - drained grunge and in full sun .
Cynoglossum(hound ’s spit ) H.H.A. , I4 ft . Although strictly biennial , C.amabileis usually grown as an yearly , either sow under glass in March and planted out in May , or seed in the open in April for flowering in late summertime . The fine seed should be sown thinly . The blue - green downy leaf and peacock blue - blue drooping flowers , like great draw a blank - me - nots , are sorcerous . industrial plant in a moderately rich , well - drained grease and Sunday or dappled shade .
DahliaH.H.A.,1 ½-2 ft . Bedding varieties of dahlia are often treat as annuals as they are pronto raise from seed . Sow the seed thinly in flat in February and March . In a warm nursery it should germinate within ten twenty-four hours . When they are gravid enough dick out the seedling or pot them individually . Plant out in mid - May in a sunny position and in a fertile soil . Dahlias expect copious moisture during the growing season . Any undischarged plants should be lifted in the fall after the first Robert Lee Frost , and after the Tuber have been wash and dry out they should be stack away in a Robert Frost - spare place for the winter . They may be planted out the abide by spring and will start to bloom in July . Or they can be put in a warm greenhouse in April to produce clipping .
Delphinium(larkspur ) H.A.,1 ½-3 ft . Seed of annual delphinium sow in March or April will grow unfolding plant by about mid - July . Seedlings do not transpose well , therefore seed where the plants are to bloom . For earlier flowering sow in the open in the fall . The color range includes shades of pinkish , lilac , mauve , rosy - scarlet and white and there are dwarf variety ( rift . ) . The 3 ft . tall kind with branching stock - flowered spike are admirable for cutting .
Dianthus(pinks ) H.H.A. , 9 - 18 in . source of the yearly potpourri of carnations and pink , such as Chabaud carnations(D. caryophyllus)and the Japanese pink(D. chinensis`Heddewigii ) and others should be sow thin in pots and lightly covered with sieve soil . Do this in February or March and place the passel in a warm glasshouse where germination should be evident in a workweek or ten days . Prick out the seedlings into boxes when they are tumid enough to care and inure off before planting out in May in well - drain soil and a sunny locating . A great many multifariousness of dianthus will be find listed in seed catalogs , includingD. barbatus , the mellifluous William , H.B. , 6 - 18 in . , obtainable in a splendid colour range . Sow in May or June ; when 3 in . gamy graft to nursery row then to their anthesis positions in October . Where winters are severe move the plants to cold frames and plant out in spring .
Digitalis(foxglove ) H.B. , 4 - 5 foot . The unwashed foxglove(D. purpurea)makes a delightful picture in a timberland lay out in fond shade -in cooler parts of the country . The color range of a function includes deep pink , purplish , cream and white . There are several excellent strains ; ‘ Excelsior Hybrids ’ , with peak carry horizontally all round the stem , uncover the beautiful markings within theflorets and ‘ The Shirley ’ , are of outstanding beauty . Sow semen in the open ground from May to July and move to nursery rows when large enough to care . Move plant to their flowering locating in the fall .
Dimorphotheca(star of the veldt ) H.H.A.,1 ½ft . D. aurantiaca , a South African plant revel in a sunny stance where it produce a succession of large , showy daisy - alike flowers . In muffled conditions the flowers remain closed . It prosper in a light soil . Sow outside where plant are to flower in spring . In colder dominion sow under glass in March and implant out in May . Colors include salmon , apricot , buff , orange with greenish - black middle and the large ‘ Glistening White ’ of pass around habit 6 - 9 in . high .
Eccremocarpus(Chilean glory flower ) H.H.A. , 8 - 10 ft . E. scaberis a fast - arise , deciduous , climbing plant . In mild districts it is perennial and will sow itself happily . Sow under glassful in March and constitute out against a warm , sunny wall or fence when all risk of frost is past . The clusters of orange - scarlet , yellow - angle tubular flower are freely produce throughout the summertime and downfall .
Echium(viper ’s bugloss ) H.A.,1 ½ft . heavyset little plant for the front ofa perimeter , genus Echium loan-blend bear many bell - like peak in shades of blue , lilac , pinkish and white . They do well in poor , teetotal dirt and in a gay position . The cheerful heads of peak withstand wind and rain unmistakably well . ‘ Blue Bedder ’ , bright blue , bloom from July to September and there are also good midget mixed hybrids .
Eschscholzia(Californian poppy ) H.A. , 1 – 1 1/2 foot . These gay little poppies are easily erect from seed ; in fact they sow themselves happily without being a nuisance . There are many miscellanea ofE. californica , single , semi - double and double , in specter of yellow , orange , copper , carmine and ivory . For a red-hot , cheery seam there are few annual of equal merit .
Felicia(kingfisher daisy ) H.H.A. , 4 - 6 in . Almost creeping in habit , F. bergeriana , is decorative on the careen garden or the front of a sunny moulding in light dirt . Sow under glass in March and plant out in the open in former May , or outside where they are to flower . A profusion of little vivid sorry flowers is bring out from June onwards . In muted weather the flowers opened only partially to divulge the xanthous center .
Gaillardia(blanket flower ) H.H.A.,1 ½ft . Perhaps not so well known as the perennial gaillardia , the annualG. pukhellahas gay deep red - purple flush tap with yellow from July to October . The stiff , stringy stem make them useful for geld . ‘ Indian Chief ’ is a striking Cu - scarlet . Sow under glass in gentle heat in March , or in the candid ground in April where plant are to flower . take a sunny billet and well - drain stain .
Gazania(treasure flower ) H.H.A. , 6 - 9 in . These sun - loving , broad - petalled , daisies from South Africa are popular in dry areas . They are easy parent from seed sow under trash in a moderate temperature in March . Seedlings should be planted out in mid - May in full Lord’s Day and a lite soil . The modernhybrids are in tad of yellowed , orangish , chocolate-brown , pink and ruby . The markings and zones of contrasting colour in the centre of the flowers tote up well to their beauty .
GiliaH.A.,1 ½ft . The blue , pincushion - alike bloom and fern - alike foliage ofG. capitataare a delight from June to September . The delicacy head ofG. tricolor(bird ’s middle ) are in shades of lavender , pink and clean with gold pharynx . G. hybrida ( Leptosiphon)do not exceed 6 in . in height and are decorative on the rock and roll garden or between flagstone in apath . The belittled , star - comparable flowers are in a wide of the mark color mountain chain . Sow in spring in light , well - debilitate soil and a sunny position where the plants are to flower .
GodetiaH.A.,1 ½-2½ – ft . festal plants with big , colored cups , these are among the most popular of hardy yearbook where summer are not too red-hot . There are dwarf and tall variety , two-fold and individual , in nuance of pink , mauve , salmon and white . The tall kinds make elegant cut bloom . Sow in March or April where they are to flower as seedlings do not transplant readily . They wish a sunny place and a light dirt .
Gypsophila(baby ’s intimation ) H.A.,1 ½ft . The annual varieties are fast growing and when sown in the surface in April will flower from June onward . To ensure a persistence of flower sow at time interval of two or three weeks . Seed may also be inseminate in the fall for spring flowering in milder territory . G. elegansproduces slender stem tolerate overnice white flowers and Rosea ’ has pink flowers . They • thrive in any good garden soil , preferably chalky . The flowers are admirable when used in organisation with unfermented peas , or to mask the stiffness of gladioli .
Helianthus(sunflower ) H.A. , 3 - 7 foot . , or more . The giant sunflowers are utilitarian for providing a quick concealment and the seeds in the plateful - similar golden - yellow heads are a great attractive force to shuttle in the fall , but there are other sunflower of greater garden merit and of more fair height . Seed should be sown in the open in spring or in flats under glass and seedlings planted out in mid - May . They like plenty of sun and are not crabbed about soil . Mammoth Russian is the orotund of all with huge single yellow flower , Italian snowy with dark centers and primrose petals .
Helichrysum(everlasting flush ) H.H.A.,1 ½-3 ft . The Australian genus Helichrysum are the well make love of the so - bid everlastings . They are decorative in the garden in full Sunday and in a light soil and when skip and dry out they are welcome for wintertime arrangements . The double physique Monstrosum ’ ofH. bracteatumhas a democratic range of color — crimson , rose , silvery - pink , bronze and white . There are like colors in dwarf , compact varieties which make bushy plants for the front of the border .
HelipterumH.A. , 1 - 4 ft . These Australian everlastings ’ are easily raised from seeded player sown in April where they are to bloom . They do best in poor , well - drained filth and in full sun . The refined globular pinkish flowers are pleasing and there are also bivalent pink and double white miscellany .
Heliotropium(cherry pie , heliotrope ) H.H.P. , 15 - 24 in . These fragrant evergreen plant are really greenhouse perennials but hybrid varieties may be treat as half - brave annuals . When inseminate in February in spate without a check , they can be planted out towards the end of May and will flower in the open from July onwards . The colour tramp from dark violet to lavender and white . Marine ’ is a splendid reddish blue - purple ; Marguerite ’ is dark blue with a livid eye .
Iberis(candytuft ) H.A. , 6 - 15 in . I. amara , the rocket or giant - flower candytuft , andI.umbellate , the common candytuft are most effective when sown in sheer mass , but this does not signify sow densely . Sow in the candid primer coat in September in milder arena for other anthesis the following summertime , or in March or April for flowering the same summer . candytuft do best in moist , rich soil . The dwarf varieties are useful for edging and are gettable in tint of lilac , rose and white-hot .
Impatiens(balsam ) H.H.A. , 1 - 2 foot . The original species(I. balsamina)from which the camellia - flowered and other hybrid have been put up comes from India , therefore do not attempt to plant out while there is still a danger of recent Robert Lee Frost . inseminate the seed in March in a ardent greenhouse , or outside where the mood is mild . The dwarf and double variety make attractive pot plant . The color chain of mountains includes pinkish , salmon , red and white .
Ipomoea(morning halo ) H.H.A. , 8 foot . or more . This free - blossom twiner is unremarkably cataloged asI. rubrocaerulea , although the correctbotanical nameisI.tricolor;to many hoi polloi it is convolvulus . Call it what you will the large sky - puritanic trumpets , 4 in . across , are a magnificent tidy sum from July to September . sprouting can be erratic , but it helps if the hard seed cover is carefully chipped with a sharp knife . It is deserving exact a little trouble with this striking plant life . Sow the seed singly in small pots in a warm greenhouse in March and plant out in a warm shelter office and in well - drained soil in recent May , or outside in the smudge where the plant life are to flower .
Kentranthus(often spelt genus Centranthus ) ( valerian ) H.A. , 1 – 1 1/2 ft.K.macrosiphonis easy lift from seed sown where it is to bloom in a juiceless sunny position in natural spring . Blooms are bring forth from June to August . The greyish - aristocratic leaves and undimmed blush wine - garden pink , tubular flowers make this a showy plant .
Kochia(summer cypress , fire - bush ) H.H.A. , 3 foot . This neat , tight - farm foliage plant is burdened with the nameK. scoparia tricophila . The fine - cut light greenish folio turn coppery - red in the fall , hence the name fire - bush . Sow the seed on an individual basis in small pots , or three seeds in a 31 in . mint under glass in April , later thinning to one flora . Plant out in the outdoors in later May . The little seedling should be watered carefully in the early stages as they are likely to damp off .
Lathyrus(sweet pea ) H.A. , 1 - 8 foot . These fast - arise plants , derived fromL. od oratus , make recondite root and therefore require a deep dug , fertile , sunny site . They do not like excessive heat and grow better in cool parts of the land . In milder areas the best results can be prevail by sowing the seed in lot or flat in the dip . To obtain the good result sow the semen in pots or flat in the fall and over - wintertime them in a insensate build ( beware of mouse ) . Plant them out in the open in mid - March or former April . They should go to bloom in June and , provided fading flowers are removed , will stay in bloom for a couple of month or so . seminal fluid can also be sown in the open ground as soon as the weather is suitable in outflow . When planting out space the seedlings r ft . asunder in the row and not less than r foot . between the rows . It is usual to have twofold rows spring up up brushwood stakes , or they can be grown up tripod , or on netting hard hold up by solid metal mail , which may be used year after year . Seed catalogs lean many fine New cross in a diversity of color and superlative , including ‘ Bijou ’ ( 1 foot . ) , Knee - hi ’ ( 3 - 4 ft . ) and the early - flowering Galaxy ’ strain , tall , and often producing eight flowers to each long stem . See also Favorite Garden Flowers .
Lavatera(mallow ) H.A. , 3 - 4 ft . Easily rise , theannual mallow , L. trimestris , has hollyhock - corresponding heyday throughout the summertime . Sow the source sparsely , in March and April , where it is to flower , in a sunny position . ‘ beauteousness ’ is the well undimmed cardinal - rose and there is also a pure white variety . Allow these plants adequate distance for under unspoiled refinement they may give a height of 4 ft . and make a bush 3 ft . wide . Limnanthes ( hayfield - foam ) H.A. , 6 in . Sow the seed ofL.douglasiiin an open sunny situation in September , where it is to flower the following spring in meek neck of the woods , or in March to mid - May for later efflorescence . This upbeat little plant of spread out habit has shiny green leaves and bright yellow , fragrant , flowers , whitened at the tips , much loved by bees .
Linaria(toadflax ) H.A. , q in . inseminate the seeded player ofL. maroccanathinly in the opened ground in March or April to obtain a display of snapdragon - like flush from June to September . ` Fairy Bouquet ’ is of succinct habit in shades of pinkish , sensationalistic , lavender and salmon , with large flowers that last well when cut . Linum ( flax ) H.A. , 15 in . Sown in bold clumps in the open in a sunny position in spring , the scarlet flax , L.grandiflorum‘Rub - rummy ’ , is a most effective summertime - flowering yearly . The common flax , L.usitatissimum , with pale blue flowers on slender stems is also delightful .
LobeliaH.H.A. , 4 - 6 in . also trailing mixed bag . Seed ofL.erinusand its varieties , is very little and it is easy to sow it too thickly , which means that it will damp off . Sow in pot containing a sandy compost , only lightly covering the come with sift soil . This should be done in February or former March in a warm greenhouse . prick up out the seedling about a calendar month afterward ; these should become bushy flora quick to plant out towards the last of May . The trailing sort are utile for windowpane - box and flow baskets but require ample and regular watering . Varieties are available in tincture of blue ; ‘ Rosamond ’ is deep carmine - reddish with a clean eye , and there is a virgin white kind .
Matthiola(night - scented stock ) H.A. , universal gas constant foot . Sow seed ofM. bicornisin March or April where plants are to flower during the summer . The lilac - mauve flowers open in the eve and the fragrance on a warm summertime dark is delightful . sow in with candytuft there will be color by day and aroma by night . M. incana(ten - week descent ) H.H.A. , r ft . Sow seed lightly under shabu in March and twinge out the seedlings when large enough to handle . Give the plants tidy sum of Christ Within and air and plant out r foot . aside where they are to bloom when they have made bushy growth . The colour compass is all embrace . In milder domain seed may be sown in border where the flora are to bloom . M. incana(East Lothian or intermediate stocks ) H.H.A. , fl ft . Sow under glass in February or former March , otherwise care for as for ten - hebdomad stocks . East Lothian origin are vigoros , ramify plants flowering in late summer and fall . In milder constituent of the land the East Lothians can be produce as biennials but are commonly plow as half - dauntless annuals . They are available in red-faced , scarlet , rose , lavender , white , or in packets of mixed colors . M. incanacannot be recommended for area where the summers are strong and humid .
MentzeliaH.A. , 2 ft . M. lindleyimay still be receive in some seed catalog listed asBartonia aurea . sow in the open priming in March or April , in a sunny place , this well - grown plant will blossom from June forwards . The large , single golden heyday have an attractive mass of fortunate stamen . Mesembryanthemum ( Fig marigold ) H.H.A. , 6 in . Of South African root , this annual , almost always sold under the name genus Mesembryanthemum , but right known asDorotheanthus bellidifiorus , requires the maximal sun and a rather ironical soil . Of spreading habit it is most cosmetic trailing over a juiceless wall or growing in crazy paving . Sow under drinking glass in March or April and plant out in May . Seed may also be sown directly outdoors where the works are to flower . The star - like flowers are in a wide grasp of brilliant colouring .
Mimulus(monkey flower ) H.H.A. , 6 in.-2 ft . Many mimulus are treated as half - hardy yearbook although they may prove to be short - lived perennial . By sow the come under glass in March these quick - growing , wet - loving plant will flower in the open in June and July . Seed sow in in the open in fond shade in April will provide a ulterior mountain of coloring . The seeds are very midget and should only be light wrap up with sift soil . The tumid trump - shaped flowers are in shades of bolshie and yellow-bellied with attractive marking and blotches .
Moluccella(bells of Ireland ) H.H.A. , 2 ft . Germination of seedofM. laevisis irregular ; sown under glass in March or April in a temperature of 65 ° F ( 18 ° C ) germination may be satisfactory , and on other occasions it may shoot in the open air in early May , provided the soil is light and warm . The minuscule white-hot flowers are insignificant ; it is the declamatory pallid unripe , white-hot - weblike calyx that are so unusual and a pleasure to flower arrangers . The flowers may be dry out for usance in winter .
Myosotis(forget - me - not ) H.B. , 6 - 12 in . These are easily raised from seed sow in the open priming in June . graft the seedlings when they are gravid enough to wield into the open ground or cold-blooded frames and plant them out in the fall where they are to bloom , or establish them out in the spring . They are admirable when planted with tulips , wallflowers or polyanthus . They will produce in sun or fond nuance and sow themselves jubilantly . There are name diverseness in several shade of gentle and carmine - pink , and also bloodless .
NemesiaH.H.A. , 8 - 12 in . Free - flowering little plant in a wide color range , the varieties ofN. strumosaare among the brightest of the bedding plants . Sow the ejaculate in mid - March in a coolgreenhouse and growthem steady without a check . prickle out the seedlings into flats and implant out in late May or early June . Be certain that the soil does not dry out at any clip . They may also be seed straight in their efflorescence positions when the peril of frost is over . For wintertime inflorescence under field glass as pot plants seed the semen in August .
Nemophila(baby blue eyes ) H.A. , 6 - 8 in . N. menziesiiis a useful spread plant for damp conditions , in Dominicus or fond shade . The feathery light green foliage and sky - blue flowers with a white eye make a upbeat picture for the front of a border or on a rock ‘n’ roll garden . Sow in the open in March or April , or , in warmer country , in the gloam . There is also a white - flowered conformation .
Nicotiana(tobacco plant ) H.H.A. , I4 - 21 ft . Fragrance is one of the chief attraction when the blossom usually unfold in the evening , although if grown in fond refinement they often remain open all day . ‘ Sensation ’ is a mental strain with flowers of mixed colors that do remain open in daytime . ‘ Lime Green ’ has unusual greenish - yellow flowers , popular for floral arrangements . Sow under glass in a moderate temperature in March . found out , when the risk of infection of Robert Lee Frost is retiring , in rich moist dirt which has been profoundly dug . They bloom from July to September . In milder parts of the country seeds may be sown outdoors as soon as the soil is suitable in spring .
NierembergiaH.H.A. , 9 in . Although rigorously a perennial , N. caerulea , from the Argentine , is ordinarily treated as an annual and sown under field glass in February or early March and planted out towards the last of May . The large , loving cup - shaped , lavender - grim bloom with an attractive yellow throat are freely produced from July to September . ‘ Purple Robe ’ is a selected shape with deep violet - royal flowers , with gold anthers .
Nigella(love - in - a - mist ) H.A.,1 ½ft.N.damascenais a ducky among hardy annuals and is easily grown . Sow in the open in September in a well - drained soil and a sunny position for blossom from May onwards . come sown in March or April will provide a long season of bloom . seedling do not transplant readily , therefore sow where it is to flower . ‘ Miss Jekyll ’ , sky - blue with delicacy feathery foliage is a ok variety ; ‘ PersianJewels ’ is a pleasing mixture of pink , rosy - crimson , purpleness and mauve shadiness , also white .
Omphalodes(Venus ’s navelwort ) H.A. , 91 ½in . Resembling a forget - me - not , 0.linifolia , have masses of pure white flowers and gray - green leaves on slender stem from June to August . Sow in springtime or other fall in a calorie-free , well - drained territory where the plants are to flower . It is a cosmetic flora for the front of a delimitation or on a rock garden .
Papaver(poppy ) H.A. , I1 - 2 - 1 ft . easy lift from germ , the diverse one-year poppies should be sow in in August — September or March , April and May where they are to flower . Shirley poppies , derived fromPrhoeas , may also be sow in September to blossom from May onwards . From the opium poppy , P.somniferum , have been raise many variety , including two-fold paeony - flower and double Dianthus caryophyllus - flowered in many different colour . ‘ pinkish Beauty ’ is a handsome double flower that shows up well against its gray foliage .
Penstemon(beard lingua ) H.H.A. , 12 ft . Most Penstemon are perennial but there is a hybrid race which is treated as an yearly . In modest districts and in a well - drained soil they may survive the winter and start to blossom earlier the next class . The graceful tubular flowers are bear on vertical stem from July to September in interracial colors ; pinkish , ruby , vermilion , mauve , whitened . Sow the seeded player under glass in March and plant out in a sunny position in May .
PetuniaH.H.A. , 9 - 15 in . Modern intercrossed petunia are usable in many different types ; bombastic - flowered singles and two-baser , compendious bonk variety , cernuous forms desirable for flow basket or window boxes , bicolors , self - colors , some with laciniate and frilled flowers . They are sunshine - loving plants , although some of the new variety are colorful even in a poor summer . The vigorous F1 hybrids with large trumpet - mold blossom of uniform colouring material are prominent . inseminate the seed under methamphetamine in March and develop the seedlings on steadily without a check . prick up out in flats when heavy enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse . Put them in a moth-eaten human body to inure off before plant out in late May or early June in a fair loose soil and full Lord’s Day .
Phacelia(California bluebell ) H.A. , 9 in.- 2 ft . P. campanularia,9 in . has large ship’s bell - form brilliant grim flowers and grayish - green , red-faced - tinge folio , which make it a most suitable little plant of neat habit . Sow in the leaping , or fall where wintertime are less severe , in a light well - debilitate territory and a gay position , where it is to bloom from June onward . P. tanacetifolia,2 ft . is a hairy plant with crowded spikes of lavender - blue flowers and is often cultivated by bee - keepers .
PhloxH.H.A. , 6 - 12 in . P. drummondiiis a popular , free - blossom bedding plant in shades of pink , salmon , crimson , violet and purple , many with a hit white eye ; there are also gross white diversity . The succinct potpourri are about 6 in . high and the ` Grandiflora ’ hybrids up to r foot . Sow the germ in gentle heat in March and embed out from mid - May onwards in a sunny position , to flower from July until other October . They can also be sown alfresco where weather condition condition are milder . Keep the young plants well water .
Portulaca(Purslane or Dominicus plant life ) H.H.A. , 6 in . The nanus , spreadingP. grandiflorafrom Brazil need a hot , cheery position in clear well - drain grime . Sow the come in May where plants are to blossom as seedlings do not transplant readily . Cover the cum lightly with okay stain and keep moist until established . Plants make an good carpeting from July ahead . They are unremarkably offered in mixed colors — double and single — scarlet , rich pink , yellow and white .
QuamoclitH.H.A. , 10 ft . Q. lobatais a tight - growing twining plant with promising crimson flowers that exchange to orange - yellow and slice to bat . Sow the seed in small skunk in a heated up greenhouse in March or early April and move into larger pots when seedlings are well rooted . institute out when the peril of frost is preceding in rich , moist soil . Seed may also be inseminate outside where the industrial plant are to flower .
Reseda(mignonette ) H.A. , 9 - 12 in . This is a plant of smashing magic spell and delectable fragrance . sow in the semen in unaccented , well - drained dirt , preferably containing lime , in April and May , where the plants are to flower . Germination is improved when the soil is made steadfast after sowing and the ejaculate is only gently covered with fine soil . By hold two or more sowings a chronological sequence of flowers will be check . ‘ Goliath ’ bears prominent , very fragrant , scarlet spikes .
Ricinus(castor oil plant , castor bean ) H.H.A. , 4 - 6 foot . A decorative leaf industrial plant , R. cornmunis , has bronze - colorise leaf up to 2 foot . across . The blossom are undistinguished but the seed pods , cover with soft spines , contain declamatory bean - comparable seeds from which castor oil colour is obtain . Sow the seed singly in lowly pots in March in a greenhouse with a temperature of 6o ° F ( 16 ° carbon ) . Pot on the seedlings and plant out in June . Seed may also be planted outside when the soil is worthy . Plants thrive in plentiful , moist land but will in all probability need staking .
Rudbeckia(coneflower ) H.H.A. , 2 foot . The gay yearly rudbeckias are easily raised from seed sown under glass in March and planted out in May in a sunny position , or sow in outside where they are to flower . They are not particular about soil . Listed in ejaculate catalogs underR.bicolor‘Golden Flame ’ is a golden - yellowness with a dark centre and ` Kelvedon Star ’ is deeply yellow with a browned key disk and mahogany geographical zone .
SalpiglossisH.H.A. , 2 - 3 ft . The elegant , trump - shaped flowers , many of which are beautifully vein , are in a brilliant range of Color . Sow the seed in a lovesome greenhouse in February or March . When large enough to handle prick out the seedlings singly into small pots and raise on steadily until they are ready to found out in former June . They can also be sow in alfresco when the danger of frost is past where they are to flower . They wish a rich land and a fond , sheltered mete , and are admirable as jackpot plant in a cool greenhouse .
Salvia(sage ) H.H.A. , t - ti- foot . The intense scarletS. splendens , the scarlet salvia , is a tender perennial commonly treated as a half - hardy yearly . semen should be sown under glass in February or March in a temperature of about 68 ° F ( 20 ° cytosine ) . When seedlings are large enough put them into pots one by one and produce them on steady , hardening them off before planting out in a sunny bed in late May or early June . S. horminum , H.A. , i2 ft . , should be inseminate in spring where it is to flower . ` Blue Beard ’ has attractive juicy bract .
SanvitaliaH.A. , 6 in . Of prostrate habitS. procumbens . A Mexican flora , forms a carpet of small-scale yellow flower with a bluff black shopping mall . There is also a burnished xanthous double form . Sow in the open where it is to flower in a sunny emplacement and in a well - drained soil in late April or May . Or it may be inseminate under glass in March and planted out in May . Sowings can also be made outside in the fall where winters are less severe . sow in in a bold mass it can be most effective .
Scabiosa(sweet scabious ) H.A. , 11 - 3 foot . Sown in the open in April or May , also in the declension , the annualS. atropurpurea , or pincushion flower , will make a just show from August onwards . It can be impart into flush much earlier by sowing under deoxyephedrine in March and planting out in May in a gay border . The taller varieties should be supported with lightheaded twig in respectable time or they may be damaged by summertime gales . They are usable in sundry colors and are admirable for cut .
Schizanthus(butterfly flower ) H.H.A. , 3 ft . commonly considered as extremely cosmetic plants for the cool greenhouse , schizanthus hybrids may be also grown in the garden in a sunny position , shelter as much as potential from wind . For this purpose inseminate the seed under glass in a warm glasshouse in March and imbed out towards the ending of May . There are several good strains , some with beautiful mark on the flower petal , in ghost of salmon , apricot , pink , yellow , mauve and purpleness .
Senecio(groundsel ) H.H.A. , 9 - 18 in . A refined translation of the common groundsel , S. eleganscan be quite effectual when grown in a bold group . Sow in the open ground in April or May in a sunny position . seedling will transplant if necessary . It is usually obtainable in mixed colors- bright rose , lavender , pinkish , white with yellow center , in both single and double .
Silene(catchfly ) H.A. , 9 - 18 in . From southerly EuropeS. armeriahas attractive blue - green leafage and rose - pink cluster of single flowers on tumid stem in summertime . More widely uprise isS. pendula , of compendious substance abuse , with double bloom on 6 - 9 in . halt in specter of salmon - pink , rosy - purple , deep red - scarlet and white . come should be sown outdoors in August ; when large enough to handle , the seedlings should be transferred to nursery beds or cold frames , and constitute out in leaping .
Tagetes(African and Gallic marigolds ) H.H.A. , 6 in.-3 foot . These are easily raised from seminal fluid sown thinly in a nerveless greenhouse towards the end of March and planted out in a sunny stance at the ending of May . cum can also be sown out of doors in leaping . T. erectais the bluff African marigold which makes a branching plant up to 3 foot . in summit . There are many New F1 hybrids in shadowiness of yellow , orange and lemon . These are an improvement on the other rather harsh colors . There are also dwarf American hybrid ( t ft . ) . Very different are the petite Gallic marigolds which make compact plants of symmetric riding habit from 6 - 9 in . gamey . There are single and two-fold varieties in shades of palest yellow , orange , amber and reddish brown - red some with dark foliage .
TithoniaH.H.A. , 4 ft . A vigorous , branching plant , T. rotundifoliabears large , orange - red , broad - petalled flowers in August and September . Sow the seed in March under chalk , pot the seedling and implant out in a light soil and full sun towards the end of May . Later blooms can be had from seeded player inseminate straight outdoors when the soil has become tender in spring .
Tropaeolum(nasturtium ) H.A. , 9 in . , trailing and mounting . T. majusvarieties are easily grown provided bare linguistic rule are keep . Do not sow too betimes as the seedlings may be ruined by a late frost ; poor soil is preferred to rich which will onlyencourageleaf growth to hide the peak . Late April is time enough to sow where they are to blossom . There are exclusive , semi - forked and double flowered varieties in shades of glowing ruby-red , golden - xanthous , cerise - rose , mahogany - ruby and interracial colors . T. peregrinum , the canary crawler , is an attractive climbing coinage to to ft . from Peru , bearing fringe golden - yellow flowers from July onward . This care a ample dirt and should be sow in Dominicus or shade in late April or May .
UrsiniaHHA 9 - 15 in Masses of daisy like flowers and refined foliage make these gaudy South African constitute a welcome add-on to the summer exhibit . Sow the seed under glass in March and plant out in mid May in full Lord’s Day and in a sparkle , well drained soil . Sowing can also be carried out in spring where the plant life are to flower . U.anethoides,15 in . , has big bright orange flowers with chestnut - cherry zone around the centre in July and August . U. pulchra,9 in . , suitable for the tilt garden or front of the border , has productive orangish flowers with a coloured central zone . Several named variety are procurable , including ‘ Aurora ’ , with a crimson - carmine center to the rich orange flowers , and ‘ Golden Bedder ’ .
Venidium(Namaqualand daisy ) H.H.A. , 2 1/2 ft . Another . sun - loving plant from South Africa , V. fastuosum , behave expectant orangish flowers with a purple - black geographical zone and glossy sinister center from July to September . Sow under glass in March and plant out in mid - May in a ripe loamy soil . Seed can also be inseminate directly in the margin in May . Hybrids are available in pleasing spectre of yellow , pale yellow , orange and cream , their petals attractively blotched at the understructure with dark color .
Verbena(vervain ) H.H.A. , 6 - 15 in . Thehybridverbenas areeasilyraisedfromseed sown in a strong greenhouse in February or March . Germination may be wandering and can be delayed for several weeks . Prick out into flats and after hardening off , implant out in a sunny position in May . The thickset mixture are admirable for windowpane boxes or for the front of a border . The 3 in . clump of flowers are freely borne from June to September . The color chain include scarlet , rose , salmon , deep bule , lavender , some with a blanched eye , and white .
Viola(pansy , viola ) HB 6 - 9 in . Violas usually have smaller blossom than pansies , often self colored , are of tufted use and are well treat as hardy biennials . Sow both sort in flats in a cold frame or out of doors in well prepared soil in July or August and keep the seedlings moist and shade . When large enough to handle prick the seedlings out in course outside or in dusty frame . Where wintertime are less terrible the flora may be transferred to their flowering positions in the fall . In colder sphere delay move the plants and protect them with a easy masking of salt hay or evergreen branches . cold-blooded framing should have the window sash in position during frost . Do not let them dry out at any time . They like a rich moist soil , in sunshine or fond shadowiness . Sowing can also be done in March or April in the open where they are to bloom later the same year . There are numerous special strains , also winter - flowering varieties .
ViscariaH.A. , 6 - 15 in . Annual viscarias , principally variety show ofV.oculata , are easily grown in ordinarygarden soil . cum should be sow in March or April where plant life are to flower . They are free - blossom plants , effectiveenmasseat the front of a mete , with showy five - petal heyday in pink , scarlet , deep red , blueand white-hot , or as mixed colors . Theyare also cosmetic as cool glasshouse pot plants .
ZinniaH.H.A. , 9 in.-24 ft . Sow the source in a quick greenhouse in April . There is nothing to be gained by sowing in the first place as seedling are nonimmune to mute off during a frigid spell . Prick out into flats when quite small , or severally into small pots . Harden off cautiously in a dusty frame before plant out in the full Sunday and in rich , well - run out grime in early June . Seed may also be sow in outside where the plant life are to bloom as presently as the risk of Robert Frost is over . There is a diverse choice from giant flowered and giant dahlia flower varieties up to 2 ½ high . Varieties to consider Lillipur , Pompon , Thumbelina . The stove of colour includes cerise , pink , orange , lavender , yellow and blanched .
How to produce a annual efflorescence from seeded player .
How to Plant Annuals flowers
Where to engraft Annuals and Biennials flower
yearly and Biennials for theCool nursery
How to useAnnual and Biennial flowers
Growing Annual and Biennial plant
Annuals for your Garden
