ANNUAL FLOWERS

 When and How To Plant Annual Flowers

Planting annuals in beds or pots marks the beginning of a season-long show of eye-catching flowers and leaves. 

True annuals sprout from seed, flower, set seed and die within one season. Many flowers that are not hardy such as begonias, impatiens and geraniums are also grown as annuals. Biennials complete their life cycle in two growing seasons. In South Carolina many can be planted as seed in summer or fall to bloom the following spring or summer. A practical definition of annuals could be plants that must be replaced every year in the garden.

Tender annuals can be sown directly in the garden, but only after all danger of frost has passed. These cold-sensitive seeds can also be sown indoors four to six weeks before the last spring frost date. Transplant into the garden when you are confident that nighttime temperatures will stay above 40 degrees F.