Annual Plants: How to Plant and Care for Them

Where to plant them?

Annuals can be planted directly in the ground, within a flowerbed, or in pots, planters or containers, which you can place on a windowsill, balcony or terrace.

• In the ground, they benefit from more space for their roots, promoting more abundant flowering. Ensure you plant in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter to maintain their vigour throughout the season.
• In pots, planters or containers, they adapt perfectly to smaller spaces like balconies or terraces. Use high-quality potting compost and make sure the containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Container gardening also allows you to move plants easily depending on weather conditions, offering added flexibility.

Containers also provide the opportunity to create harmonious floral arrangements by combining several annual varieties with different colours and textures. Pairing them with trailing plants or ornamental grasses will create a striking visual effect.

Generally, annual plants thrive in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, ideally in the morning to avoid intense afternoon heat. Also protect them from prevailing winds and drafts, which can damage their delicate stems and accelerate drying out.

Some annual varieties tolerate intense heat or stronger sunlight better than others. For example, petunias and zinnias handle full sun all day well, while plants like impatiens or begonias prefer some afternoon shade. If growing in containers, the advantage is that you can easily move your pots or planters to adjust their exposure throughout the day or across seasons.

What compost should I plant them in?

Choosing the right growing medium is essential to ensure the healthy and vigorous growth of your annual plants. A good substrate should provide proper structure, adequate water retention, and sufficient drainage to prevent excess moisture.

If planting your annuals in pots or containers:

• We recommend using potting compost for containers. This type of compost is specially designed to retain moisture while remaining well-aerated. It allows roots to spread easily, ensuring rapid growth and abundant flowering throughout the season.
• You can also use a mix of garden soil and potting compost to create a substrate that offers good structure and fertility.

Whatever your choice, make sure the growing medium is well-moistened before planting your annuals to prevent the roots from drying out and deteriorating.

If planting your annuals directly in the ground, ensure the soil is well-drained, aerated, and rich in organic matter. Don’t hesitate to enrich it with well-rotted compost or manure. Heavy soil, such as clay, may retain too much water, which can suffocate the roots. If your soil is too compact, you can improve it by adding sand to enhance drainage.

How to plant them?

Your annual plants in mini-plugs require specific and urgent care upon receipt of your order!

• When your parcel arrives: As soon as you open your order, remove the mini-plugs from the boxes. Immediately soak the roots in a shallow tray of room-temperature water for about 30 minutes to rehydrate them thoroughly. Never plant dry plugs, as this may prevent the roots from establishing properly.
• In regions where frosts have ended, you can plant your annuals directly in the ground or in pots. Choose a sunny spot and follow the recommended spacing guidelines for each species.
• In regions where frost is still a risk, it’s best to plant your annuals in pots or containers and grow them indoors or under shelter (greenhouse, conservatory). Ensure they are kept at a minimum temperature of 10°C and water regularly to keep the compost moist but not waterlogged. This will allow them to grow safely while acclimatising to cooler conditions.
• Final planting: Once all risk of frost has passed (often after the Ice Saints, around mid-May in some regions), you can transplant them outdoors or move them outside. By this time, your annuals will have developed strong roots and be ready to thrive.

For more details, see our guide: Planting annuals in mini-plugs

How to care for them?

Proper care is essential to keep your annual plants healthy and flowering abundantly throughout the season. Here are the key steps to ensure their maintenance:

• Annuals require more water than perennials, especially during periods of intense heat and when grown in pots. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but never waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Water preferably early in the morning or in the evening to avoid rapid evaporation and allow the water to penetrate the soil properly.
• Annual plants draw many nutrients to support their rapid growth and continuous flowering. Use a flower plant fertiliser, rich in phosphorus and potassium, every two to three weeks. A regular supply of nutrients will help them maintain their vigour throughout the season.
• Weeds can compete with your annuals by absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. Remove weeds regularly around your plants to prevent them from taking over. We recommend applying a layer of organic mulch around your annuals to limit the growth of unwanted weeds and maintain soil moisture.
• Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage the plant to produce new blooms. This process promotes continuous flowering and extends the aesthetic lifespan of your annuals.
• Annuals can sometimes be susceptible to pest attacks (aphids, slugs) or diseases (powdery mildew, downy mildew). Inspect your plants frequently and treat any issues promptly, using natural solutions or appropriate treatments, to prevent them from spreading and causing significant damage.