Nothing says Spring like planting flowers! Our South Texas climate gives us lots of options for blooms right now and blooms through the Spring and Summer. Here are our tips for timing, planting, and care to get the healthiest plants and brightest blooms.
Timing – What to Plant, What to Expect
Plant Impatiens, Petunias, Begonias, Gerbera Daisy, and Geraniums right now for intense, amazing color for the next 2ish months. As temperatures warm up in April/May, we’ll transition to a new palette of flowers like Vinca, Zinnias, Moss Rose, and Purslane that will last and bloom through the Summer. Right now is also a great time to plant blooming perennials like Salvias, Coreopsis, Lantana, and Penta that will bloom again each year and look their best for 2-3 years.
Planting – Tender Plants, Tender Roots
For small, tender annual flowers like Petunias and Begonias, use a good fluffy potting soil in pots to allow tender roots to penetrate. When planting in the ground, amend existing soil with Nature’s Blend compost to loosen up clay soil and add nutrients. Whether planting in pots or in the ground, be sure not to plant too deep – plant level with the surrounding soil so the tiny feeder roots on the surface are not buried. Allow adequate spacing between plants for good air circulation and healthy growth. Spacing depends on the flower you’re planting. For example, Petunias should be about 8” apart, while Periwinkles should be 12-16” apart.
Feeding and Care
Fertilizing is essential if you want the best blooms. We recommend Medina Hasta Gro every 2 weeks and Rose Glo once a month – both are organic and excellent for promoting new blooms. For annual flowers, pinch off any old/faded blooms to encourage new blooms. Blooming perennials need to be cut back right now before they start growing rapidly. This is the best opportunity to promote more blooms and a nicer look and shape overall.
-Debbie and Jesse
Jo Ann says
we have very green hibiscus plants that bloomed from spring last year to late winter this year. They have green leaves (a few yellow leaves too) and are not budding or blooming, yet. Should I be concerned? Do we need to add some fertilizer?
Jesse says
Sounds like they bloomed before it got cold this past Winter. No need to worry. You could go ahead and fertilize with Hibiscus food. The recent sunshine should help encourage new buds and blooms as well.
Virginia says
I have some crotons in the ground and in pots that have lost all their leaves. Will the come back?
Jesse says
Hi Virginia – do the “scratch test”. Scratch the stems with your fingernail or a dime and if you see nice healthy green right beneath the surface, then yes they will likely come back. If that layer looks brownish or a sickly pale green, then probably not.