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Annuals (aka bedding plants) are tremendously popular for many reasons. They're inexpensive, versatile, easy to grow and flower almost instantly. They come in a vivid range of colors. Some are bright and brash and others are soft and subtle. There are an infinite number of ways that they can be effective and showy. Mass plantings make a dramatic impact in the garden. Several pots on the front step or a hanging basket can beautify a small space just the same. There's no commitment with annuals because they only last one growing season in zones 3 and 4. Your color scheme and design pattern can change from year to year.

Some of the terms can be confusing. By definition, annuals are plants that grow and die within one year. In this part of the country (zones 3 and 4), most annuals can be enjoyed from mid-May to the end of September. Many people extend the season by covering them with a sheet or by bringing them in the garage at night to protect them from a frost.

Biennials germinate the first year, overwinter as a rosette of leaves and then flower during the following spring or summer. Some examples of biennials include: foxglove, canterbury bells, hollyhocks and sweet William.

Gardeners are often unaware that many of the annuals they grow in Minnesota are, in fact, perennials in warmer climates. Perennials, if taken care of, will grow back every year and usually proliferate more each summer.

Perennials are more expensive than annuals, take time to become established and don't flower all season, with a few stellar exceptions. Buy perennials that bloom at different times during the season. Several types of perennials will be spectacular in May, others look radiant during the hot days of summer, while some wait until the cool, crisp autumn days for a dazzling display.

Use annuals and perennials together for a combination that cannot be beat! Annuals flower soon after they're purchased from a nursery. They will be the focal point until the perennials make their appearance.

Annuals planted in containers do best in rich potting soil that drains well, but retains moisture for the plant's use. Hanging baskets and pots will dry out if not watered daily and sometimes twice a day in really hot or windy weather. Tightly packed plants use large quantities of water. Give plants a good soaking to keep the roots hydrated, especially on windy days. Drain holes keep the roots from becoming water-logged in the event that they were given too much of a good thing!

Since annuals produce more blooms than most plants for a longer period of time, they need more frequent fertilization. Applying fertilizer in a liquid form is easy. Simply add the required amount to a watering can every one to two weeks.

Removing spent flowers (deadheading) encourages plants to bloom more and keeps the plant looking clean and attractive. If left to their own devices, plants would flower, become pollinated and drop the petals soon after to form seeds. If faded flowers are removed where they join the stem, the plant is tricked into producing more flowers. Instead of directing the energy into seed production, the plant continues to put on a show of color.

Annuals are synonymous with abundant, continuous bloom and usually prefer full sun. Some annuals tolerate other selected sites.

For shady areas, try cleome, impatiens and begonias.

Drought-tolerant annuals include: cosmos, verbena and annual ornamental grasses.

Moist sites are perfect for nasturtium, mimulus and cleome.

Fuschia, trailing petunias, lobelia and flowering tobacco all cascade nicely over hanging baskets.

Many gardeners love attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. Petunias, cosmos, snapdragons, sweet William, fuschia, salvia, zinnias and dianthus are some of their favorite flowers. Do not use pesticides on butterfly and hummingbird plants.

Don't forget to choose some annuals particularly for their fragrance! Scented flowers and foliage are an added bonus that should be considered along with color and location. Sweet peas, sweet William, wallflowers, carnations, heliotrope, evening primrose and sweet alyssum will be appreciated most if planted on the patio, front step or in the border of the flower garden.

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The last class in our spring series will be a presentation by Chuck Levine on “Using Annuals in Our Landscapes.” This class is FREE and will be held Tuesday, May 23, at the Senior Center at 6:30 p.m.

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You can leave a question for a volunteer Master Gardener 651-674-4417. Depending on the volume of calls, they try to respond within a couple of days. During office hours ask for the Master Gardener voicemail, after hours, select ext. 18. Please note that there is no longer staff at the North Branch Office who can answer gardening questions.

Volunteer Master Gardeners will be available Mondays from 4-7 at the Extension Office, in North Branch, at 38780 Eight Ave., to answer your questions. You can also call 651-674-4417 during these hours to speak with a Master Gardener.

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