Planting annuals

When to plant?

The ideal time to plant annuals as plug plants depends on the climate and the variety of plants you wish to grow. In general, annuals are planted in spring, after the last frosts, when temperatures begin to warm up: late March in the south of France, April further north.

Before planting, check the specifics of each variety you wish to grow to determine the best time to plant.

Where and when to plant?

You can plant your young plants:

• in window boxes, pots, containers, or bowls that are at least thirty centimetres in size, depending on the variety. Consider their adult size and growth habit
• in open ground

Choose a sunny spot or possibly a partially shaded area. If your region is prone to strong winds, plant the annuals in plug plants in a sheltered location to prevent the plants from being damaged.

In which soil or compost?

The choice of soil or compost for planting annuals in mini plugs is important to ensure healthy and vigorous growth of your plants.

• You can use a compost for containers and pots, which has a good structure while providing excellent water retention. They will ensure strong growth and abundant flowering for your annuals.
• If you prefer to use garden soil, make sure it is well-drained, aerated, and rich in organic matter. Avoid using overly clayey soil, as it may retain too much water and suffocate the roots. It is also possible to use a mix of garden soil and compost for containers and pots to create a substrate that offers good structure and fertility.

Whatever your choice, ensure that the substrate is well-moistened before planting the mini plugs, to prevent the roots from drying out and deteriorating.

How to plant?

• Gently peel off the small paper film that may protect each plug plant before planting it.

• Plant the plug plants about fifteen centimetres apart from each other.
• You can pinch the young shoots, which means cutting off the top part of the stems and the first flowers (if possible above a branching, three-quarters of the height) between two fingers or with scissors: the plants will branch out and become more vigorous.
• Water after planting and then regularly, but without excess. Add a little fertiliser for flowering plants every 15 days.