| Annuals
purchased in compartmentalized plastic flats usually have pot-bound root
systems. IF planted intact, the root system will be slow to establish
in the surround soil and plants will suffer moisture stress. A preferred
method is to loosen and untangle the root system without breaking the soil
ball. Plants will usually recover rapidly and become established
quickly. Tall and spindly plants should be pruned to half their original
size to produce more attractive plants with more flowers. Spacing
of plants in a bed should be based on the mature size of a particular plant.
Water the plants after planting and water daily until the plants have become
established.
Weeds should be controlled either by hand weeding or mulching. Black plastic mulches should never be used except when a layer of organic mulch such as wood chips or pine bark is added on top of the black plastic. Temperatures of 117-119 degrees have been recorded 1 - 3 inches above uncovered black plastic mulches. The addition of organic matter over the plastic reduces heat absorption and mask the artificial appearance of black plastic. Mulching materials should NOT come in contact with plant stems. The high moisture environment created by mulch increases the chances of stem rot which can result in plant death. Some annuals such as petunias develop yellow leaves {chlorosis} when mulched with cypress or pine bark. This condition is not due to a nitrogen deficiency and cannot by corrected by the addition of fertilizer. Another approach to the culture of annuals in Florida is to grow them in pots. In areas where the soil is very poor or where tree roots limit growth. It is easier to plant small plants into inexpensive plastic pots filled with good soil and place the pots into flowers beds. sink pots into the soil until the top surfaces of the pots is at soil level. In addition to growing annuals where normally they won't grow, growing annuals in pots eliminates nematode problems, reduces water and fertilizer usage, and allows for easy replacement of plants in the flower bed. Return to Plants with Dr. Shummie |