Annuals

 

 Here in Bloomington/Normal, annuals are generally planted in the ground or in containers during the month of May.  As a rule of thumb, Mother's Day weekend is the beginning of the annual season.   Most annuals when properly planted and maintained will continue to bloom until mid October or the first killing frost.   Annuals are an excellent addition to any planting border, container, or a location where a mass of color is preferred.

 

Popular Annuals Grown in Bloomington/Normal

 

Shade Annuals

	Begonia (Non-Stop, Dragon Wing)
	Impatiens (Double, New Guinea, Super Elfin)
	Lamium
	Ferns
	Coleus

 

Sun Annuals

	Coleus
	Geranium
	Purple Fountain Grass
	Salvia
	Petunia (Wave, Double, Supertunia, Grandiflora)
	Vinca
	Penta
	Marigold
	Tomato
	Green Pepper

 

Annual Vines

	Thunbergia Vine
	Morning Glory Vine
	Cardinal Vine
	Sweet Potato Vine
	Vinca Vine

 

 

Top 10 Selling Annuals at Grieder Garden Center

	Geranium
	Tomato
	Petunia
	Coleus
	Lamium
	Sweet Potato Vine
	Vinca Vine
	Purple Fountain Grass
	Impatiens (Assortment)
	Salvia (Mytic Spires)
	Euphorbia (Diamond Frost)

 

 

Annuals That Thrive in Containers

	Double Impatiens
	Euphorbia (Diamond Frost)
	Geranium
	Vinca Vine
	Sweet Potato Vine
	Dracaena Spike
	Lamium
	Begonia (Non-Stop, Dragon Wing)
	Lantana
	Coleus
	Petunia (Supertunia)
	Verbena
	Angelonia

 

 

 

Caring For Your Annuals

Watering      Keep evenly moist.  This may include daily watering.  Pots in the sun will need more water than pots in the shade.  Containers should have a drain hole in the bottom to allow excess water to escape.

Fertilize      Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10-) at least every two weeks.  Fertilizer that completely dissolves in water is the easiest OR dilute fertilizer 1/8 strength and fertilize daily.  Fertilizing is necessary because the nutrients are flushed through the soil through the watering process.

Deadhead      Remove dead blossoms to keep the plant growing and attractive.  If blooms remain, the plant is putting its energy into seeds rather than new blooms and foliage.

Trim Back      Some plants become leggy or become too large as the season progresses.  Cut back using sharp scissors or pruners.  Cut off stem just above a leaf.  This invigorates the plant to produce more foliage.