Summer Care for Annuals
As Summer hits full swing, many annuals start showing signs of stress. The early season blooms that once looked lush and lively might now look a little tired, leggy, or even faded. But don't worry-this doesn't mean the season is over for your favorite flowers! With just a little mid-summer TLC, your annuals can thrive well into fall.
Here's our quick and helpful guide to keeping your annuals fresh, fabulous, and full of color all summer long.
1. Give Them a Haircut
If your annuals are starting to look leggy or scraggly, it's time for a refresh! Don't be afraid to cut them back by one-third to one-half. It may feel drastic, but it encourages bushier growth and more blooms. This is especially helpful for petunias, calibrachoa, verbena, and geraniums.
TIP: After trimming, give them a good drink and a little fertilizer boost to speed up recovery.
2. Deadhead Regularly
Deadheading-removing spent blooms-tells your plants to keep flowering instead of focusing energy on seed production. Grab a pair of snips and remove faded blooms every few days. This simple step keeps your annuals looking tidy and blooming strong.
3. Check Their Sunlight
Summer can get intense. If your plants are wilting by mid-afternoon, they might be getting too much heat, especially in southern-facing beds or containers. Consider moving pots to a spot with partial afternoon shade or add a shade cloth for extra protection.
4. Water Wisely
Annuals in containers often need daily watering, especially during heat waves. But make sure you're not just watering the surface-give them a deep soak to reach the roots. For in-ground annuals, water early in the morning to help them absorb moisture before the heat sets in.
TIP: Mulching around your annuals helps retain moisture and regulate soil tempurature.
5. Feed for More Blooms
Mid-summer is the perfect time for a nutrient boost! Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like 10-10-10 or a bloom booster formula) every 1-2 weeks. Annuals are heavy feeders and giving them a steady supply of nutrients keeps the color coming.
6. Replace Worn-Out Annuals
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a few plants are just done. That's okay! Refresh your beds and containers with late-season annuals like zinnias, marigolds, celosia, or even ornamental peppers. They'llcarry color right through fall and give your garden a second wind.
Final Thoughts
Sumer doesn't have to mean the end of beautiful blooms. With a little care-trimming, feeding, watering, and refreshing-your annuals can thrive and keep your garden vibrant for months to come.
Need some extra tips and tricks or even just help picking out the right fertilizer? Come visit us at Wildwood Nursery! We have everything you need to keep your garden gorgeous through the heat of summer.