ANNUALS MAKE AN IMPACT

About Annuals

An annual's life span exists from seed to flower to seed again, in one year. Annuals produce large and plentiful blooms during their yearly vigil. Many tender perennials that flower quickly from seed are treated as annuals, as well. Annuals are generally shallow-rooted - ideal for containers.

An annual's shallow root systems make soil preparation easy. Their beds only need four to six inches of cultivation. As with most plants, annuals prefer well-drained soil and plenty of organic matter. Most prefer sunny areas.

Seeds can be grown indoors for transplant - Pasquesi Home and Gardens stocks a wide variety of seeds from early March. Pre-grown transplants can be purchased, also. These are usually sold in flats - shallow trays with three or more plants of a single variety.
If growing seeds indoors, start about four to eight weeks before the average date of the last frost, usually in late April or early May. If purchasing transplants, choose those with healthy green foliage and few flowers.

Tender annuals generally require acclimatizing before they are fully transplanted. Gradually increase their exposure to the lighting and site conditions by setting them outside. Cool season annuals usually can be set out around the first of April. Warm season annuals are usually set out around May 15th.

Once planted, annuals require limited attention. Apply a one or two-inch mulch around plants to keep roots' temperatures stable. Fertilize two to three times during the growing season with a 15-30-15 liquid fertilizer such as Miracle Gro, or try a slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote, once a season. Remove weeds regularly as they compete for soil nutrients. Deadhead annuals throughout the season, to encourage new blooms to form.
Pasquesi Home and Gardens stocks a wide variety of annual seedlings. Assume all annuals prefer full sun unless noted.

See Annuals For Chicagoland for a selection of popular, easy-to-grow blooms ideal for Chicagoland.

For more information, ask any staff member at Pasquesi Home and Gardens.

Pasquesi Home and Gardens is Chicagoland's premier resource for gardeners wanting to create a perfect atmosphere. We have a vast selection of plants, many of them rare and unusual. Our qualified, professional staff is ever-willing to share their knowledge with customers needing advice.

Pasquesi Home and Gardens is a complete resource for gardening, home and pet supplies. There are hundreds of beautiful accents for the home and out-of-doors, and Pasquesi Home and Gardens has an unrivaled collection of containers for indoors and outdoors in many different styles, materials and shapes. Both stores carry a wide range of quality garden tools and outdoor furniture.