Selecting annuals

This snippet has been taken from “Annuals for Northern California” by “Bob Tanem Don Williamson”. Selecting annuals is a process which should be followed very carefully. “Tree Removal Berkeley CA” gives you relevant information on this selection process.

Many gardening enjoy the trip to the local garden center to pick out their annual plants. Other gardeners find that starting their own annuals from seed is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. There are benefits to both methods, and many gardeners choose to use a combination of the two. Purchasing plants is usually easier than starting plants from seeds and provides you with plants that are well grown and often already in bloom. Starting seeds can be impractical. The process requires space and facilities, and some seeds require specific conditions that are difficult to achieve in a house or they have erratic germination rates. Starting from seed may offer you a greater selection of species and varieties, as seed catalogues often list many more plants than are offered at garden centers. Starting annuals from seed is discussed.

Purchased annual plants are grown in a variety of containers. Some are sold in individual pots, some in divided cell- packs and others in undivided trays. Each type has advantages and disadvantages.

Selecting Annuals
Selecting Annuals

Annuals in individual pots are usually well established and have plenty of space for root growth. These annuals have probably been seeded in flat trays and then transplanted into individual pots once they developed a few leaves. The cost of labor, pots and soil can make this option somewhat more expensive. If you are planting a large area you may also find it difficult to transport large numbers of plants of this size.

Annuals grown in cell- packs are often inexpensive and hold several plants, making them easy to transport. There is less damage to the roots of the plants when they are transplanted, but because each cell is quite small, it doesn’t take too long for a plant to become root- bound.

Annuals grown in undivided trays have plenty of room for root growth and can be left in the trays for longer than other types of containers; however, their roots tend to become entangled, making the plants difficult to separate.

Selecting Annuals
Selecting Annuals

Regardless of the type of container, often the best plants to choose are those not yet flowering. These plants are younger and are unlikely to be root- bound. Check for roots emerging from the holes at the bottom of the cells or gently remove the plants from the container to look at the roots. Too many roots mean that the plant is too mature for the container, especially if the roots are wrapped around the inside of the container in a thick web. Such plants are slow to establish once they are transplanted into the garden.

The plants should be compact and have good color. Healthy leaves look form and vibrant. Unhealthy leaves may be wilted, chewed or discolored. Tall, leggy plants have likely been deprived of light. Sticky plants may not survive being transplanted and may spread pests or diseases to the rest of your garden.

Once you get your annuals home, water them if they are dry. Annuals growing in small containers may require water more than once a day. Begin to harden off the plants so they can be transplanted into the garden as soon as possible. Your annuals are probably accustomed to growing in the sheltered environment of a greenhouse, and they will need to become accustomed to the climate outdoors. They can be placed outdoors porch, garage or house at night for about a week. This will acclimatize them to your environment. Many nurseries grow their plants in the same exposure where they would be grown in the garden and hardening off may be unnecessary. It is a good idea to ask where your potential new annuals have been grown. If you are unsure follow the above guidelines.

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