Flower Information

(HA) Hardy Annual:

These plants grow flower and die in the same year. They can withstand light frost and bloom longer into the fall. They are best direct-sown outdoors in the Spring near your last frost date. This is earlier than Annuals can be set out. Or, you can raise 4-8 week old transplants to set out near your last frost date. Mild winter areas may experiment with sowing outdoors in late September to early November. These plants will bloom early in the Spring. Most hardy annuals will self-sow.

(HHA) Half-Hardy Annual:

Half-hardy plants withstand light frost and their seeds can be planted early. If these annuals are set out in the fall, they will bloom the following spring.

(A) Annual:

These plants grow, flower and die in the same year. They tolerate cool weather, but not frost. For early blooms, they must be started 4-8 weeks before your last frost date, indoors under florescent lights or in a greenhouse. Wait to sow outdoors, or to set out transplants until the soil has really warmed, usually mid-May on the Coast.

(P) Perennials:

Flower year after year usually dying back in winter and regrowing in the Spring. Best started in pots indoors or in a greenhouse 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Most germinate at cooler temperatures 15 C (60 F). Many require special conditions to germinate that will be noted in the description variety. Transplant out to the garden after your last frost date. Some perennials may be sown in the Summer or early Fall, either in pots or where they are to flower. Perennials grow slowly at first, and usually will not flower the same year they're sown.

(B) Biennials:

Live for two years. In the second year they flower, and usually self-sow. Biennial seed is sown in the Summer, germinating and growing quite easily.

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