Annuals are plants that complete their full life cycle in one growing season, this means that they germinate from a seed, grow to maturity, flower and then set seed before they die, this usually takes place between Spring and Autumn.
Annuals can be split into two categories, hardy and tender. Hardy annuals have some ability to survive cold temperatures and frosts, whereas tender annuals are not resistant to cold weather at all.
How many plants to grow for cut flowers.
When you know the space you have, you can work out how many plants you can grow, as a rule, we plant 30 plants per metre sq. This may sound a lot, but remember you are growing flowers for cutting, so want to fit in as many as possible.
Annuals will complete their life cycle in one growing season and will die off in the Autumn. Therefore, they do not need vast amounts of room, and you do not need to allow additional space for them to grow larger and spread the next year. They will be cut down and on the compost pile by November.
As a guide, you have a 3 metre sq bed plus 2 large containers with a combined area of approximately 1 metre sq, this will give you a total of 4 square meters of growing space:
4m2 x 30 plants = 120 plants in total.
You may decide to grow Cosmos (2 Varieties), Cornflowers (1 Variety), Strawflowers (1 Variety), Snap Dragons (2 Varieties), Calendula (1 Variety), Asters (1 Variety), Amaranthus (1 Variety), Statice (1 Variety).
So, choosing 10 varieties, would mean you will be growing 12 plants in each variety. I would sow at least 30% more than you need to allow for failed germination, if they all germinate you will end up with a few more plants than you have allowed for, but you can always gift to friends or family or squeeze them in somewhere in your garden!
Another consideration when deciding how many plants to grow, is the space they will need before they are planted into the ground. When your seedlings are large enough to handle, they may need to be potted on from their seed trays, into larger pots, and they will still need protection from frosts so cannot be left outside without some form of protection.
If you are germinating your seeds inside, you will need to consider where you will put your baby plants when you pot them on. Ideally, they need to be outside in a cold frame or greenhouse, or if you do not have a greenhouse, a sunny, sheltered spot in the garden.
Make sure you cover them up with a thick layer of gardeners fleece at night, especially when temperatures are low, or frost is forecast.
If space is a problem, you could always sow seeds later in the season. Seeds sown in late April could be planted out straight from the seed trays in late May as nights should be warmer and the last frost date will have passed. This avoids the need to pot on and protect, you can even direct sow, this is the ultimate time and space saving method.
How and when to sow your annuals for lots of cut flowers this summer.
Spring sowing.
Plants need light to grow, most plants need 12 to 16 hours of good quality light to put on good, strong growth.
Sowing seeds too early in the season can result in poor germination rates and poor, leggy growth on any seeds that do germinate.
A good time to start sowing your annual seeds is from mid February, around that time we hit 10 hours of daylight, the dark days of winter recede and light level increase. Seeds sown now will germinate 2 to 3 weeks later so will emerge as the daylight hours are reaching 12 to 14 hours per day which is perfect to get them off to a good start.
Starting seeds too early can set you back, seeds sown too soon can suffer from pre or post emergence damping off due to the low light conditions.
Sow your seeds in good quality peat free compost, into robust seed trays that you can use again, preferably with lids to help germination and to protect from mice and slugs. Follow the instructions on your packet of seeds as some species require different conditions. Most seeds need a thin covering of compost however some need light to germinate so should not be covered, as a general rule it is always best to check your packet.
We use trays measuring 15 x 30cm with 24 sections, if possible, sow 2 seeds in each compartment, this allows for germination failure.
Autumn sowing.
If you have some experience and would like to try and have your flowers a month or so earlier, you can sow hardy annuals in early autumn. They will germinate quickly and by the time winter sets in you will have decent size seedlings.
The benefit of sowing in autumn is that the plantlets, grow a good root system over winter, so by the time spring comes, you have small plants ready to plant out and they will grow on quickly, giving you flowers a month or so earlier than their spring sown counterparts.
The downside to autumn sowing of hardy annuals is that they need a fair amount of looking after over the winter, they will need to be kept in a greenhouse and despite being hardy they will need to be given additional protection (using garden fleece) from prolonged cold spells and hard frosts.
They can also suffer from damping off disease, which is brought about by the low light levels and cold and damp conditions of winter. Pre emergence damping off means the seeds rots and does not germinate, post emergence damping off causes the seedling to collapse, usually low down the stem.
This all means that Autumn sown hardy annuals can be quite labour intensive. We do sow some hardy annuals in autumn, but they need a fair bit of mollycoddling to get them through the winter.
The simplest sowing method to adopt, is to sow all your annuals in spring, sow your hardy annuals in early spring, and your tender annuals a little later, this can be a lot easier to manage.
It is worth mentioning that all your spring sown annuals, will need frost protection if cold temperatures and frosts are forecast during spring, this is especially true for your tender annuals, so you will need to consider how you can accommodate them in the period from germination to planting out.
A note on sweet peas.
Sweet Peas grow tap roots (a large central root) so benefit from deeper, root trainer pots the benefit of using these (as well as having healthier seedlings), is that you can usually avoid having to pot the seedlings on before planting out.
Because the pots are deeper the roots have more room so can sit happily in their pots for longer. Sweet Peas sown in Spring can be planted out straight from their root training pots.
Annuals Timeline.
From mid-February you can begin sowing some of your hardy annual seeds, such as sweet peas. From March onwards start your tender annuals seeds.
During April and May, you can sow a 2nd crop of your favourite annual seeds and pot on your first crop. After a period of hardening off hardy annuals could be planted out in April and May but remember to cover with fleece at night if frosts are forecast.
From the end of May and into early June the last frost dates should have passed so you can plant out all your tender annual plants.
September – if you wish to try and overwinter some hardy annuals, September is the month to sow your seeds.
Pinching out annuals.
To pinch or not to pinch? As your seedlings grow, some plant species can benefit from pinching out, this simply means pinching or cutting off the growing tip.
Plants which naturally branch out and produce flowers from each side shoot can benefit from pinching out, some examples are Sweet Peas, Cosmos, and Snap Dragons.
To pinch out, wait until the plant has formed two strong pairs of true leaves and then simply cut the growing tip above the second pair. This will encourage side shoots to form and grow, so you are increasing the number of flowering stems and therefore the number of flowers.
We always pinch our Sweet Peas, when they have two pairs of true leaves, we snip the growing tips off and within days the side shoots lower down the stem start to sprout. Sometimes I even double pinch, snipping off the growing tips of the side shoots when they have two pairs of true leaves, causing more side shoots to form.
Plants which only flower on a central stem, such as stocks should never be pinched out as by cutting off the central stem you are removing the only flowering shoot.
As a general rule, always check before you pinch!
Succession sowing for annuals.
Here at Birch Farm, we grow two or sometimes three crops of our annual flowers. Succession sowing simply means sowing seeds of the same variety a number of times in a season.
For example, we sow our first crop of Sweet Peas in late Sept, our second crop in Feb and we will probably sow a third in March. This ensures we have Sweet Peas from late May through to late Summer.
So, if you have a favourite flower that you want to harvest often all season long, it is worth sowing a first crop in early Spring (Feb to March) and a second crop in April to May.
Types of Annuals to grow.
Choose flowers that are well known for their “cut and come again” ability, this simply means the more you cut the more flowers they will produce. The sole aim of an annual plant is to produce flowers for pollination and then to set seed. When mature, the seeds will fall to the ground and lie dormant over winter germinating next Spring, thus ensuring the continuation of the species.
When you cut the flowers, you are interrupting that process, so the plant is prompted to produce more flowers to complete its life cycle.
Here are our top 10 choices for easy to grow annuals which are also great for cutting (and some for drying too).
A = tender annual, sensitive to cold and frost HA = hardy annual, can tolerate some cold and mild frost
Statice (A).
Statice, scientifically known as Limonium, is a versatile plant prized for its long-lasting, papery blooms and attractive foliage.
Native to coastal regions of Europe and Asia, statice has become a popular ornamental plant worldwide, valued for its ability to thrive in a variety of climates and soil conditions.
Statice plants typically form compact mounds of lance-shaped leaves from which tall, sturdy stems emerge, bearing clusters of small, densely packed flowers.
These blooms come in an array of colours, including shades of blue, purple, pink, yellow, and white, and maintain their vibrant hues even when dried, making them prized for use in dried floral arrangements and crafts.
Statice is also valued for its ability to attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
Plant out after last frosts. Cut the stems when 50% of the flowers have opened, do not cut too early as the stems will be tender and will wilt. Check how firm the stem feels before cutting.
· Pinch – not required.
· Flowering – July to first frosts.
· Germination - Statice seeds are typically sown indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. You can also sow them directly outdoors after the last frost date. Sprinkle the statice seeds lightly over the soil surface. Press them gently into the soil, but do not bury them too deeply as statice seeds require light to germinate.
Statice seeds typically germinate within 2 to 3 weeks under optimal conditions. Be patient and keep the soil consistently moist during this time. Once the seedlings have developed several true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or into the garden.
Sweet Peas (HA).
Sweet peas, scientifically known as Lathyrus odoratus, are beloved annual climbing plants cherished for their delicate and fragrant blossoms. Native to the Mediterranean region, these vines are a staple in gardens around the world.
Sweet peas are renowned for their abundance of colourful flowers that come in an array of hues, including shades of pink, purple, blue, white, and red.
Sweet pea vines feature tendrils that allow them to climb and scramble, reaching heights of up to 6 to 8 feet so good support is essential.
These plants prefer cool weather and thrive in fertile, well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade. Regular deadheading of spent blooms promotes continuous flowering throughout the growing season.
Sweet Peas grow tap roots (a large central root) so benefit from deeper, root trainer pots. The benefit of using these (as well as having healthier seedlings), is that you can usually avoid having to pot the seedlings on before planting out.
Because the pots are deeper the roots have more room so can sit happily in their pots for longer, Sweet Peas sown in Spring can be planted out straight from their root training pots.
· Pinch – Yes pinch out when two pairs of true leaves are present.
· Flowering - May to July
· Germination – Sweet peas are generally considered easy to germinate. They have a relatively high germination rate under the right conditions, sow them in deep pots to accommodate their long tap roots, cover lightly with compost, place in a bright, warm spot and keep compost moist (but not too wet).
Cosmos (A).
Cosmos plants are popular annual flowering plants known for their delicate, daisy-like blooms and feathery foliage.
Native to Mexico and parts of North and South America, cosmos plants are widely cultivated for their vibrant colours, which range from shades of white and pink to deep crimson and purple.
These pretty plants are easy to grow, thriving in various soil types and tolerating heat and drought conditions well.
Cosmos plants typically reach heights of 2 to 4 feet, and their airy, fern-like foliage provides an attractive backdrop to their profuse blooming. They are excellent choices for adding colour to gardens, borders, and containers, attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees with their abundant nectar.
Cosmos flowers are also popular for cutting, making stunning additions to floral arrangements. With their long-lasting blooms and low maintenance requirements, cosmos plants are beloved by gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike.
A true cut and come again flower, cut the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Cut the flowers as soon as they open, before the pollinators get to them.
As soon as they have been pollinated, they will begin to drop petals. You can cut when the flowers are half open and they will continue to open in the vase. Plant out after last frosts.
· Pinch – yes will encourage side shoots.
· Flowering – June to first frosts
· Germination – Cosmos benefit from a little warmth for germination but generally they germinate easily and quickly.
Calendula (HA).
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a bright and cheerful annual or perennial flowering plant prized for its vibrant blooms and medicinal properties.
Native to the Mediterranean region, calendula has been cultivated for centuries for its culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses.
The plant features distinctive daisy-like flowers with colourful petals that range from sunny yellows and oranges to creamy whites.
Calendula blooms profusely throughout the growing season, attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, calendula has long been used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and skin-healing properties.
Its flowers and leaves are commonly infused into oils, salves, and creams for various skin conditions, including cuts, bruises, and rashes.
With its vibrant blooms, easy cultivation, and versatile medicinal uses, calendula remains a cherished plant in gardens and herbal medicine practices worldwide.
· Pinch – not required.
· Flowering – July to September
· Germination – Calendula benefit from a little warmth for germination but generally they germinate easily and quickly.
Amaranthus (A).
Amaranthus plants, commonly referred to as amaranths, are versatile and striking annuals known for their vibrant foliage and unique flower spikes.
Belonging to the Amaranthaceae family, these plants originate from various regions around the world and have been cultivated for thousands of years for both their ornamental and edible qualities.
Amaranth plants exhibit a wide range of growth habits, from upright and bushy to trailing or cascading forms.
Their leaves can be variously coloured, including shades of green, red, purple, and even variegated patterns.
Amaranth flowers are clustered in dense, elongated spikes, and come in hues of red, pink, purple, or greenish white, depending on the species and variety.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, amaranth plants are also valued for their nutritious and gluten-free edible seeds, which are rich in protein, fibre, and essential amino acids.
Whether grown for their striking appearance in ornamental gardens or for their nutritional benefits in edible landscapes, amaranth plants add beauty and utility to diverse gardening spaces.
· Pinch – Yes
· Flowering – July onwards
· Germination – Amaranthus benefit from a little warmth for germination but generally they germinate easily and quickly.
Helichrysum (A).
Helichrysum, also known as strawflower or everlasting flower, is a versatile and attractive flowering plant prized for its papery blooms and long-lasting beauty.
Native to dry, sunny regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia, helichrysum has become popular in gardens worldwide for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions.
Helichrysum blooms come in a range of colours, including shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, and white, and their papery texture makes them excellent candidates for drying and using in crafts or floral arrangements.
These flowers are also attractive to pollinators like butterflies and bees, adding to their garden appeal. Helichrysum prefers well-drained soil and full sun, making it an ideal choice for rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Plant out after first frosts. Strawflowers close overnight and when it is wet, so pick flowers on warm, dry mornings.
Choose blooms which are not too open, especially for drying as they continue to develop when cut and during the drying process so can become overblown.
· Pinch – Yes
· Flowering- July until first frosts
· Germination– Helichrysum benefit from a little warmth for germination but generally they germinate easily and quickly.
Snap Dragons (HA).
Snapdragons, scientifically known as Antirrhinum, are lovely flowering plants valued for their unique, dragon-shaped blossoms and extended blooming period.
Native to rocky areas of Europe, North Africa, and North America, snapdragons have been cultivated for centuries for their ornamental beauty and versatility in gardens.
These plants typically grow as upright, bushy stems adorned with clusters of tubular flowers that resemble dragon heads.
Snapdragons come in a wide array of colours, including shades of pink, red, purple, yellow, white, and bi-colour varieties, adding vibrant splashes of colour to garden beds, borders, and containers.
Their blooms open gradually from the bottom to the top of the spike, providing an extended period of flowering from spring through to autumn.
Snapdragons prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, they are relatively low maintenance, plant out after last frosts. Cut the flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming.
· Pinch – yes, will encourage side shoots.
· Flowering – July onwards
· Germination – Can be slow and patchy so sow more than you need. Snapdragons require light for germination, so do not cover the seeds with soil. Press them lightly into the surface of the soil to ensure good contact.
Keep the seed-starting mix consistently moist but not waterlogged. Snapdragons require light for germination, so place the containers in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause the soil to dry out too quickly. Snapdragons typically germinate within 10-14 days, but it can take longer, so be patient.
Asters (A).
Asters are renowned for their stunning, pom-pom like flowers that come in a spectrum of colours including shades of blue, purple, pink, blush and white.
They are native to various regions across North America, Europe, and Asia, and are cherished for their late-season blooms, often appearing in late summer to autumn when many other flowers have faded.
Aster plants typically grow in bushy clumps ranging from one to three feet in height, and their lush foliage provides an attractive backdrop to their abundant blossoms.
They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, making them versatile additions to garden borders, rock gardens, and mixed flower beds.
Asters are also valued for their role in attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the ecological diversity of a garden.
With their resilience, colourful blooms, and ability to brighten up the autumn landscape, aster plants are cherished by gardeners seeking to extend the flowering season well into the cooler months.
Don’t start seeds too early, leave sowing until April as they will benefit from longer daylight hours. Plant out after last frosts.
· Pinching – not required.
· Flowering- August to first frosts
· Germination – Asters benefit from a little warmth for germination but generally they germinate easily and quickly.
Phlox (A).
Annual phlox, also known as Phlox drummondii, is a charming flowering plant celebrated for its profusion of brightly coloured blooms and its ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Native to parts of North America, annual phlox is widely cultivated for its ease of growth, vibrant flowers, and extended blooming period.
This plant features clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers in hues of pink, red, purple, blue, and white.
Annual phlox thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a versatile addition to garden beds, borders, and containers.
With its long-lasting blooms and low maintenance requirements, annual phlox adds a burst of colour and vitality to any garden, making it a favourite among gardeners looking to brighten up their outdoor spaces.
Plant out after last frosts, cut as soon as the flowers start to open, the blooms are delicate so handle with care.
· Pinch – not required.
· Flowering – June onwards
· Germination – Some species of Phlox seeds require darkness to germinate, so do take care to read the growing instructions on your seed packet.
Stocks (HA).
Stocks, scientifically known as Matthiola, are fragrant annual (or perennial) flowering plants prized for their tall spikes of colourful and heavily scented blooms.
Native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia, stocks have become popular ornamental plants worldwide, valued for their vibrant flowers and delightful fragrance.
These plants typically feature lance-shaped leaves arranged along sturdy stems, which bear clusters of densely packed flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow.
Stocks bloom profusely from spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden.
Their sweet, spicy fragrance makes them ideal for cutting and adding to bouquets or enjoying in the garden.
Stocks are relatively easy to grow, preferring well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
If you grow stocks from seed, do not pinch them out as they only flower from the central shoot.
· Pinch – Must not pinch.
· Flowering – June to July
· Germination – Stocks are generally considered relatively easy to germinate, under optimal conditions, such as proper temperature, moisture, and soil conditions, stocks typically germinate reliably within 7 to 14 days.
More annual flowers to consider.
We also grow a wide selection of the following flowers, so you may want to consider including some of these in your cutting patch.
· Larkspur (HA)
· Zinnia (A)
· Daucus (HA)
· Rudbeckia hirta (A)
· Scabiosa (A)
· Florists dill (A)
· Ammi Majus (HA)
· Cornflowers (HA)
· Nigella (HA)
All of the above species have lots of varieties to choose from in a vast array of colours.
They are all simple to grow, germinate well and will reward you with flowers for several weeks if you cut from them regularly.
The best species for easy drying are, Helichrysum, Larkspur, Statice, Nigella and Amaranthus.
When choosing your flowers, the key thing is to look at which variety you would like to grow, as it is the variety that defines the “look” of the flower, the colour, size and shape.
We recommend the following seed companies, Chiltern Seeds, Higgledy Garden and Plants of Distinction, all have an excellent range and supply good quality, fresh seeds.
A note on plant taxonomy
When choosing plants to grow it can be very confusing when Latin names are used. They are used to avoid confusion between common names which can vary so much from region to region.
When you are ordering seeds, the first name you see will be the Genus that the flower belongs to, the next name will be the Species and the final name will be the Variety, for example.
Cosmos - Bippinatus - Daydream
Genus - Species - Variety
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