This time of year, in Stokes County, the rain, plants, and mulch smell like promise. If you’re like me, your hands itch to get back into the dirt and watch nature work its magic. You’ve spent the winter looking at a yard that’s mostly shades of “dormant brown,” and you’re ready for a change that doesn’t take three years to grow in.
You want color, and you wanted it yesterday. That’s where my favorite “quick-fix” annuals come in.
Why Annuals Are Your Best Friend
Think of perennials, like coneflowers and peonies. They’re the big investments that stay put and many times take several seasons to get to their full size. Annuals, however, come to the party ready to dance. They grow fast, bloom heavily, and bring some instant gratification to the color we were missing in the cold and dark months.
The beauty of annuals is their work ethic. Because they only have one season to make an impression and drop their seeds, they put every ounce of their energy into producing flowers. Perennials might bloom for a week or two and then go green for the rest of the year, a well-fed annual is blooming from April until the first hard frost, a lot of times.
A Stokes County Spring
If you want a yard that begs for attention when you pass by, these are the five best growing spring and summer annuals. Here’s how to handle them like a pro.
- Begonias: The Shade Grower
If you have a porch that rarely sees the sun or a spot under a big oak tree where nothing seems to thrive, you need Begonias. Most folks go for the classic “Wax Begonia,” and for good reason. They are the ultimate “plant it and forget it” flower.
- Pro-Tip: Most people overwater these because they’re in the shade and won’t dry out as quickly. Don’t. Begonias have thick, succulent-like stems that store water. Let the top inch of soil get dry to the touch before you give it a drink. Also, look for the “Dragon Wing” varieties; they grow larger and more dramatic, giving you a tropical look.
- Vinca: The Heat Grower
When the summer heat and humidity hit in North Carolina and other flowers are looking “tired,” Vinca is just getting started. They have glossy, dark green leaves that look polished, and they are resistant to pests. These can do well in spots where you may have had pansies or violas; they grow in the opposite season.
- Pro-Tip: Patience is a virtue here. Do not plant Vinca too early. If the soil is still chilly (below 60 degrees), they’ll catch a fungal “damping off” and turn yellow. Wait until Mother’s Day to put these in the ground. They want the heat, so you know it’s ok to give it to them where other flowers may have failed.
- Portulaca: The Sun Seeker
We all have that one spot. Maybe it’s the narrow strip of dirt between the sidewalk and the road, or a rocky patch by the driveway that bakes in the sun. Portulaca (or Moss Rose) loves it there, thriving in poor, dry soil. They have needle-like leaves that hold water, and their blooms look like miniature neon roses.
- Pro-Tip: They actually close up when the sun goes down or on very cloudy days. Plant these in a spot where you’ll see them during the daytime, because they’ll be closed up for the night when it gets dark.
- Marigolds: The Vegetable Protector
Marigolds are the classic garden flower, and they’ve earned that spot for a good reason. They come in many colors and are beyond tough. Beyond their looks, their scent and roots actually help deter certain pests (nematodes) and confused hungry bugs.
- Pro-Tip: If you’re planting a backyard tomato patch this year, tuck a border of Marigolds around the edges. They will be your security guards. Make sure to “deadhead” (pinch off) the dried-up blooms, and this will keep the plant going until the freeze hits.
- Petunias: The High-Impact Grower
Modern Petunias, like the “Wave” or “Supertunia” series, don’t need you to pluck off every single dead flower to keep blooming. They’ll trail down a hanging basket for three feet if you let them.
- Pro-Tip: Around late-June, petunias often get “leggy” (long, stringy stems with just a few flowers at the end). Don’t be afraid to give them a “haircut.” Take a pair of scissors and snip off the top third of the plant. It feels wrong, but in ten days, you’ll have a flush of bushy new growth with more flowers.
The Secret Sauce
Before you dig in, remember that your plants are only as happy as the dirt they live in. If you’re planting in pots, don’t skimp. Buy a high-quality potting mix that feels light and fluffy; if it’s heavy like topsoil, your roots will suffocate.
And as for watering? Do it early. Giving your plants a drink at 7:00 AM allows the leaves to dry off during the day, which prevents the “funk” (mold and mildew) from moving in overnight.
Let’s Get Growing
You don’t need a degree in botany to have a beautiful yard; you just need to add a little ‘sweat equity’ and use the right plants for the right spots. If you get stuck or can’t decide, swing by for more tips at Mitchell’s Nursery here in King. Let’s make this your year.