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Annual Flower Plugs

Annual flowers add color and blooming beauty to the landscape before perennial flowers bloom. Known as bedding plants, annual flower plugs may be grown from seed or purchased in packs as seedlings.
  1. Moisture for Annual Plugs

    • A variety of annual flowers

      Angelonia, cleome, marigold, larkspur and globe amaranth are just a few examples of annual plants that are available in plug trays. Keep the plugs moist until planting. Plant when the soil has warmed, and keep the soil moist until the plants are established; typically in a few weeks. Drought-resistant annuals need water, too.

    Pruning for More Flowers

    • Annual plugs are inexpensive.

      Annual flower plugs allow blooms in the garden earlier than if starting from seed. Immediate blooms may be had with some annual plugs. Remove existing blooms after planting to stimulate more prolific bloom production. Allow the buds to remain. Deadhead spent blooms as the annual grows.

    Where to Plant Annual Plugs

    • Marigolds are fragrant annual flowers.

      Repeat plantings at selected intervals throughout the garden to provide consistency. Annual flower plugs come in a variety of heights. Plant taller plugs so they do not shade sun-loving, shorter flowers. Conversely, taller bedding plants can provide needed shade for other annuals.