As the season progresses annuals can become leggy and you may
see fewer flowers. Here are some tips to keep your plants in top
condition.
- Weeds compete with flowers for light, moisture and soil
nutrients. Frequent weeding not only reduces the competition, but
also breaks up the soil so water can penetrate easily. A layer of
mulch will help keep the weeds at bay.
- Pinching out the tops of your plants helps to make them
bushier. Most annuals grown today are bred for bushy growth, but
older varieties and plants that have become leggy will benefit from
having the tops pinched out.
- Deadheading, or removing faded blooms, encourages the plant to
put its energies toward making new flowers. If you plan to save
seeds, wait until the end of the season, and allow the last of the
flowers to go to seed.
- Remove yellowing foliage to keep down diseases. If your plant
becomes too dense, air may not be able to circulate well around the
plant. This encourages diseases. You can remove a few inner stems
to increase air circulation and light penetration.
More About Growing Annuals
