We’re in the thick of spring and all the fun that comes with it. Some of our favorites are the smell of fresh mulch, the satisfaction of a newly cleaned bed, and of course giving our partner sites a color rejuvenation through annual plantings.

Planning for annual flowers begins more than 12 months in advance. Seeds for annual flowers are harvested from live plants, and these stock plants must be grown a year ahead of time. For example, begonia seeds that will be planted this summer (2023) were produced in the summer of 2022. Seed production is finite, so it’s important that we place annual flower orders early. Once a particular variety sells out, it’s gone until the following year.

Before placing orders for flowers, we analyze each property’s plant performance from the prior year and use this information, as well as feedback from property managers and clients, to adjust and refine the current year’s order. Factors such as rain, temperatures, drought, and soil composition can all affect how well flowers grow and can vary from one year to the next. Understanding these conditions allows us to help our clients choose the ideal variety for each situation.

Our growers are continually improving seeds and creating new varieties of existing flowers. They may crossbreed for new colors, or work to improve plant health and hardiness. Seeds can also fail, so it’s possible that one variety or color may be unavailable for an entire season. Flexibility is key when substitutions must be made – we encourage our clients to be open to exploring new varieties of their favorite plants.

Finally, timing is critical when it comes to planting annuals. Just because the local garden center has flowers on display doesn’t mean it’s the right time to plant them. Our optimal planting time for annual flowers is between April 27 and Memorial Day, carefully avoiding the last frost of the winter season.

With a little planning and care, annual flowers can be a beautiful part of any landscape