Spacing Annuals for Maximum Effect

You simply cannot beat annuals for color and variety during the summer months. They come in almost every size, shape and color imaginable; require minimum care, and will bloom until the first frost. We now even use what are called “tender perennial” in this function. As with almost everything, proper planting can do a lot to guarantee successes. That is why it is especially important to space annuals carefully for maximum effect.

When faced with bare planting beds this time year, your first instinct may be to plant as many annuals as you can close together for immediate gratification. However, try to resist that urge because it won’t do any good in the long run because it causes crowding and heavy competition between plants later. It is best to space plants properly and live with a sparse look for three to four weeks to allow your annuals the room they will need to grow by mid- to late-season.

Each variety of annual has a defined size expectation which we need to be aware of and work within. For instance, when planting alyssum, spacing individual seedlings six inches apart will provide a quick cover without crowding the plant too much. Eight inches between plants would actually be better, while 10 inches between plants provides the opportunity for the plant to reach its maximum potential size. Planting alyssum any closer together than six inches only wastes plants and sets them up to compete with one another. Such close proximity can also lead to insect and disease problems that you might not be able to control as easily. In the end, none of the plants grow as they should.

On the other hand, if you place alyssum more than 10 inches apart, the plants will not likely grow enough to give the plant bed a full and complete look. It is worth the time to find the recommended spacing for any annual you’re considering (in most cases be reading the plant labels).

When planting different varieties of annuals next to one another, allow the maximum space between plantings and sidewalks and walkways. Leaving enough room at the edge of the bed when planting can help avoid mowing headaches in the future or even chopped off plant edges.

With all of the new varieties of annuals available, it never hurts to ask just what a plant can reasonably be expected to do. For instance, petunias are available in traditional form, but also in trailing varieties and now even seedless types. If you don’t know what you’re getting, you could be in for quite a surprise. The same holds true for newer varieties of snapdragons, marigolds, and countless other plants.

Once you have chosen your annuals and determined the proper spacing, the next step is to “pinch” the tops off. This simply means taking off the top of the stem (the whole growing tip end) including the flower bud. I know it’s traumatic, but by doing this you will force side buds to open yielding a bushier plant with more numerous blooms during the upcoming season. Finally, water the plants in with a weak solution of water soluble fertilizer immediately after planting and again the following day. Depending on your soil and the heat of the season, you may need to water again at three to four days ad then, finally, at weekly intervals while the plants are establishing themselves.

These things done, you can rest easy knowing you’ve given your annuals a great start and plenty of room to grow.