Winter Annuals for Seasonal Color
By Ralph E. Mitchell
While it may seem relatively cool in early winter here in Southwest Florida, it is indeed
the perfect weather to grow annual flowers that appreciate the slightly chillier
temperatures. Garden centers are packed with alyssums, begonias, geraniums, impatiens,
marigolds, snapdragons, pansies and petunias ready to plant and enjoy.
First, remember that "annuals" technically are plants that go from seed to seed and then
die in one growing season. Sometimes plants that we call "annuals" are actually
"biennials" that last for two years or "perennials" that live for more than three years, but
we grow them for just one season. The great thing about growing certain annuals in the
winter is that they can provide quick color when other plants are not actively blooming.
Also, our summers are often so hot, humid and rainy that some annuals just cannot
tolerate those conditions. There are of course potential freezing issues to keep in mind as
we enter winter.
Use annuals as an accent and not the main feature in your landscape. Try to use only a
few types of annuals in your planting beds for the greatest ornamental impact. Prepare
the planting beds in advance of purchasing your plants. Work about two to three inches of
organic matter (such as compost) into the soil. Select quality plants that are insect and
disease free. Also, consider their light needs. For example, marigolds prefer full sun,
while impatiens will do best in a partial shade site with at least some morning sun. Mix
in about two pounds of 6-6-6 slow-release fertilizer (or its equivalent) per 100 square feet
of soil. Handle annual seedlings carefully as you transplant them into the flower bed.
Pot-bound plants should have their roots untangled a bit before planting to encourage
rapid establishment.
If you have limited planting room due to tree roots or the soil is poor, consider planting
your annuals in pots and sinking them up to their rims in the flower bed area. This will
assist in protecting your annuals from nematodes (microscopic worms that attack plant
roots) and allows for easy plant placement.
Keeping your annuals healthy will include picking a planting site suited to the particular
plant (right plant, right place), spacing plants for good air circulation that will assist in
disease prevention, proper feeding and watering (including keeping water off of the plant
leaves) and removing spent flower heads as part of plant sanitation. Also monitor for
insect and disease pests regularly and handpick small infestations as needed.
I've already got some impatiens and geraniums in to my winter flower garden and plan to
slip in some petunias soon. We live in a giant garden - take advantage of this blessing in
every season. For more information, contact a Master Gardeners on the Plant Lifeline at
764-4340 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Our office is located
at 25550 Harborview Road, Suite 3 in Port Charlotte. Our Plant Clinics are available
across the county:
Demonstration Garden every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m.
Englewood/Charlotte Public Library 9 a.m. to noon every Monday.
Mid County Regional Library first Thursday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m.
Monthly Plant Clinics are Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at the following
locations: Cape Haze Publix first Saturday of the month;
Peachland Promenades Publix ‹ second Saturday of the month;
Home Depot Murdock and Home Depot Punta Gorda the third Saturday of the month
Ralph Mitchell is the county extension director/horticulture agent for the Charlotte
County Cooperative Extension Service. You may contact him
by e-mail Ralph.Mitchell@charlottefl.com You may also contact a volunteer
Master Gardener from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at
764-4340 or by e-mail Master.Gardener@charlottefl.com
Resource: Black, R. J. & Tija, B. (2000) Annual Flowers for Florida. The University of
Florida Extension Service, IFAS.