Few plants provide as much dependable color at an affordable price as annual flowers grown from seed. Although gardeners may purchase warm-season transplants from area nurseries and retailers, many reliable annuals are easy to grow from seeds sown directly into garden beds or containers. These seed-grown flowers are not only economical, they adapt well to local conditions, proving to be heat tolerant since they establish themselves naturally in gardens rather than in commercial greenhouses.
In a state where the seasons bring sudden temperature swings, drying winds and intense summer heat, blooming plants must be Texas tough. Fortunately, many old-fashioned annuals prove their resilience year after year. Among the easiest and most dependable of these are zinnias, which are available in myriad colors. Zinnias germinate quickly and thrive in full sun, tolerating heat exceptionally well. Zinnias benefit from regular deadheading, which encourages continued bloom. Water deeply, but infrequently, and avoid overhead sprinklers that can promote disease. If plants become leggy, a light trim will produce fresh growth.
Cosmos are almost foolproof. Their delicate, ferny foliage and colorful daisy-like flowers lend a bright, informal appearance to flower beds. Cosmos are available in colors ranging from yellow and gold to pink, white and magenta. They tolerate poor soil and drought once established. While deadheading can extend the bloom season, most gardeners allow numerous flowers to go to seed. Seeds may be collected or allowed to lie on the ground where they germinate the next year. Cosmos thrive on neglect, blooming heavily when left alone!
Gomphrena, also called globe amaranth, produces small clover-like flowers in colors such as purple, white, pink and red. They endure both heat and drought and require little maintenance beyond occasional watering during dry periods.
Sunflowers are unmatched for their diversity, ease of growth and benefit to wildlife including pollinators. Varieties range from towering plants with large seedheads to smaller forms suitable for containers. Staking may be necessary in windy locations. Although young plants need regular moisture, sunflowers are very drought tolerant after establishment. Birds feast on the seed heads in late summer and fall.
Excellent warm-season performers also include purslane and portulaca, both commonly referred to as moss rose. These low-growing annuals excel in hot, dry areas, mostly due to their succulent foliage that conserves moisture. These low-growing, spreading flowers bloom best in full sun. They perform well in containers, rock gardens or at the edges of landscape beds. Overwatering them is more harmful than not watering them.
Annual salvias grown from seed also perform well, providing long-lasting colorful flower spikes that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Salvias thrive in full sun and tolerate drought. Spent flower spikes may be removed to keep plants compact and stimulate additional blooms.
Good horticultural practices improve the success of all annuals, so follow specific planting and cultivation instructions on seed packets. In general, flowering annuals require at least six-to-eight hours of sunlight daily. Most annual seeds should be lightly pressed into the soil. Planting too deeply reduces germination. Add mulch around plants to conserve moisture.
Lightly fertilize every few weeks. Excessive fertilizer encourages foliage growth at the expense of blooms. To revitalize heat-stressed plants, trim annuals in mid-summer. Water infrequently but deeply to encourage better root growth and boost drought tolerance. Enjoy transforming your garden with a few packets of inexpensive seeds!
Written and Photographed by LGMG Phyllis Webster
