Post a reply

Image
Feb 8, 2016 1:42 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Val
Near Boston, MA (Zone 6a)
What are YOUR favorite annuals?

There are so many on my "want to plant list"..I started going thru seeds and I realized I can' possible grow all the seeds I have this year (big surprised! seed addict here! LOL!)

On my "must grow" list are 4 O'Clocks, morning glories, gomphrena, marigolds around my tomatoes and in general for some bright pops of color that last all summer/fall..and MORE....

How about you?
Image
Feb 9, 2016 10:53 AM CST
Name: Sue Taylor
Northumberland, UK
Amaryllis Region: United Kingdom Houseplants Frogs and Toads Foliage Fan I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Container Gardener Charter ATP Member Garden Photography Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Annuals Bee Lover
My favourites are Calendula - pot marigolds, I love orange. I also like Nigella - Love In A Mist, and the huge Ricinus - Castor Bean plant.
I don't have room to grow the half hardy ones so tend to concentrate on the hardy ones I can just sow directly.
Avatar for ZenMan
Feb 9, 2016 12:55 PM CST
Name: ZenMan
Kansas (Zone 5b)
Kansas 5b
Annuals Enjoys or suffers cold winters Region: United States of America Seed Starter Keeper of Poultry Hybridizer
Hummingbirder Dragonflies Garden Photography Butterflies Zinnias Garden Ideas: Level 2
My favorite annual is zinnias, and you could say that I am a zinnia hobbyist, because I grow a lot of them and dabble at breeding them.

I like a lot of other annuals. Portulaca (moss rose) have a lot of colors and come in both single and double flowers. And there is a trailing plant form (Happy Trails) in addition to the usual mounded plant form.

Breeders have given snapdragons a tremendous variety of colors, flower forms, and plant habits. Our Kansas summers are a little too hot for them, but they do well in the Spring, just survive our hot Summers, and bloom again in the cooler Fall.

Cosmos now come in a wide color range and flower forms. And plant heights, ranging from short to towering.

Gaillardias are a wildflower in parts of the midwest, but plant breeders have done a lot with them. One unique Gaillardia variety is called Razzle Dazzle, and I refer to one of my "in work" zinnia strains as Razzle Dazzles, because of their resemblance in their flowers to the Razzle Dazzle Gaillardias. These are commercial Razzle Dazzle Gaillardias.

https://www.google.com/search?...

These are photos of a few of my "Razzle Dazzle" zinnia specimens.
Thumb of 2016-02-09/ZenMan/4ac222

Some of the really full Razzle Dazzles, like that last one, resemble Alliums (flowering onions). I have had several different colors of Razzle Dazzles so far.

Thumb of 2016-02-09/ZenMan/9333ba

Eventually I hope to get the Razzle Dazzles in a complete zinnia color range, of every color except blue.

Thumb of 2016-02-09/ZenMan/ff9598
Thumb of 2016-02-09/ZenMan/35c9d2
Thumb of 2016-02-09/ZenMan/31aa81
Zinnias are very versatile in being able to have so many different colors, flower forms, and plant habits.

ZM
I tip my hat to you.
Last edited by ZenMan Oct 14, 2016 8:55 AM Icon for preview
Image
Feb 11, 2016 2:29 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Val
Near Boston, MA (Zone 6a)
Those are some nice Zinnias that dont always look like Zinnias..some look like pulchella gaillardias and other flowers Smiling
Avatar for hostasmore
Feb 12, 2016 6:35 AM CST
Name: Gary
Wyoming MN (Zone 4a)
I always have cosmos, I really like the airiness of the foliage as well as the colors.
Snapdragons, I really like the tall "Rocket" series are prized for their early flowers.
I also normally grow portulaca. They have such bright colors. A favorite is Sundial fuchsia. They sometime successfully reseed for me.
I grow a variety of marigolds. Some of the oranges are so intense, they almost hurt your eyes.
Image
Feb 12, 2016 6:49 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Val
Near Boston, MA (Zone 6a)
I have to agree with everyone here! So many annuals, so little room! :o)
I never was big on marigolds because they dont SMELL great (ie cut flower) but had them around my tomatoes last year and they won me over with their constant blooms and always looked great! This year I bought a couple different ones to try: a Starlet (red) and vanilla (white)

Grew Bright Lights cosmos last year and think I'm going to stick with those shorter version vs. the sensation mix (mine grew 6-7 feet tall). My FIL always grew portaluca and those are on my "start indoors" list

Nigella, Calendula, and Larkspur are on my list for this year as well.

ZM i read your post at work and missed the paragraph on razzle dazzle gaillardias. Looks like I was right on in my observation Smiling
Avatar for ZenMan
Feb 12, 2016 12:28 PM CST
Name: ZenMan
Kansas (Zone 5b)
Kansas 5b
Annuals Enjoys or suffers cold winters Region: United States of America Seed Starter Keeper of Poultry Hybridizer
Hummingbirder Dragonflies Garden Photography Butterflies Zinnias Garden Ideas: Level 2
Val, Welcome!
It's interesting that your Bright Lights cosmos grew so tall. Some cosmos can grow even taller. Cosmos do have an interesting variety of plant habits. And they have some interesting flowers, too. There is a double form (Double Click) and one with tubular petals (Sea Shells). If I had more time and space, I would breed cosmos. My first objective would be to cross the yellow species with the pink species. The success of that cross should give Cosmos a color range competitive with zinnias. One of my zinnia goals is to get a zinnia flower form comparable to the Sea Shells cosmos. One of my zinnia variants that is headed a little that way is a strain I call "Woollies".
Thumb of 2016-02-12/ZenMan/1b6401
I also have had open petaled specimens that had a "shell-like" curl to their petals.
Thumb of 2016-02-12/ZenMan/6eb358
I actually have quite a way to go before I can give the Sea Shells cosmos any credible competition with my zinnias. And I have never had a zinnia that was 7 feet tall, either. (I have had a few zinnias that touched 6 feet tall.) However, I have seen cosmos that were taller than 10 feet. So I don't expect zinnias to ever beat cosmos in the height department.

ZM
I tip my hat to you.
Image
Feb 14, 2016 1:30 PM CST
central Illinois
Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Hosted a Not-A-Raffle-Raffle Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Plant Identifier Garden Ideas: Level 2
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Avid Green Pages Reviewer Photo Contest Winner: 2014 Photo Contest Winner: 2017
Annuals this year.
from seed -
Cosmos - 'Xanthos' (yellow)
Nasturtium
4 o'clocks - 'Salmon Sunset'
Spanish Flag
White Basket Flower - Centaurea

to purchase as plants - lobelia, Million Bells, Pentas

self seeders - opium poppies, 'Kong' sunflower, Love-in-a-Mist, rudbeckias, Larkspur, perilla, Cypress vine, Great Blue Lobelia (wildflower), Nicotiana, morning glory

over-wintered, cuttings - Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender' and various Coleus
Nothing that's been done can ever be changed.
Last edited by jmorth Feb 14, 2016 1:32 PM Icon for preview
Image
Feb 14, 2016 1:34 PM CST
Name: Julia
Washington State (Zone 7a)
Hydrangeas Photo Contest Winner 2018 Garden Photography Region: Pacific Northwest Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Forum moderator
Plant Database Moderator I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Dog Lover Sempervivums Container Gardener Foliage Fan
Missed this thread. Love Dragon Wing Begonias (from Seed), Coleus, and Million Bells. I have a bunch of variegated Pelargonium that are growing from cuttings.
Sempervivum for Sale
Image
Feb 14, 2016 1:40 PM CST
central Illinois
Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Hosted a Not-A-Raffle-Raffle Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Plant Identifier Garden Ideas: Level 2
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Avid Green Pages Reviewer Photo Contest Winner: 2014 Photo Contest Winner: 2017
When reviewed, I noted the thread was 'favorite annuals' ...
For me, that would be -
Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender' and various Coleus
Sunflower
4 o'clocks
Nicotiana
Rudbeckia
Larkspur
Calendula
Nothing that's been done can ever be changed.
Image
Feb 15, 2016 12:00 PM CST
Name: aud/odd
Pennsylvania (Zone 6b)
Garden Ideas: Level 1
Sweet Alyssum
Coleus
Cosmo
Zinna
Image
Feb 17, 2016 10:30 AM CST
Name: Ronnie (Veronica)
Southeastern PA (Zone 6b)
Count your blessings, be grateful
Region: Ukraine Organic Gardener Keeps Goats Zinnias Dog Lover Morning Glories
Annuals Bee Lover Dragonflies Butterflies Hummingbirder Birds
Mine would be morning glories, cosmos, zinnias, salvias and four o'clock, just to name a few Thumbs up
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
Avatar for Susanlynne48
Feb 18, 2016 11:26 AM CST
Name: Susan Johnston
OKC, OK (Zone 7a)
A lot of the "annuals" I grow are actually perennials (tender perennials) in warmer zones, like Salvia coccinea, S. Coccinea 'Lady in Red', Centratherum intermedium aka Brazilian Button bush, to name a few. I also have zinnias (although I'm about to experience severe burnout on these cuz you see so much and so many they become tiresome to see and read about). I like variety and unusual in my garden.

Every year I grow either Asclepias curassavica or A. physocarpus for the Monarchs (larval host plants), but they are also good nectar plants for all butterflies. I also adore Lantanas and Porterweeds, both tender perennials.

This year I'm growing some Tahoka Daisies, Larkspur, Sunflowers (for the butterflies and hummingbirds), Chocolate, Jamie Lynn, and a no-id dusky mauve morning glory, Moon vine, and Cardinal Climber. I have seeds of a red Asarina (Climbing Snapdragon) to plant yet, as well as a red Tecoma capensis and red Tithonia rotundifolia, Mexican Sunflower, not to mention several herbs.

I like to maintain a diverse, colorful, wildlife friendly garden because it's so much fun to watch and work in.

Susan (new member)
Image
Feb 18, 2016 11:55 AM CST
Name: Neal Linville
Winchester, KY (Zone 6a)
Bulbs Charter ATP Member Cottage Gardener I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Irises Roses
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Garden Ideas: Level 2
Hi Susan Welcome! You'll love the Asarina, they're delightful! Hummers enjoy them too.

Most of my garden is composed of perennials but I do enjoy annuals in containers on the deck and around the entrances. My current favorite is dragon wing types of begonias.

For the garden I gravitate toward old fashioned, re-seeding annuals that have a cottage garden appeal to my eye. Larkspur and Shirley Poppies are my favorites, but I also love cleome, nigella, four of clock, and balsam.
"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
Avatar for Susanlynne48
Feb 18, 2016 8:19 PM CST
Name: Susan Johnston
OKC, OK (Zone 7a)
I can't wait to see it, and thanks for the gracious welcome!

I have grown Nigella in the past and it is a gem! I also grow Cleome, too. The Cabbage Whites lay eggs on it. We have the common pink 4 o'clocks in abundance and the sphinx moths love them. I grew some purple moon vines this last year they loved, too! I saved seeds to plant again this year.

I order a lot of seeds from Remy at The Sample Seed Shop. She sells small packets for around $1.25 to $2.00 and always has a nice variety.

Susan
Image
Feb 23, 2016 3:19 PM CST
Name: Marie
Brigham City, Utah (Zone 5b)
Cottage Gardener Dahlias Hibiscus Region: Utah
Hello all, I love seeing what everyone loves and grows. I am a little different from you all. I love the amaranths, loves lies bleeding and the torch varieties. The new ones that I grew last year and loved were the illumination amaranths. I also love petunias, they brighten up the whole garden and often reseed. Nasturtium are a favorite, but my summer gets a little to hot for them. I love any of the begonias with their bright colors. My asarina are perennial here and also reseed, they are always pretty. I grow large leaf caster bean and canna in the back of the gardens.
I do have a lot of perennials and plant the annuals among them. I also throw seed out in the early spring.
Thumb of 2016-02-23/MyRee/b337f3
Image
Feb 23, 2016 4:46 PM CST
Name: Neal Linville
Winchester, KY (Zone 6a)
Bulbs Charter ATP Member Cottage Gardener I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Irises Roses
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Garden Ideas: Level 2
What a gorgeous display! I love petunias too- I love catching whiffs of the fragrance.
"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
Avatar for Deebie
Feb 24, 2016 6:06 PM CST
Name: Deborah
midstate South Carolina (Zone 8a)
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff!
Charter ATP Member Amaryllis Tropicals Plant and/or Seed Trader Seed Starter Plumerias
Plant Identifier Peonies Lilies Irises Hummingbirder Echinacea
I agree Simply gorgeous. What zone are you in?
Image
Feb 26, 2016 11:50 PM CST
Name: Marie
Brigham City, Utah (Zone 5b)
Cottage Gardener Dahlias Hibiscus Region: Utah
Hi and thanks. I am in zone 5b to 6a. I live in northern Utah. I start all my petunia plants and some drop seed for the next year. That was the first year for this garden. I do have many more perennials now.
Thumb of 2016-02-27/MyRee/969f0e these are volunteer last year.
Avatar for Deebie
Feb 27, 2016 6:29 AM CST
Name: Deborah
midstate South Carolina (Zone 8a)
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff!
Charter ATP Member Amaryllis Tropicals Plant and/or Seed Trader Seed Starter Plumerias
Plant Identifier Peonies Lilies Irises Hummingbirder Echinacea
You have quite a green thumb. Thumbs up Would you please look on the left side of this page and click on the 4th icon from the left, which is your personal profile, and put your location in the appropriate place. When you do this, it will show on the right side of all of your posts. This info is helpful to all of us. It helps us help you and it encourages those of us in a similar zone to try your suggestions/methods/recommendation, etc. Welcome! to ATP and Happy Gardening! Also, you can start your own (separate) thread on this forum to talk about whatever you want related to Annuals.

You must first create a username and login before you can reply to this thread.
  • Started by: vma4922
  • Replies: 125, views: 10,409
Member Login:

( No account? Join now! )

Today's site banner is by Zoia and is called "Volunteer"

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.