Annual plants in the ground

Annual plants in the ground

Required material

  • Annuals in multi-cell pots;
  • Potting soil for annuals and perennials;
  • Compost BiosolTM or Bio 3/1;
  • Natural fertilizer for annuals;
  • Mycorrhiza.

Striped dishes?

Annuals can be added to the beds. They guarantee a flowering flowerbed all summer long. They harmonize well with perennials and shrubs, and can also be placed at the base of trees. What could be better than beautiful, colourful flowers waiting for other plants to grow?

Planting in the ground

Before planting, place the pots in the bed to decide on their location and to confirm the effect to be created. Plant annuals in odd numbers and arrange them in staggered rows. Vary the dimensions and textures.

  1. Dig a hole slightly larger in diameter than the root ball;
  2. Remove the plant from the pot and put it in the recycling bin;
  3. Put some mycorrhiza and compost in the bottom of the hole;
  4. Plant the flowers, respecting the collar of the plant, and lightly pack the soil around them to stabilise them;
  5. Install stakes or trellises if necessary;
  6. Add Fafard? Natural Annual Fertilizer around each plant;
  7. Water the bed well and keep it moist for the first week.

Boxes*

  1. Separate the plants with a knife, avoiding tearing the root system;
  2. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root system;
  3. Compact the soil around the root system.

*At first, heavy rain can knock the plants over; just straighten them up. As soon as the roots are well anchored, this will not happen again.

A few suggestions for annuals in the ground

Annuals over 1 m (3 ft) :

  • Ricin;
  • Pennisetum prince/princess;
  • Canna;
  • Verbena bonariensis;
  • Cleome;
  • Cyperus King Tut;
  • Alocasia/Colocasia or other tropical;
  • etc.

Annual intermediate 30-45cm (12-18") :

  • Begonia;
  • Coleus;
  • Gomphrena;
  • Petunia;
  • Salvia;
  • Gaura;
  • Talinum;
  • Zinnia;
  • etc.

Annuals less than 15 cm (6 in.) :

  • Allyssum;
  • Purslane portula;
  • Bacopa;
  • Lobelia;
  • Torenia;
  • Calibrachoa;
  • Begonia;
  • Scaevola;
  • Bidens and many others...

Don't throw away annuals in the fall! When closing the garden, take the opportunity to enrich the soil. Compost annuals (except rigid stems). Crumble the plant into small pieces and make sure you have one part plant to every three parts soil. For more information, see the "Fertilization, Fertilizer and Compost" fact sheet.

 

Did you know that?

For open ground, it is recommended to use natural or granular fertilizers for the following reasons:

  • Less handling;
  • They are softer;
  • Gradual effect over a period of up to four to six weeks;
  • In granular form: spread by hand or with a spreader;
  • Easy to handle;
  • Dissolves slowly in rain and with watering;
  • Naturally enriched with calcium, which strengthens their defence against disease;
  • Harmless to animals and children.

What's that for?

Because soluble fertilizers used in the field leach more quickly when it rains. Algae-based fertilizers are not economical, as it would take a large amount to cover a flowerbed. Moreover, every fertilizer has its use, so it is important to use the right fertilizer in the right place.