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Growing Annuals: Thriving in the Heat

Growing Annuals: Thriving in the Heat

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As summer approaches, so do its long, hot days. As you know, intense heat can make life difficult for your flowering annuals. This is particularly true for plants in the "hot spots" of your garden – like near the driveway where the pavement keeps the soil warm, even at night, or against the west-facing wall of your house where the reflected sun is concentrated.

The extreme heat is bad enough, but these spots are also the first to dry out, making it nearly impossible to keep your plants healthy. With these facts in mind, it's best to grow flowering annuals that can stand up to summer heat and drought. Here is a short list of proven heat lovers:

Love-Lies-Bleeding (Amaranthus)
Swan River Daisy (Brachycome)
Dusty Miller
Snow-On-The-Mountain
Gazania
Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena)
Phlox
Portulaca
Rudbeckia
Creeping Zinnia (Sanvitalia)
Marigolds
Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia)
Verbena

Give your annuals a strong start by planting before it gets really hot, after the danger of frost is past. Mulch heavily and water deeply to encourage deep roots. Even though most of these annuals can handle short, dry spells, they will grow better with regular watering and fertilizing as needed.