Annual flowers - easy planting and care. Annual flowers - lifesaver for a beautiful flower bed Annuals that are planted with seeds in open ground

Unpretentious annuals are a real find for those who want to set up bright beautiful flower beds on their site in the summer, but at the same time do not have the opportunity to devote much time to germinating seedlings and caring for capricious flowers. The variety of their shapes and sizes is impressive: climbing vines, spherical bushes, thick “carpets”, arrows stretching upwards ... And the palette of colors and shades of unpretentious annuals that can grow without seedlings will delight the imagination of the most demanding of artists. It will be enough to sow the seeds in open ground, and without much hassle you can get wonderful flowers that will delight your eyes all summer and a piece of autumn - right up to the very frosts.

How unpretentious annuals

Most annuals grown without seedlings are, in fact, unpretentious: they do not require pruning, endure spring cold, show high resistance to various diseases and practically do not suffer from pests. However, this does not mean that these flowers do not need to be looked after at all. Of course, even unpretentious annuals need to be watered from time to time in the summer, fed with fertilizers, wilted flowers are removed and weeds that interfere with their growth are weeded.

Requirement for sunlight

The main part of unpretentious annuals grown without seedlings is photophilous. The abundance of sunlight in the summer is a necessary factor in the growth and development of these plants, and therefore a flower bed with them should be equipped on the well-lit side of the garden plot.

At the same time, there are species of unpretentious annuals that tolerate partial shading well (seaside cineraria, coleus hybrid, fragrant tobacco). These flowers will feel good in the summer in an area where light penetrates through a certain obstacle (tree crowns), or in partial shade. Moreover, some unpretentious annuals that can be grown without seedlings (such as mimulus, balsam, ever-flowering begonia) are harmed by direct sunlight, causing flowers to burn out and development to slow down. For them, diffused light is even recommended.

What kind of soil can you grow annuals in?

Unpretentious annuals grown without seedlings, as a rule, are not too demanding on the composition of the soil. These flowers can be planted almost anywhere, including areas near the house itself, where particles of paint, whitewash and other substances used in the repair often fall. However, the more fertile the soil, the more magnificent and brighter the flower bed will turn out in summer. Therefore, before planting the seeds of unpretentious annuals, the soil is removed from weeds, carefully dug up to a depth of 25 cm, enriched with compost, manure, and complex fertilizers are applied.

Unpretentious annuals grown without seedlings should be fed in the summer mainly with organic fertilizers in liquid form: infusions of herbs, slurry, special ready-made compounds sold in gardening stores.

Important! Unpretentious annuals grown without seedlings are advised to fertilize with nitrogen-containing substances in August and September in order to prolong their flowering period. However, it should be remembered that an excess of nitrogen supplements can lead to rapid growth of greenery; while the flowers will be relatively small.

How often unpretentious annuals are watered

Unpretentious annuals take the nutrients necessary for the formation and development of flowers from the soil along with moisture. Do not allow the soil to dry out under plants grown without seedlings. However, watering these flowers is advised moderately, mainly in summer during dry periods.

Important! It is necessary to ensure that the soil on which unpretentious annuals planted with seeds (without seedlings) grow always remains loose and well-drained in order to avoid stagnant water at the roots.

Fast growing annuals grown without seedlings

For unpretentious annuals, the period from germination to the first flowers bloom, on average, takes from 60 to 90 days. However, among this group of plants there are many that will not test the gardener's patience for so long. The names and photos of unpretentious annual flowers grown without seedlings, which will take less than two months in summer to proudly shine in a flower bed in all its glory, can be found below.

Calendula (marigold)

Marigolds, or calendula, are very beautiful unpretentious annuals that can grow without seedlings. Bright yellow or orange flowers on low (up to 0.5 m) velvety stems with dense patterned green foliage in summer resemble small suns. In addition, they have medicinal properties.

These unpretentious annuals are cold-resistant (tolerate frosts down to -5 degrees), love light and moisture, but at the same time they take root well even on poor soils that are scarce in nutrients.

To grow calendula without seedlings, its seeds are sown in open ground in spring (late April or early May) or autumn (October) in shallow (1–2 cm) grooves 15–20 cm apart. The emergence of seedlings should be expected in 1–2 weeks, and this unpretentious annual plant will please with flowers for the first time in the summer, after 40–50 days. If you do not disturb the plant, then it will remain flowering for a month. However, if you thin out the flowers from time to time, you can extend this period from June to October.

Important! Due to the ability of calendula to repel many pests, this unpretentious annual is often grown without seedlings, not only in flower beds, but also in beds with berries and vegetables.

Gypsophila graceful

A low (0.4–0.5 m) bush in the shape of a ball, the strongly branched shoots of which are strewn with small gray-green leaves and a dense cloud of small delicate flowers. Their petals are predominantly white, although in some varieties of this unpretentious annual they are both rich red (“Carmine”) and pink in various shades (“Rose”, “Double Star”).

For flowering in summer, gypsophila seeds are planted (without growing seedlings, directly into the ground) in April-May, making sure that it does not grow too often - or, after waiting for seedlings, they thin out the plantings. It is desirable to choose a site well-lit, with light and fertile (ideally - calcareous) soil. This unpretentious annual, capable of growing without seedlings, needs watering in the summer only during dry periods. Flowers will bloom 40-50 days after shoots appear, and this process will continue for about a month and a half.

Advice! Gypsophila graceful sprigs cut in summer are perfectly stored in the form of dead wood, decorating winter bouquets.

Godetia

This herbaceous unpretentious annual can also be grown without seedlings. It is a small sprawling bush (from 15 to 60 cm), the straight stems of which, branching from the base, end in large silky "cups" or "bells" of flowers. They can be regular or double, and the color of the petals varies from white to red, apricot or peach (combinations of two or more different shades in one flower are not uncommon).

This unpretentious annual should be planted in the ground without seedlings in April-May on a site with loamy, slightly acidic soil. On a bed covered with a film, seedlings will germinate in 7-10 days. After another 45 days, in the summer, flowers should be expected.

When the plants have 2–3 true leaves, they will need to be thinned out or planted out, keeping a distance of 20–25 cm between the bushes. The soil under godetia grown without seedlings should be loosened and watered as needed. It is desirable that the flower bed with this unpretentious annual in the summer has a slight shade in the hottest midday hours. In this case, the plant will delight with flowers from mid-July until the frost.

Important! Godetia is an unpretentious plant, but support is desirable for its high varieties. She will not allow the thin stems of this annual to break under the weight of flowers.

Iberis umbrella

Small shrubs (up to half a meter on average) with lanceolate leaves and bright small flowers of 4 petals, collected in umbrella inflorescences, impress with a variety of colors (white, lilac, purple, pink, lilac) and a delicate pleasant aroma. This unpretentious annual plant can grow without seedlings on any soil (although it prefers light loam). It tolerates frosts well, is photophilous, but at the same time it also accepts partial shade. Watering in the summer should be regular, but moderate. Iberis is fertilized with mineral fertilizers twice a season.

This unpretentious annual is grown without seedlings, sowing seeds in open ground before winter or in spring (in May). In the latter case, shoots will appear in about 2 weeks, and flowers in the summer, after 40–50 days.

Advice! The flowering period of Iberis lasts only about a month, so to extend it, it is worth sowing the seeds in several stages.

Nigella damask

A beautiful unpretentious annual, which is grown without seedlings, not only for decorative purposes, but also as a spice. Its straight stems, 30–40 cm long, are covered with thin pinnate leaves resembling conifer needles. The stem of this unpretentious annual ends with a small flower (white, red, blue or light blue) with double petals and large stamens. After flowering, a box with black small seeds forms in its place.

Advice! Nigella damask seeds can be kept in the outerwear closet as a moth repellent.

This unpretentious annual prefers to grow on light, loose soil with neutral acidity and without excessive moisture. The area where this flower grows should be sunny and protected from the wind in summer. Sowing seeds in the ground without seedlings is carried out in autumn (before frost) or spring (March-April). Nigella Damascus will begin to bloom in the summer, after 60–65 days. The period of its flowering usually lasts 1.5–2 months.

Annual flowers for flower beds, blooming all summer without seedlings

Undoubtedly, every flower grower would like the composition in the flowerbed, conceived and planted by him in the spring with love and inspiration, rising in the summer, to remain lush and bright until the fall, while not requiring special care. These wishes can be easily fulfilled by choosing beautiful, unpretentious annuals that can grow without seedlings and bloom all summer.

Alyssum

Squat (15–40 cm) unpretentious ground cover flower culture, also able to grow in the garden without seedlings. Dense branched stems of the plant are covered with oblong fluffy leaves and densely strewn with small tassels of bright flowers in summer. Their color can be white (“Snow Carpet”), purple-pink (“Aphrodite”), lilac (“Purple Queen”), pink, cream, yellowish, lilac, brown (“Palette”). In addition to annuals, there are also perennial forms of alyssum.

This unpretentious annual prefers a light nutrient soil with a neutral reaction and good drainage. The best flowering of alyssum in summer can be achieved in a sunny area, but partial shade is also suitable.

Without seedlings, the seeds of this unpretentious annual are planted directly into the ground in early May or November.

Warning! Podzimny sowing of alyssum is produced in slightly frozen ground so that the seeds germinate no earlier than spring comes.

After the emergence of seedlings, they should be thinned out. Flowers on alyssum will appear in the summer, after 6-7 weeks. With moderate watering, weed removal and mineral fertilization (about 4 times during the season), this unpretentious annual will delight with abundant flowers all summer until the very frost.

Eschscholzia Californian

In another way, this graceful and colorful unpretentious flower is called the "California poppy". Its large (about 9 cm in diameter) bowl-shaped inflorescences really resemble the “crown” of a wild poppy or light butterflies, frozen on thin branched stems. The petals of the Californian escholcia flowers can be double ("Apricot Chiffon", "Apple Blossom"), semi-double ("Strawberry Fields") or regular smooth ("Mikado"), and their color varies from all shades of orange to yellow, soft pink and even raspberry ("Fruit Explosion").

This flower loves light and warmth, in summer it calmly tolerates intense heat (subject to regular watering) and withstands small (up to -5 degrees) short-term frosts. In fact, this unpretentious plant is a perennial, however, in a temperate climate with harsh winters, it is grown as an annual.

Without seedlings, seeds are sown directly into the soil in April or October, and immediately to a permanent place, since the flower does not like transplants very much. The soil is desirable loose and sandy loam.

Important! Escholcia seeds intended for sowing without seedlings in spring are recommended to be stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.

From the appearance of seedlings to the first flowers, only about 30-40 days pass. Eschscholzia blooms all summer, from the end of spring until the onset of autumn cold weather (in October).

Petunia

Petunia is a true favorite of flower growers who prefer unpretentious annuals. What varieties and varieties it is not represented today: giant and undersized, sprawling and compact, terry, large-flowered, fringed ... There must be no shades in nature in which the petals of these bright flowers would not be painted. In summer, the petunia will grow both in the flower bed and in a box on the balcony or in a hanging planter with a limited amount of land. As a rule, it is grown using seedlings. However, in warm southern regions, it is possible to get by in a simpler way by planting seeds immediately in open ground, under glass or covering material. The optimal time for sowing petunias without seedlings is the end of May.

Despite the fact that petunia is an unpretentious annual, it prefers loamy and sandy soils. The first shoots (when planting without seedlings) should appear in the summer, in June, in a period of 7 to 20 days. At first they will grow slowly. As soon as the plants have 3-4 leaves, they should be carefully seated. Of great importance for this annual plant is regular feeding with complex fertilizers and abundant watering in the summer under the root as the earth dries up.

Advice! Withered flowers, as well as overgrown shoots in summer, should be removed in time - this will be the key to a long and lush flowering of petunias.

Zinnia

Bright, lush “hats” of zinnias of red, orange, white and yellow colors in summer can decorate and enliven any corner of the garden. In mid-latitudes, it is usually grown (including without seedlings) as an annual, since it is not able to tolerate even small frosts. Otherwise, this flower is quite unpretentious. Of all the variety of species and varieties of zinnia in our area, the most common are dahlia flowers ("Dream", "Polar Bear") and pompoms, or midgets ("Tom-Tumb", "Rotkopchen").

If zinnia is going to be grown without seedlings, the seeds are sown directly into the ground in mid-May, hiding them at first under covering material. The site should be sunny and well protected from the wind, with neutral, well-drained and sufficiently nutritious soil. After 7-10 days, the seeds will germinate. In the future, they should be thinned out, in the summer it is plentiful to water under the root in a timely manner and weed weeds. Top dressing is applied 2-3 times during the season. Abundant flowering of zinnia begins around mid-June and lasts all summer.

Advice! Zinnia flowers stand well and for a long time when cut, allowing them to form beautiful bouquets.

Purslane grandiflorum

A low (about 20 cm) creeping green "carpet", the juicy shoots of which are strewn with fleshy green leaves resembling pine needles. In summer, against this background, lush single flowers shine with bright colorful spots - pink, orange, yellow, cream, red or white. In its homeland, in South America, it is a perennial plant, however, in our latitudes, purslane is grown (including without seedlings) as an annual, since it is not adapted to the conditions of cold winters.

Purslane is unpretentious. Sowing it into the soil without seedlings is practiced in the southern regions in April-May, when you can not be afraid of return frosts. Seeds are mixed with soil or sand and scattered over the surface of the bed, before watering it abundantly with water. Sprinkle them on top of the earth should not be.

Important! The germination of purslane seeds planted in open ground without seedlings will accelerate if the bed is covered with a film.

This unpretentious plant is not demanding on the composition of the soil, however, important factors for it are a sufficient amount of sunlight and heat. Under ideal conditions, purslane flowers will decorate the flower bed profusely all summer and until about mid-autumn.

Climbing annual flowers without seedlings

If you want to beautifully decorate a garden gazebo in summer, elegantly decorate a hedge, decorate a veranda, house facade or create a green arch, curly unpretentious annuals will come to the rescue, which can also be grown without seedlings. They will effectively complement any architectural solution, becoming part of the original composition, and, if necessary, even hide certain shortcomings of the building.

Ipomoea

This decorative grassy vine is popularly called bindweed. It is characterized by heart-shaped or openwork leaves on long stems reaching 5–8 m. Its delicate flowers, shaped like gramophones, can be from 5 to 20 cm in diameter. Their color varies widely: milky white (for morning glory morning-flowering), white-blue-yellow (for tricolor), purple or pink (for purple), sky-colored (for blue). Flowers bloom daily in the morning and wither in the evening, while you can admire them all summer until the arrival of autumn frosts.

In our climatic conditions, morning glory is grown without seedlings as an unpretentious annual. For normal development, it needs a well-lit place, loosened calcareous soil and timely watering in the summer. Ipomoea can be planted without seedlings in open ground as early as early May, laying 3-4 seeds in shallow holes. The first shoots will appear in a couple of weeks.

Warning! Before planting without seedlings, morning glory seeds should be poured with hot (about 50 degrees) water and left for a day (or at least 12 hours), giving them the opportunity to swell. This is done to achieve the best germination.

Sweet pea

Unpretentious fast-growing vines, abundantly decorated in summer with tassels of five-petalled flowers, similar to delicate moths, are also famous for their pleasant refreshing aroma. Varieties of this plant, which can also be grown without seedlings, are tall (Spencer, Royal groups), medium (Lummer, Explorer) and dwarf (Billot, Fantasy, Cupid). The size, shape, and color of flower petals have many variations.

This unpretentious annual plant is planted in the ground without seedlings in late April-early May (in a temperate climate). It grows equally well in the sun and in the shade in areas protected from the wind. The soil for this flower is fertile and non-acidic, good watering and drainage should be provided in summer. Tall pea varieties also need a net or support. The plant blooms for a long time - almost three months.

Advice! Sweet peas can also grow excellently on a balcony or loggia in summer. However, the box or flowerpot must be chosen deep enough: the roots of this unpretentious annual should not be too crowded.

curly nasturtium

Long (up to 4 m) lashes of decorative creepers with wide, shiny green leaves decorate small (3–8 cm in diameter) flowers all summer until autumn, painted in the whole range of “warm” shades. Their petals are simple, terry or semi-double, plain, multi-color and even spotted. In our climate, climbing nasturtium is grown (including without seedlings) as an unpretentious annual in the sunniest areas with light in composition, slightly acidic and loose soil.

If this flower is going to be grown without seedlings, its seeds are sown directly into the ground under covering material from late April to early June (depending on the climatic conditions of the region). Seedlings should be expected in a couple of weeks. Caring for this unpretentious flower consists in timely weeding, moderate watering in summer, loosening the soil and fertilizing with liquid complex fertilizers about a couple of times a month.

Important! Nasturtium is not only an ornamental, but also a medicinal plant. In addition, its leaves and fruits are also used for culinary purposes.

Dolichos

Dolichos, otherwise called "curly lilac" or "hyacinth bean", comes from the East African subtropics. In temperate latitudes, this picturesque vine is grown as an unpretentious annual. The height of dolichos is usually 3-4 m, it has large, elongated heart-shaped leaves, and large cream, pink, purple, white, blue or crimson flowers similar to wisteria grow on racemose inflorescences (sometimes up to 50 cm in length) in summer. The most famous varieties are Lilac Cascade, Pink Moon, Ruby Moon, Purple Garlands.

Blossom "curly lilac" begins in July and this process lasts until the first frost. This unpretentious plant prefers open areas of the garden, well lit by the sun. The soil for it should be fertile and loose. The key to successful growth and the appearance of dolichos flowers is regular abundant watering in the summer, strong support and timely top dressing.

Important! Dolichos is usually grown using seedlings. However, you can also do without it. In order not to waste time and energy on seedlings, plant beans can be sown directly into the soil in May - by this time the soil is already warm enough. But flowers in this case should be expected no earlier than August.

Kobeya

Kobeya - a tall (up to 6 m) decorative vine with thick carved leaves and bright flowers in the form of large bells - was presented to the world by Mexico. At home, this is a perennial plant, but in our country it is popular as an unpretentious annual. Kobeya blooms in the middle lane from July to October, pleasing the eye with large (up to 8 cm) flowers and a variegated palette of their colors: snow-white, lilac, purple, light green, burgundy.

This unpretentious plant prefers warm sunny places (although light shade is possible), as well as soft, loose, lime-rich soil with neutral acidity. Watering should be plentiful and regular, especially in summer, in dry hot weather.

Kobe is rarely grown without seedlings. However, this method is also practiced, especially in warm regions of the country. To do this, you should wait until the soil warms up well, and after sowing the seeds in the soil, it is necessary to cover the area with a double layer of film or non-woven material. Seeds planted without seedlings directly into the soil will sprout in the summer, not earlier than June, and the flowers of these plants will appear 1.5–2 months later than those of a kobe planted in the soil as a seedling.

Important! It is problematic to collect kobei seeds for planting next year in our latitudes. As a rule, they simply do not have time to ripen. If you want to plant this flower - without seedlings or with the help of a seedling - and next season, you will have to buy ready-made seeds again.

Shade-loving annual flowers without seedlings

Most unpretentious annuals need plenty of sunlight. But after all, one often wants to create beautiful flower arrangements in summer not only in bright, but also in shaded corners of the garden: under trees with dense crowns, near deaf high fences, along the northern walls of buildings. Fortunately, among the unpretentious annuals that can be grown without seedlings, there are many such flowers that prefer or at least tolerate shade well.

Balsam garden

Balsam is an unpretentious shrub up to 0.5 m high, with long juicy and fleshy leaves, as well as large (up to 10 cm) flowers that bloom at their base in summer. In shape, the flowers of different varieties of balsam resemble carnations, rose or camellia inflorescences, their petals can be double or smooth, and the range of colors includes almost all shades except yellow and blue.

Important! In fact, balsam is a perennial plant. However, in open ground it is grown (both with and without seedlings) only as an annual, since even weak frosts are fatal for this flower. In this regard, many in the summer often decorate the site with balsam in pots, and with the onset of cold weather they bring them into the room.

Without seedlings, balsam seeds are sown directly into the soil under covering material in early May. If shelter is not planned, it is done at the end of spring. The plant will begin to bloom in the summer, after 70–90 days, and will continue until the autumn frosts. The site should be well protected from the wind, as well as from direct sunlight, ideally located in partial shade. The soil needs to be slightly acidic, fertile and moist (but not excessive). Balsam is fertilized with potash-phosphorus fertilizers in the summer every 2-3 weeks.

Kosmeya (annual)

A fluffy green "carpet" of thin needle-shaped leaves, above which lush "stars" of flowers of all shades of white-pink-red range flutter on high graceful stems in summer - this is a kosmeya. It can also be successfully grown without seedlings. Our most popular varieties of cosmea are double-feathered (“Sonata”, “Radiance”, “Purity”) and sulfur-yellow (“Bilbo”, “Cross Lemon”).

When sown in the soil without seedlings in late April-early May or before winter, the flowering of cosmea begins in summer (at the end of July) and lasts until cold weather. This unpretentious annual plant is completely undemanding to environmental conditions. Cosmea grows on light, moderately fertile soil, watering in summer is carried out as needed during dry periods. Caring for it comes down mainly to weeding and loosening the soil. In a flowerbed well lit by the sun, kosmeya will please with an abundance of flowers, and in the shade or partial shade - with lush decorative greenery.

Important! The undoubted advantage of cosmea is that it is not affected by pests.

Phlox Drummond

The unusual shape of the flower of this herbaceous unpretentious annual, capable of growing without seedlings, resembles an intricate snowflake. Phloxes of Drummond are tall - up to 0.5 m ("Star Rain"), medium-sized (terry, "Twinkling Star") and short - up to 20 cm ("Pink Promise", "Constellation").

Seeds of an annual phlox without seedlings are sown in the soil in early spring under covering material. This flower will grow best in partial shade. The soil should be sandy, well-drained, with medium acidity.

The flowering period of Phlox Drummond is from June to the end of September (subject to the mandatory condition of sufficient regular watering in the summer and loosening the soil). These unpretentious annuals are fed with complex mineral compounds about 1 time per month.

Advice! To form a lush bush with a large number of flowers, phlox shoots should be pinched.

forget-me-not

Tiny pale blue flowers with yellow centers on branching stems from 10 to 40 cm high, surrounded by elongated gray-green leaves, are both perennial and annual. Currently, more than 50 species of forget-me-nots are known, while the flowers of hybrid plants can be yellow, pink, cream, purple, white.

The easiest way to grow forget-me-not without seedlings is to sow the seeds in July directly into the open ground and hide them for a couple of weeks under the covering material before germination. This unpretentious flower prefers light and loose soil - moist, but with good drainage, and a slightly shaded place in the garden should be chosen. In the shade, forget-me-not blooms better than in the sun, and this process lasts up to 2 months. In addition, in the summer the plant must be systematically fed and regularly, but not excessively watered.

Important! The forget-me-not bush can be divided without fear - the root system of this flower adapts perfectly to transplantation.

Marigold

Fiery flashes of marigolds, or Chernobrivets - lush balls or "baskets" on long legs - richly decorate flower beds and front gardens from June to October. These flowers are also convenient to grow without seedlings. Their colors vary from light yellow to dark brown, the petals are double and simple, growth (depending on the species - deviated, erect or thin-leaved) can be from 15 to 130 cm.

When sown without seedlings in early May (with seeds under a film directly into open ground), marigolds will bloom in summer, in mid-July. These unpretentious flowers grow on almost any soil, and although they prefer sunny areas, they calmly put up with partial shade. It is not necessary to feed them, but it is worth watering regularly, especially in summer during dry periods.

Important! The vulnerability of marigolds is intolerance to frost. Even the weakest frost is detrimental to these flowers.

How to combine flowers in flower beds

When choosing unpretentious annuals without seedlings for a beautiful flower bed, designed to decorate the site in the summer, you need to keep in mind a few simple but important rules for planning a flower garden. Tasteful combinations of shades, combinations of different sizes and shapes, taking into account the compatibility of plant species that are supposed to be planted in the neighborhood, as well as the timing of their flowering, can turn a flower arrangement into a real work of art.

First of all, you should decide what type of flower bed is planned:

The key is also the question of the location of the flower garden - in a sunny place, in partial or complete shade. In one flower bed there should be plants that have similar requirements for the degree of illumination of the site, the type of soil and its moisture content. In addition, it should be borne in mind that not all unpretentious annuals can be good neighbors for each other. So, sweet peas should not be planted next to violets: the latter will not be able to grow fully, being in an oppressed position. But asters perfectly coexist with petunias, nasturtiums, and marigolds with phloxes: some flowers can protect others from certain pests and diseases.

An equally important point is the color scheme underlying the future composition. In accordance with it, a flower bed can be:

• monochrome (consist of plants painted in the same color scheme);
  
  
• with the effect of "gradient" (display a smooth transition of 2-3 colors or shades of the selected color from dark to light and vice versa);
  
  
• contrasting (when the main color is “shaded” by one or more opposite ones on the color wheel);
  
  
• multicolor (combining a large number of different colors and shades).
  
  

Important! "Warm" tones - red, orange, yellow - focus on themselves. "Cold" ones - purple, blue, blue, green - are calmer, they are often used for the background. White color is considered neutral, because it is able to successfully smooth out any contrasts.

In order for the shades of flowers to be clearly visible in the flower bed, plants should be planted not one at a time, but in groups (preferably at least 3-5 copies), leaving a distance between them, taking into account the intensity and speed of their growth in summer. The composition looks attractive, in the center of which the flowers are planted more rarely, and closer to the edge - denser.

An important role in the correct design of the flower bed is played by the height of the plants. Combining species of different sizes, tall flowers should never be planted in the foreground - the rest simply will not be visible behind them. But they look spectacular in the center of the composition or in the background of a one-sided flower bed. Of undersized and creeping plants, as a rule, borders are formed.

Examples of interesting flower beds using unpretentious annuals grown without seedlings and blooming all summer are presented in the video

Conclusion

Unpretentious annuals that can be grown without seedlings by planting seeds directly in open ground are excellent material for decorating the site with picturesque and elegant flower beds. The choice of the gardener is presented with a huge number of species of plants blooming in summer of various colors and shapes, little demanding in terms of care. You just need to show imagination, taking into account the preferences of the selected annuals and the simple rules for combining flowers in the flower beds, so that beautifully designed decorative compositions turn the garden into a cozy corner and give a good mood all summer.

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Annual plants will wrap the gazebo, divide the space into zones, beat the flower bed, disguise the lower stems of plants in mixborders and help stylize the garden.

The picture can be changed every season. Creating a whole flower bed of unpretentious letniki is not a problem, and it does not necessarily turn out to be catchy, bright and “too much”. Remember: what is good for public landscaping is not always suitable for a garden, which means that you need to be guided by a sense of proportion and the rules of combination in terms of color, size, decorativeness of leaves, and the shape of inflorescences.

Select a site and experiment to your heart's content. If the territory allows, it is good to plant flyers in curtains. If there is not enough space, limit yourself to a small flower garden and keep in mind that the smaller the size of the color spots, the more carefully you should select the shades.

Annual plants look interesting in containers: be sure to pick up accent, paired, voluminous and cascading species or varieties.

Annual climbing vines are able to gracefully hide outbuildings, decorate the entrance, arch, they can twine a gazebo or use it as a ground cover. Creepers on trellises divide the garden into zones.

Many annuals are good to plant next to recreation areas: patios, gazebos, benches and along walking paths.

Stylization

We fell in love with some letniki so much that they became an accessory of a certain style: for example, kosmeya comes from Mexico, but by planting certain types and varieties, you will instantly find yourself in a Russian front garden or a village garden. Sunflower, ornamental cabbage are also appropriate here, which will be a marvelous decoration of the autumn garden until frost.

To simulate a meadow, plant cornflower, escholcia, cosmea, calendula, pharmacy chamomile, summer adonis, sowing and large-flowered flax.

The ratio of annuals to light and soil

They put up with partial shading: always flowering begonia, hybrid coleus, winged tobacco, ornamental cabbage, seaside cineraria.

Balsams are not planted under direct sunlight: Waller ("Wet Roly"), balsam and New Guinea - they love the northern sides. Balsam is ideal for growing in the shade, but in the sun, on the contrary, it develops more slowly.

They are not afraid of a shaded place: begonias, fragrant tobacco and Sandera, lobelia. Most annuals are photophilous, they need to be planted on the south side. They are not afraid of the hot sun: verbena, forbitis, cineraria, decorative strawberries.

Annual plants do not make excessive demands on the soil, but castor bean, amaranth and ornamental cabbage are best grown on highly fertile soils. On the contrary, on rich soils they "fatten", increase the green mass to the detriment of the flowering of kosmeya, ageratum, nasturtium, alissum (sea lobularia).

Seedless growing method: sowing dates

The most cold-resistant annuals are sown from April 20 to May 1. These are calendula, kosmeya, poppy self-seed, escholzia, mountain cornflower, lobularia, summer adonis.

From May 1 to May 15, asters, godetia, one-year-old delphinium, lavater, sweet peas, chrysanthemums are sown.

To prolong flowering, cold-resistant species are sown in June-July, which will bloom again in August.

Some annuals are best sown before winter: firstly, they will bloom earlier in summer, and secondly, you will create the best conditions for their development: the seeds will wake up in early spring, when the ground is still wet and cool.

Before winter, they sow: godetia, calendula, summer adonis, cornflower, Ajax delphinium, Drummond's phlox, clarkia, cosmos twice pinnate and sulfur yellow, lavatera, lobularia, self-seed poppy, matthiola two-horned, California escholcia, chrysanthemums.

Usually sown in two terms: in late October - early November or in December-January. When sowing in winter, it is important to observe several conditions: sow on completely frozen soil, otherwise the seeds may hatch in the thaw and die during frost, prepare the soil and the plot in advance so that the melt water does not wash away the seeds in spring. Crops from above are mulched with soil mixture (compost, humus with sand, peat with sand), covered with snow to protect against birds.

How to sow annuals immediately in the garden

In general, letniki are unpretentious, but have their own requirements. To know where to pour the treasured package of seeds, see the basic rules.

For spring sowing, large seeds (nasturtium, calendula, balsam) should be pre-soaked and germinated in a damp cloth. Seeds are sown in grooves in a checkerboard pattern or in nests (square-nested planting method). For small seeds, the depth of the groove is -1.5-2 cm, for medium and large - 3-5 cm.

The distance between the grooves is determined based on the ability of plants to grow. For example, for nasturtium, it should be at least 30-50 cm.

Small seeds are sown in the nests - 6-8 pieces in each nest, medium - 4-5 pieces, large - 2-3 pieces.

After watering, the crops are covered with non-woven material. Shelter is removed when shoots appear. Godetia, clarkia, ornamental cabbage are left under cover, as cruciferous fleas can destroy seedlings. After the appearance of the first 2-3 true leaves, seedlings are thinned out at intervals of 10-14 days, until the required amount remains per 1 m2 (different for each species, usually written on a bag of seeds). Seedlings are regularly watered and fed.

Caring for annual flowers: simple but still necessary

Annuals will fragrant and bloom longer if they are provided with watering, loosening and weeding. Remove faded buds so that seeds do not ripen and flower buds continue to form. If plants are fed with nitrogen in August and September, flowering can be extended.

9 unpretentious annuals for a flower garden

Nasturtium a large one grows well on retaining walls, where few plants survive. It tolerates any weather conditions, has a pleasant aroma of flowers and decorative leaves.

Bindweed tricolor spreads along the ground and does not need supports. It is planted on rocky hills, and is also used in mixboards, discounts. For containers and hanging pots, the Mauritanian vyonok is ideal.

A climbing liana with delicate moth flowers is familiar to almost all gardeners: sweet pea often used for vertical gardening. Like other plants of the legume family, peas live in symbiosis with nodule bacteria that absorb nitrogen from the atmosphere, which means that it feeds itself and, in addition, enriches the soil.

At matthiola bicorne small, inconspicuous inflorescences, but they smell wonderful, and the aroma intensifies in the evening. In the flower garden, matthiola gray-haired varieties are good: among dense and more decorative neighbors, near patios and arbors.

Fragrant and delicate winged tobacco also planted next to a recreation area, an array or in containers.

The three-month-old Lavatera is very pleasing to the eye and the sense of smell: at a distance close to the view point and in those places where guests stay for a long time. Its large funnel-shaped flowers with a delicate aroma are interesting to look at up close. This is a honey plant.

Another honey plant - marine lobularia- widely used as a border for flower beds, in borders and discounts. It branches strongly, grows into a dense clearing and smells good. The plant is also suitable for hanging baskets - white varieties look like a "cloud". Eschscholzia Californian blooms profusely, has decorative foliage, is resistant to drought and wetting, does not fade in the bright sun, dissipates at cosmic speed.

Godetia even when withering, it looks neat and does not spoil the look of the flower garden. Breeders have bred many varieties, different in height, color, flower shape. Beautiful compositions with smooth transitions are obtained if you choose varieties of the same color, but in different shades.

Annuals - photo

Annuals are good already because they are fast. Sow in the ground, they immediately sprout, endure the spring cold and bloom quickly. No need to waste time on seedlings, you just need to find a winning place for them in the garden in advance. They will show themselves in all their glory.

In central Russia, the sowing of seeds of the annuals we named is carried out in the first decade of May, in the northern regions a week or two later. Also, decorative pumpkins or beans are sown 7-10 days later. Crops with a short flowering period (for example, gypsophila) can be sown at several times, with a difference of 2 weeks.

Species such as bidens, blue cornflower (although it has many varieties and mixtures with different colors of inflorescences), annual flax, self-seed poppy, helipterum, nigella, or girl in green, cynoglossum can be sown in curtains in a mixed flower bed or front garden. Or, by mixing their seeds, you can make a cheerful, colorful annual flowering lawn on the front lawn or along the fence.

Blooming garden - among vegetables, green crops, poppies, decorative sunflower, motley flax, cynoglossum, cornflowers, decorative pumpkin, beans and other species always look great.

For good development and abundant flowering, it is important that the soil around the perennials is always loose, and the flower beds are clean of weeds. And they will delight you with flowers from the beginning of summer until late autumn.

Fragrant flowers such as mignonette, mattiola or low varieties of sweet peas can be sown near benches and gazebos, near recreation areas, garden benches. And near supports, terraces, arbors, walls of buildings, you can sow climbing letniki, such as sweet peas (tall varieties), morning glory, ornamental bright red beans, echinocystis and others. Lavater and Godetia, Iberis, Coreopsis are perfect along the paths for curbs and ridges along the paths.

For flowerpots and hanging boxes, annuals are best suited, such as, for example, nemesia, nasturtium, low sweet peas, you can decorate garden flowerpots and containers, as well as balcony boxes and even hanging planters.

Summer residents who have recently joined the ranks of flower growers, as a rule, start from the same thing - from visiting all kinds of garden centers, Internet sites, exhibitions, collectors' sites. After all, there are so many interesting plants (mostly perennials) on offer, which “well, you just can’t pass by”!

Alas, the “buying rage” at the same time is often far ahead of planting planning and understanding which plants will actually feel good and look beautiful in your garden.

Therefore, the first advice to gardeners (and especially beginners): do not rush to immediately acquire a lot of perennial flowers! Limit yourself to those whose landing sites have already been prepared. And the craving for diversity can easily be satisfied by annuals. Most of these crops are easy to grow and can be restocked annually to change the look of the garden - a great planning aid! In addition, annuals are so bright and beautiful that it is difficult to imagine any garden or flower garden without them: from the simplest to the most sophisticated.

These luxurious dahlias can be grown from seed! F1 ‘Hello Gorgous Shades’. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

Raising the "virgin"

Letniki are especially useful when you are about to plant a flower garden on a new site with uncultivated soil. Many novice flower growers have an opinion that it is better to start with perennial plants: they say, once planted - and no worries. But what is really happening? After all, even if you don’t get involved with capricious crops, of which there are quite a few among perennials, but plant the most undemanding species and varieties, but in a poorly prepared place, then:

In perennial flower beds, you do not have the opportunity to dig deep into the soil with organic fertilizers and thereby improve it;

Weeds, whose seeds and pieces of rhizomes are difficult to get rid of in one digging of the soil, are intertwined with roots with cultivated plants, and it can be very difficult to remove them;

In new areas, it is difficult to immediately plan flower beds, and moving perennial bushes from place to place is often not very easy.

The second advice naturally follows from this: “development of virgin lands”, start with the planting of annual flowers. Indeed, as a result of autumn or spring digging of flower beds with the introduction of organic matter, it is possible to significantly increase the fertility and structure of the soil and clear the site of most weeds.

Convinced? Already going to the store for seeds? And for what?

Calendula medicinal series ‘Pacific’. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

The smart choice

When choosing letniki for spring planting, you should not buy all the bags of seeds with the photos you like in a row. First evaluate your capabilities: can you grow them without too much hassle?

It is better for an inexperienced or busy grower to pay attention to those species that are sown directly into the ground. These are: pink helipterum (acroclinum), calendula, cosmos, clarkia, lavatera, annual poppies, matthiola, blue cornflower, godetia, dimorphoteka, escholcia, venidium, nemesia, iberis, mignonette, etc. In central Russia, you can immediately go to the flower garden sow some "seedling" crops - callistefus (annual aster), marigolds, especially - b. rejected, helichrysums, zinnias, Drummond phloxes, sweet peas and some other species, but their flowering in this case will come late, only in the second half, or even at the end of summer.

Crops grown through seedlings are somewhat more complicated than the previous ones. However, they, in turn, can also be divided into several groups. Seedlings of species such as marigolds, zinnias, amaranths, annual dahlias, coleus, celosia, annual chrysanthemums are easiest to grow. Their seeds are sown in boxes (on window sills, loggias) or in the soil of greenhouses in mid-April, and planted in the ground at the end of May, when the threat of return frosts has passed.

The next group of flyers has a longer period of getting quality seedlings and requires a little more patience and experience. Their seeds are sown about a month earlier - in mid-March, boxes with crops are placed on bright windowsills or in greenhouses, greenhouses. Such crops include ageratum, alissum, arctotis, annual aster, verbena, gazania, Chinese carnation, helichrysum, sweet pea, cochia, levkoy, lobelia, snapdragon, perilla, petunia, salvia, fragrant tobacco, Drummond's phlox.

And finally, the last group includes species that have the longest period of development in seedlings. They are sown in January - February in heated greenhouses or at room conditions on special racks with light installations. For the first month or two, boxes with crops and seedlings must be illuminated with special lamps, otherwise the seedlings will stretch and die. These crops include: Shabo carnation, tuberous begonia, viola (Vitrocca violet), statice, heliotrope, fuchsia and some other species. I would not recommend inexperienced flower growers to grow them from seeds.

living rainbow

Let's get acquainted with the most interesting and relatively uncomplicated annual flower crops for beginner flower growers.

Calendula

Calendula officinalis (Calendula officinalis) is one of the most common and well-known plants that blooms in many flower beds and rural front gardens. Over many centuries of cultivation, dozens, if not hundreds, of calendula varieties have been created, differing in plant size - from low, curb, about 25-30 cm tall, to large bushes up to 80 cm high; the form of inflorescences, which can be non-double, chamomile, and double, tiled and even anemone. But the greatest variety is in its color: from common yellow, orange, apricot to cream, dark brown, burgundy, pinkish or greenish, plain or variegated.

Calendula officinalis ‘Apricot Twist’. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

Where to plant?

In the garden, calendula looks good in front gardens, mixborders, in flower beds, in ornamental gardens, on annual flower lawns. Low-growing varieties can be grown on balconies and in containers, made into borders and borders. In addition, its inflorescences are excellent for cutting.

How to grow?

Calendula is an extremely undemanding and easy-to-cultivate culture. Its seeds are sown in open ground from April to June inclusive, as well as before winter - in November. It is better to choose a bright place for her, but she is undemanding to soils, although she prefers neutral loams. If the shoots turned out to be too thick, it is advisable to thin them out to a distance of 5-10 cm. Plants should be watered moderately, only in dry times. On nutrient-poor soils, it is advisable to feed them every 2-3 weeks with complex mineral fertilizers. Flowering of plants begins 45-50 days after sowing and continues until late autumn.

What's in a name?

At home, in the Mediterranean countries, calendula blooms all year round, for which it got its name: calendae in Latin means "the first day of each month." The Russian name - ‘marigolds’ was given to the plant for the shape of the seeds, which really resemble the claws of animals and birds.

Calendula officinalis ‘Orange Button’. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

It is interesting

kosmeya

Cute multi-colored "daisies" of cosmos, or space (Cosmos), can often be found in home gardens and rural front gardens. They have long won the hearts of flower lovers with their cheerful disposition, diversity and unpretentiousness.

Currently, two types of cosmea can be found in our gardens. The most famous and familiar to us species is double-pinnate (C. bipinnatus) forms powerful (or not very) branched bushes 50-120 cm high, with strongly cut leaves and rather large inflorescences (from 5 to 12 cm in diameter) chamomile-shaped. The color of reed flowers can be white, pink, red, burgundy, the disc of tubular flowers is yellow.

Another species that appeared with us relatively recently, but quickly gained popularity among flower growers, is gray-yellow cosmos (C. sulphureus). It has smaller inflorescences (4-7 cm in diameter), the petals of which are slightly bent inward in the form of a rose and are colored yellow-orange-red. Plant height can be from 30 to 150 cm.

Cosmos is double-pinnate terry. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

Where to plant?

In terms of application in the garden, cosmeas are very similar to calendula. They are grown in flower beds and in mixborders, in the front gardens of rural houses. It is convenient to make scenes from high grades of kosmey, decorate fences and walls of buildings with them. From low grades, especially sulfur yellow, you can create borders, decorate containers and balcony boxes with them. Low, small-flowered forms of double-pinnate are often part of annual flower (Moorish) lawns.

Cosmos is doubly pinnate, a mixture of colors. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

How to grow?

Cosmos double-feathered - the plant is cold-resistant and light-loving, to. Sulfur-yellow - more thermophilic and feels good only in relatively hot summers. Both species are drought-resistant and undemanding to soils, but grow better on loose, not too nutritious - "overfed" plants grow powerful, but bloom poorly.

Just like calendula, cosmea is sown in open ground starting in April.

What's in a name?

Сosmos is translated from Greek as "decoration". Indeed, the name matches the plant!

Space yellow. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

Lavater

The bright three-month-old lavatera, or khatma (Lavatera trimestris), always attracts attention in the garden. But not only for this, gardeners love her so much, but also for her long, abundant flowering and complaisant nature. Lavatera is a rather powerful, branchy, fast-growing plant with a height of 60 to 150 cm. At the time of flowering, from the end of June until autumn, it is covered with large (6-10 cm in diameter), funnel-shaped flowers, painted in white, pink or red.

Lavatera three-monthly ‘Novella’. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

Where to plant?

Long, generous, bright flowering and unpretentiousness make lavater desirable for any flower garden - flower beds, borders, borders, mixborders. The flowers are well cut. Compact varieties can be arranged in containers or garden vases.

Lavatera three-month-old ‘Mont Blanc’. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

How to grow?

Lavatera is cold-resistant, photophilous, drought-resistant, does not like waterlogging. It grows well on various soils, but feels better and blooms more abundantly on light fertile soils.

Seeds are sown directly into the ground in early May, in nests of 2-3 seeds at a distance of 25-30 cm. It is also possible to sow seeds in a row at a distance of 10-15 cm from each other. In dry weather, plants must be watered, otherwise their growth will slow down, and flowering will not be plentiful. In May - June, it is desirable to carry out 3-4 feedings with complex fertilizers at intervals of 10-15 days.

What's in a name?

Lavater got its name in honor of the Lavater brothers, famous German doctors and naturalists.

Eschsolzia

The multi-colored silky flowers of the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) are very similar to small poppies, for which they received the popular name California poppy. The plant forms a low branched shrub 15-30 cm high with numerous, rather long (up to 60 cm), decumbent shoots. At the top of the shoots are bright, shiny, large (up to 5-8 cm in diameter) single flowers: double or non-double, with smooth or corrugated petals of various colors - creamy white, yellow, orange, salmon, red. The leaves of the escholzia are also exceptionally elegant: strongly dissected, openwork, covered with a bluish wax coating.

Eschsholtzia Californian terry. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

Where to plant?

California poppy can be grown in flowerbeds, in flowerbeds, mixborders, made from it borders, planted in patches on lawns, rockeries, ornamental gardens. They look beautiful in vases, containers and balcony boxes. Eschsholzia is often included in mixtures for annual flower ("Moorish") lawns. The flowers are well cut.

How to grow?

Eschscholzia is cold-resistant, photophilous, drought-resistant and very unpretentious. Prefers dry, sunny places and does not tolerate excess moisture. Blooms best and remains compact in nutrient-poor soils. In rainy weather, the flowers close.

Propagated by seeds, which are sown in early May in open ground. In areas with light soil, winter crops can be done. It is desirable to thin out too dense seedlings at a distance of 5-10 cm. Flowering begins in the first half of July and continues until frost. Some varieties of escholcia can produce abundant self-seeding.

What's in a name?

Eschsholzia is named after Dr. I. F. Eschsholz, a naturalist from the Baltic states, who lived in 1793-1831.

Eschsholzia Californian ‘Apple Blossom’. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

Marigold

Marigolds, marigolds, tagetes (Tagetes) are one of the most famous and loved by many annuals.

In horticulture, two types of marigolds are most often used: b. rejected, or French (T. patula), - with a highly branched, spreading form of a bush 15-50 cm high, with non-double or double inflorescences of a single or variegated color, and b. erect, or African (T. erecta), - with more powerful and less branched plants 30-120 cm high and densely double inflorescences of a single color with a diameter of 10-15 cm. Recently, one more species can be found in gardens - b. thin-leaved, or Mexican (T. tenuifolia, sin. T. signata), with thin stems 20-60 cm high, graceful strongly dissected leaves and a huge number of small non-double inflorescences 2-3 cm in diameter. Monochromatic or with a contrasting spot in the center, they painted in bright yellow, lemon, orange tones.

Marigolds rejected ‘Carmen’. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

Where to plant?

Marigolds look harmonious in any flower beds, flower beds, borders, mixborders, ornamental gardens. They can be used in containers and hanging baskets, planted in balcony boxes. Despite their love of light, they can tolerate slight shading, so they can be used to decorate areas on the north side of buildings. In addition, they have a sanitary effect on the soil, destroying or scaring away nematodes with the secretions of their roots. For the same purpose, crushed marigold leaves can be added to the soil.

Marigolds are thin-leaved, a mixture of colors. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

How to grow?

All marigolds are thermophilic (do not withstand even small frosts), photophilous (but can tolerate slight shading), drought-resistant and very undemanding to soils. They easily tolerate transplantation in any phase of development, even during full flowering.

Propagated by seeds, in the conditions of central Russia - through seedlings, in the southern regions - by sowing in the ground. For seedlings, seeds are sown in the second half of April in greenhouses, but for earlier flowering, sowing is possible in March and even in February. Seedlings dive into boxes, pots or ridges of greenhouses at a distance of 5-7 cm from each other. During the period of growing seedlings, it is desirable to make 2-3 fertilizing with nitrogen or complex mineral fertilizers with an interval of 7-10 days.

Seedlings are planted in open ground in early June, when the threat of spring frost has passed. The distance between plants during planting is from 15 to 40 cm, depending on the variety. Care consists in weeding and loosening the soil around the plants, and on weakly fertile soils, another 1-2 complex top dressings are carried out.

Flowering at b. rejected begins 2-2.5 months after sowing, b. upright - after 2.5-3 months and b. thin-leaved - after 2 months.

What's in a name?

The common name - marigolds, or marigolds, was given to these plants for the velvety flower petals, especially in dark-colored varieties, and they received the scientific name Tagetes in honor of the Etruscan god Tages, famous for his beauty and ability to predict the future.

Marigolds are upright. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

Dahlias

Who does not know the slender beauties of dahlia (Dahlia) with huge bright inflorescences that bloom in our gardens in late summer and autumn? True, most large-flowered varieties are perennials, and their tubers must be dug up and stored in cool rooms before the onset of cold weather. But doing this is not always possible, so annual dahlias can be a great substitute for them.

For a long time it was believed that annual dahlias are medium-sized plants with medium-sized non-double flowers, painted in various shades of white, yellow, orange and red. The people called them that - "Merry Fellows", after the name of the most famous, old variety. To date, many annual dahlias have been created, which are not inferior in beauty and variety to their perennial relatives.

Dahlia is an annual, collar form of inflorescences. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

Where to plant?

Annual dahlias are planted in flowerbeds, in discounts, and arrays. Low grades can be grown in containers and balcony boxes.

How to grow?

Dahlias are a rather demanding crop in terms of cultivation conditions. They are very thermophilic, love fertile, moderately moist soils and sunny, windless areas.

Dahlia annual ‘Art Deco’. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

Seeds are sown in boxes in the first half of April, later seedlings are planted at a distance of 7-8 cm in pots or boxes. Young plants tolerate transplanting well. They are planted in open ground in early June. The distance between plants depends on the variety and can be from 20 to 40 cm. It is very important to loosen the soil around the bushes in a timely manner, in hot weather - water abundantly and periodically, once every 2 weeks, feed with complex mineral or organic fertilizer. In August, feeding is stopped. Annual dahlias bloom in the first half of July and bloom profusely until the first frost.

What's in a name?

Dahlias, natives of Mexico, appeared in Europe in the 18th century, where they received two names at once - dahlias and dahlias. The first of them was given in honor of the famous Swedish botanist A. Dahl. And in 1803, the German botanist K. L. Vildenov gave the plant another name - dahlia (Georgina), in honor of his friend, botanist J. G. Georgi. Both names existed together for a long time, but recently the name of dahlia has become the official botanical name of the genus. The name "dahlia" has taken root only in our country.

Aster

Annual aster, or Chinese callistefus (Callistephus chinensis), is perhaps the most beloved "folk" flyer in our country. In nature, this plant is about 80 cm high, with chamomile inflorescences of lilac-lilac color. However, over several centuries of cultivation, the appearance of this culture has changed very much. Many hundreds of varieties have been created, differing in plant height (from 20 to 100 cm), bush shape (spherical, oval, columnar, pyramidal, sprawling), leaf color (from light green to dark green with a purple bloom), flowering time ( from early, blooming on the 70th day after germination, to late - on the 120th-130th day).

But the inflorescences of callistefus have undergone the greatest changes - in color, shape, size, doubleness, their number on the plant, etc. What colors are they not painted in! White, pink, red, salmon, yellow, blue, purple - almost every color of the rainbow, except for bright orange and black. There are varieties with two-color inflorescences.

According to the method of application, asters can be divided into casing (border) - low, compact, abundantly flowering, cut - high, with long strong peduncles and universal - suitable for both landscaping and cutting. Most varieties of asters belong to the latter group.

Callistefus chinensis, ‘Milady’ series. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

Where to plant?

In garden plots, annual asters are planted in flowerbeds, rabatka, in mixborders, low varieties - in borders, containers, balcony boxes, rock gardens. Dwarf varieties are used as a pot culture. And, of course, do not forget that annual asters are one of the best garden cut crops.

Callistefus Chinese ‘Gala’. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

How to grow?

One of the main reasons for the huge popularity of the annual aster is its undemanding nature. This plant is cold-resistant (it can endure frosts down to -3-4 ° C), photophilous, prefers sandy or loamy, loose, nutritious soils with a neutral reaction.

Astra is propagated by seeds both in seedlings and in seedlings. In the first case, the seeds are sown in late March - early April. Seedlings can be planted in open ground from mid-May. With seedless cultivation, seeds are sown in the ground in early spring, as soon as the soil is ready. In the phase of 2-3 true leaves, the seedlings are thinned out or seated at a distance of 10-15 cm.

Depending on the variety and method of cultivation, asters begin to bloom from late June to mid-August and continue until frost.

Callistefus Chinese ‘Minuet’, a mixture of colors. Photo: AiF / Elena Kolesnikova

What's in a name?

The name callistefus was given to this flower by the French botanist Antoine Jussier: translated from Latin, it means “beautiful wreath”.

Have you already finished the summer season, "mothballing" the house for the winter and saying goodbye to your plants until spring? There is a reason to visit the cottage again, because you did not sow flowers before winter! This process will bring a little trouble, and in the spring you will thank yourself for your foresight. After all, annual and perennial flowers sown before winter are practically free seedlings of flowers, which, moreover, will bloom two weeks earlier. What flowers can be sown before winter, we will tell in this publication.

Letniki that can be sown before winter

1. Alyssum marine and lobularia marine

Winter sowing of these very similar (both externally and in care), but still different colors, allows you to get strong, hardened seedlings adapted to open ground conditions.

A bed for sowing is chosen with loose soil, with acidity close to neutral. Alyssum seeds ( Alyssum maritimus) and lobularia ( Lobularia maritima) are very small, so they can be sown in a mixture with river sand. Seeds are sown in frozen ground, it is desirable to mulch the crops.

2. Annual aster, or Chinese Callistefus

When sowing asters (Callistephus chinensis) in winter, the risk of fungal diseases that cause serious damage to these flowers is reduced. And the plants themselves bloom much earlier than when sown in the spring.

For the winter sowing of asters, it is very important to choose the right place. Plants for growth and flowering need a sunny site with loose soil and neutral acidity. As predecessors, it is desirable to choose marigolds or calendula. You can not plant asters after the asters themselves, tulips, gladioli.

It is advisable to prepare a bed raised, 15-20 cm high, water will not stagnate on it, and in the spring it will warm up quickly enough.

In no case should fresh manure be introduced into the bed for sowing asters. After preparing the grooves for sowing, they must be shed with Maxim and Fitosporin preparations to prevent the spread of fungal diseases.

Aster seeds remain viable for no more than three years, and the closer the expiration date of the seeds, the worse they germinate, therefore, before winter, asters seeds need to be sown quite often, on the basis that not all of them will germinate. Seeds are sown to a depth of 2 cm, covered with prepared dry soil from above. You can additionally mulch the bed with sawdust or peat.

3. Marigolds

There are conflicting opinions about the possibility of sowing marigolds (Tagetes) before winter. The thing is that marigold seeds need heat to germinate. And with a lack of heat and excess moisture, the seeds can simply rot. Therefore, it is better to sow heat-loving marigolds before winter in regions with not very cold winters and early spring.

In cold climates, such sowing is quite risky. Experienced gardeners advise trying sowing marigolds before winter not in open ground, but in a greenhouse. Be sure to cover such crops for the winter with a layer of peat.

4. Godetia

An elegant flower for flower beds, borders. Godetia is also very good in flowerpots and containers. Planting godetia seeds before winter allows you to achieve earlier and more abundant flowering. Similar to sowing marigolds, godetia seeds are recommended to be sown in regions with fairly warm winters. But many flower growers from colder regions successfully grow Godetia and sow before winter.

It is desirable to sow seeds immediately in a permanent place. The plant prefers a sunny location and fertile soil. Crops need to be mulched to protect against frost and excessive moisture.

5. Calendula, or Marigold

Even for inexperienced flower growers, sowing and growing calendula (Calendula) does not cause any difficulties. The plant is distinguished by its unpretentiousness. Calendula is a cold-resistant crop; it sprouts without problems in the spring after sowing before winter.

You can sow calendula seeds in almost any soil. Crops can be done on a seedling bed or immediately to a permanent place - the plant easily tolerates a transplant. If you plan to grow calendula in containers, then you can sow seeds directly in them, be sure to make drainage there.

6. Kosmeya, or Cosmos

Cosmos (Cosmos) are very beautiful and at the same time unpretentious flowers, for which they are loved by many summer residents. Sowing cosmea seeds before winter will not cause any problems. It often propagates itself by self-sowing. In this case, in the spring, extra shoots can be removed.

Sunny areas with well-drained loose soil are ideal for sowing cosmos. If the soil is too nutritious, the plant will begin to grow green mass at the expense of flowering, so do not abuse the fertilization. As a rule, cosmea is sown immediately in a permanent place.

7. Lavater

Lavatera, popularly also called the wild rose, is another unpretentious beautiful flower. It is an ideal plant for a low maintenance flower garden and is suitable for growing in containers, beds and borders.

The plant is very unpretentious, but still it develops better in well-lit areas with light, loose soil. The plant is absolutely undemanding to mineral nutrition; fertilization for planting is necessary only on very poor and depleted soil.

Lavater seeds before winter, as a rule, are sown immediately in a permanent place. It is desirable to mulch crops for the winter.

8. Phlox Drummond

The seeds of the annual phlox (Phlox Drummondii) are frost-resistant, so the plant can be successfully sown before winter. However, it should be borne in mind that with prolonged thaws, the seeds may germinate ahead of time, and the seedlings may die from recurrent frosts. Therefore, it is necessary to provide shelter for crops with phlox.

The ideal option is small arcs or an inverted vegetable box with a stretched covering material.

9. Eschsholzia Californian

Sowing eschscholzia (Eschscholzia californica) before winter is one of the simple methods of growing it. With this sowing, the seeds undergo natural stratification, and seedlings bloom much earlier than in spring. Eschsholzia does not tolerate transplantation, so it is immediately sown in a permanent place.

The site for sowing is selected sunny with loose, breathable soil. It is desirable to mulch crops.

In addition to the annual flowers described above, before winter you can sow: field cornflower, annual delphinium, iberis, cochia, snapdragon antirrinum, annual poppy, mattiola.

Biennial and perennial flowers that can be sown before winter

10. Aquilegia

Aquilegia (Aquilegia) - a charming plant with openwork foliage. It is widely used to decorate flower beds, borders of borders, mixborders. Very popular because of its unpretentiousness.

Aquilegia seeds must be stratified in cold conditions, so autumn sowing is preferable. Aquilegia does not like transplanting, it is better to sow it immediately in a permanent place. The plant prefers partial shade and loose, humus-rich soils. When sowing, the seeds do not need to be deeply buried in the ground, it is enough to sprinkle them a little. The bed with crops must be covered with mulch.

11. Alpine aster

Growing aster alpine (Aster alpinus) from seeds is not difficult. It can be sown before winter or in spring in May. Autumn sowing is preferable; after stratification under natural conditions, the seeds germinate much better. Asters seeds are quite small, it is better to sow them in boxes or containers, and then dig into the ground. But you can immediately to a permanent place.

For growing asters, you need to choose sunny places or partial shade. The bed must be on a slightly elevated place. The plant does not grow well in damp or damp places. Crops are sprinkled with a thin layer of humus. For the winter it is better to mulch them.

12. Badan

The process of growing bergenia (Bergenia) from seeds is quite difficult. Seeds need cold stratification for germination, and in spring they need to be at a certain temperature. Seeds and seedlings are very small, besides, seedlings develop quite slowly. For this reason, when sowing bergenia seeds, it is important to adhere to a certain technology:

• seeds before sowing must be treated with a fungicide to prevent diseases, for example, "Fitosporin";
• seeds should be sown in boxes with loose soil to a depth of no more than 0.5 cm;
• The box with crops will need to be kept outside, under the snow. Thus, the stratification of seeds will take place.

In the spring, at the beginning of March, the boxes must be brought into a room where, at a temperature of 18-19 ° C, the seeds will germinate for about a month. Crops should be kept in a bright place, but not in direct sunlight.

As the seedlings appear, you need to monitor the soil moisture. The soil should not be dry and excessively wet. Seedlings develop very slowly, they can be planted in pots when they reach a height of 10-12 cm. Plants will bloom for 3-4 years.

13. Gypsophila

Gypsophila (Gypsophila) does not tolerate transplanting very well, it must be sown immediately to a permanent place. In one place, gypsophila can grow for a very long time, so it is important to immediately choose the right one for them. Plants grow strongly over the years, so the gypsophila is placed quite freely - 2-3 plants per square meter.

For sowing, you need to choose an open sunny place, preferably with loose sandy loamy soil. If the soil is dense, be sure to add small pebbles and sand to it. The site must be dry enough, without stagnant water - gypsophila can die with strong moisture.

14. Heuchera

Geuchera (Heuchera) propagates well by seeds, but it must be borne in mind that the seeds do not remain viable for so long. Seeds and shoots of geyhera are very small, so sowing and caring for seedlings can be quite troublesome. It is more convenient to sow geyhera in boxes with loose, well-drained soil. The soil should not be acidic. Seeds do not need to be buried, it is enough to press them down a little.

15. Gentian

An interesting plant for rocky hills, rock gardens. Gentians (Gentiana) are not yet very common in flower beds, perhaps because they are not easy to grow from seed. To get seedlings of gentian, you need to know that she definitely needs long-term stratification in cold conditions. Under conditions of exposure to temperature changes, soil moisture, processes occur in the seeds that contribute to their germination.

It is better to sow gentian in boxes or pots with loose soil. Sprinkle the seeds with a layer of soil and dig the containers into the ground in a shady place. In the spring, you need to make sure that the soil in them does not dry out.

Gentians sown in autumn usually germinate in May-June. It also happens that the seeds that did not sprout in the spring sprout the next year. Therefore, do not rush to throw the earth out of the boxes. Boxes should be kept in partial shade and keep the soil moist. And in winter, leave them outside again.

16. Delphinium

Growing delphinium (Delphinium) from seeds is quite difficult. When sowing, be sure to consider the following:

• the delphinium needs cold stratification, so it is preferable to sow it before winter;
• only fresh delphinium seeds germinate well. If planting is postponed until spring, then the seeds must be stored in the refrigerator;
• they can only be sown in light, loose soil. In heavy clay soil, they usually do not sprout.

Delphiniums do not tolerate transplanting well, so it is advisable to sow them immediately to a permanent place. For sowing, you need to choose a sunny, wind-protected flower bed. Seeds are sown not deep, 2-3 mm, crops for the winter should be covered with mulch.

17. Carpathian bell

Usually the Carpathian bell (Campanula carpatica) is sown just before winter. A well-lit place is chosen for sowing. The soil is preferably well-drained with acidity close to neutral.

Soil preparation is standard, it consists in digging and fertilizing. Humus and sand are introduced into heavy soil. If the acidity is high - lime, dolomite flour or ash.

18. Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula) is a very attractive plant, but quite tricky when grown from seed. If you are unable to achieve seedlings of her seedlings, try sowing lavender before winter. The thing is that she definitely needs to go through the stage of cold stratification. If you sow in the spring, you will have to put the bowls with crops in the refrigerator.

For sowing lavender in open ground, you need to choose a sunny, wind-protected place, always dry, without stagnant water. The soil for growing lavender should be loose and fertile. The plant does not grow well on acidic soils, therefore, with increased acidity, lime or wood ash must be added in advance.

When planting, the seeds do not need to be buried too deep into the soil, by about 3-4 mm. You can sprinkle the grooves with seeds with river sand. After sowing, the bed must be mulched for the winter, and with the onset of persistent frosts, throw more snow on the bed.

Shoots usually appear in May-June. Seeds may sprout later, so do not try to dig the bed too early. When the seedlings appear, you need to control watering - the soil should be moist, but not flooded with water.

19. Lupine

Perennial lupins (Lupinus) are not only a bright flower bed decoration, but also a valuable green manure plant. Although, usually, as green manure, one-year-old lupine is sown. Unlike spring crops, when sown before winter, the seeds give friendly shoots.

It is better to sow lupine immediately in a permanent place. When sowing, it is necessary to take into account the size of adult plants, the seeds must be planted with a distance of at least 25–30 cm. For sowing, it is advisable to choose a sunny place or partial shade, soil with an acidity close to neutral. The plant does not tolerate close groundwater.

20. Primrose

It is not very easy to get primula (Primula) from seeds, not every grower can do it. Primrose seeds require stratification, so it is desirable to sow it before winter. It should be borne in mind that the germination of seeds is quite low, especially if the seeds are not just harvested. The seeds of the flower are small, and the seedlings are very small at first. Therefore, it is recommended to sow it not in the garden, but in a separate box.

The soil must be carefully prepared before sowing. If the soil in the area is very dense, it will be difficult for small seedlings to break through. Therefore, the soil must be loose, well-drained. You can even stock up on sowing primrose with good store soil. This soil will not contain weed seeds. And as a rule, ready-made soils of good quality are very loose and light.

Primrose seeds are sown superficially, slightly falling asleep with soil. It is better to put a box with crops in partial shade so that the spring sun does not burn the tender shoots. You need to carefully monitor the moisture content of the soil. Small seedlings can die even with a short-term drought, and with an excess of moisture, they can suffer from waterlogging. Primrose seedlings develop rather slowly. And all this time the crops need careful care.

21. Nivyanik, or "garden chamomile"

Leucanthemum seeds, or garden chamomile, as gardeners often call this flower, have good winter hardiness, they can be sown both before winter and early spring. With this sowing, the entrances will be stronger and more hardened.

The preparation of beds and soil for sowing is standard; you can sow cornflower on a seedling bed, or you can immediately to a permanent place.

Dear readers! In addition to the plants listed above, you can sow aconite, arabis, buzulnik, gaillardia, gelenium, doronicum, saxifrage, clematis, levisia, flax, lychnis, spurge, shaving, sedum, rudbeckia, garden yarrow before winter. From biennial flowers - mallow, daisy, forget-me-not, Turkish carnation.

As you can see, the list of flowers that can be grown by sowing before winter is quite large. Podzimny sowing gives indisputable advantages, especially sowing perennials.

And besides, it's convenient. Therefore, try, if in doubt, sow part of the seeds in the fall, the other in the spring.