Growing annuals in the flower border helps to provide colour from spring to fall, bridging the gaps between perennials. Many people buy their annuals as seedlings in flats; other sow the seed outdoors in April or May. But by growing your annuals from seed, you get a headstart, save some money, and have some annuals you won’t find in garden centres – and you’ll also get a lot of pleasure from it.
| Ageratum (Ageratum) |
Their purple-blue, sometimes pink or white, fluffly flowers make a nice addition to the front of middle of a border; their height varies according to the variety – from 15 to 60 cm (6 inches to 2 feet). They like a bit of shade. Sow seeds six weeks before the last frost date; in good light, they should germinate in five to fourteen days. Set seedlings out in full sun or partial shade after the last frost, 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) apart.
| Black-eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia) |
Put black-eyed Susan vine in a hanging basket, or give it a trellis to twine around and show off its yellow, orange, or cream-coloured flowers. Start seeds indoors about eight weeks before the last frost. Keep in a warm spot. Germination is slow. Transplant to containers or ground after last frost, providing support for its vigorous growth.
| Burning Bush (Kochia) |
Although burning bush does produce flowers, they are quite inconspicuous. The plant makes a good temporary hedge 60 to 90 cm (2 or 3 feet) tall. Its slender, pale-green leaves can also add interest to the mid-border; as nights grow cooler, the foliage turns purple-red. Two or three weeks before the last frost, sow seeds indoors; put the pots under plastic in a warm place. Germination is fast – within days. Transplant outdoors when danger of frost is past. The plant self-sows and can become a pest.
| Butterfly Flower (Schizanthus) |
Also known as a poor man’s orchid, the white, pink, or lavender flowers do resemble those of an orchid. It grows to 60 cm (2 feet) and makes good cut flowers. Sow the seeds indoors eight weeks before the last frost; they need dark to germinate. Germination times can vary from several days to several weeks, so don’t give up on it. Transplant to a partially shady spot in rich, well-drained soil.
| China Aster (Callistephus chinensis) |
This annual’s colours cover a wide spectrum: white, pink, red, violet-blue, and purple. It has a long blooming season and makes a good cut flower. The seeds need an early start – as early in March as possible, or even in February. It will grow to 30 to 75 cm (1 to 2 ½ feet); the flowers are similar to those of chrysanthemums. Sow the seeds 3 mm (1/8 inch) deep and keep at room temperature; germination will take place in a couple of weeks. Transplant outdoors to a sunny or partially shady spot after danger of frost has passed.
| Cosmos (Cosmos) |
Cosmos will self-seed readily, but if you want to try some new varieties, it’s easy to start from seed. A virtual rainbow of colours is available; pale yellow, orange, red, pink, magenta, purple, and white. With its height (some grow as tall as 1.2m/4feet) and its ferny foliage, it looks lovely at the back of the border. Sow seeds ix weeks before last frost and cover lightly with growing medium. Set transplants 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) apart in early s
