Flower Care 101

The flowers you purchase from our greenhouse are used to a warm and humid environment and receive routine care. For success beyond our care, follow these simple steps for beautiful blooms all summer long:
Note: this guide refers to flowering annuals and hanging baskets.
• Be careful not to cook new plants in your car. Take them home straight away or if you have to make stops, park in the shade and keep some windows cracked. At home, keep new plants in a sheltered, shady spot and give them some water if they’re dry or wilted.
• Gradually expose newly purchased plants to the outdoors on a covered porch or in a shady spot out of the wind. This is called hardening off.
• Watch the weather. A few annuals, such as pansies will tolerate freezing temperatures, but most will need to be covered or moved inside if a frost is predicted.
• Plant in high-quality potting mix in a container with drainage holes. If the plants are to be planted in last year's container, remove all former plant material and refresh with new soil. Adding granular fertilizer to the soil prior to planting will promote continual blooming and healthy root formation. We love Osmocote™ slow release fertilizer.
• Water needs will vary depending on the size and type of container, sun and wind exposure. The soil should never be allowed to dry out. Feel the soil daily to check if it’s dry. Water thoroughly until you can see water coming out of the drainage holes. Depending on sun and wind exposure, annuals may need water up to twice a day.
• Routine removal of spent flowers will encourage more blooming. This is called deadheading. Be sure to remove the entire flower and stem.
• Additional liquid fertilizer (such as Fertilome™ brand Blooming & Rooting) beginning midsummer will maintain lush foliage and continuous blooming.