Bloomers Garden Center
512-281-2020
512-281-2020
"Plants Are Cool"
Just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to put up with dreariness in your landscape,
garden, porch or patio. Plant some bright, blooming winter hardy Pansies and other winter
annuals to brighten up your home or office. Keep reading to discover the joy of flowers,
even when it's cold outside!
What to plant?
First on the list are Pansies. These come in an amazing assortment of colors and are among the most winter hardy of all the annuals. Similar to pansies are Violas also known as "Johnny Jump Ups". These cute littles guys have similar foilage and blooms as pansy, only smaller. Then there are the ever lovely Snapdragon. Wonderful plants that are a nice complement to the compact growing pansy, snapdragon comes in several different sizes; dwarf or carpet series that get about 6" high, the tall varieties such as the Liberty or Sonnet series that get around 2' high, and finally the Rocket series that can reach up to 3' high. These beauties are not only great in the garden, but make wonderful cut flowers as well. Other great winter annuals to consider are; Calendula (these are edible), Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Alyssum, Dianthus, and Cyclamen to name a few.
First on the list are Pansies. These come in an amazing assortment of colors and are among the most winter hardy of all the annuals. Similar to pansies are Violas also known as "Johnny Jump Ups". These cute littles guys have similar foilage and blooms as pansy, only smaller. Then there are the ever lovely Snapdragon. Wonderful plants that are a nice complement to the compact growing pansy, snapdragon comes in several different sizes; dwarf or carpet series that get about 6" high, the tall varieties such as the Liberty or Sonnet series that get around 2' high, and finally the Rocket series that can reach up to 3' high. These beauties are not only great in the garden, but make wonderful cut flowers as well. Other great winter annuals to consider are; Calendula (these are edible), Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Alyssum, Dianthus, and Cyclamen to name a few.
Where to plant?
For best results, find a sunny location for your winter color. They really prefer full sun rather than shade. If you don't have much sun, focus more on Cyclamen, Lobelia and Viola's. They can handle less light somewhat better than the others. Also, consider planting in containers. Mixed containers of pansy, snapdragon, alyssum and perhaps some Parsley or Swiss Chard can be very attractive, and you can move the container around to take advantage of the sun's movemnet across a porch or patio.
For best results, find a sunny location for your winter color. They really prefer full sun rather than shade. If you don't have much sun, focus more on Cyclamen, Lobelia and Viola's. They can handle less light somewhat better than the others. Also, consider planting in containers. Mixed containers of pansy, snapdragon, alyssum and perhaps some Parsley or Swiss Chard can be very attractive, and you can move the container around to take advantage of the sun's movemnet across a porch or patio.
When to plant?
Winter annuals prefer cool weather, they don't like it hot, so begin planting in the fall when daytime temps are consistently below 85 F. Continue planting through the fall, winter and early Spring. They will usually stay happy through the end of May in Central Texas, sometimes a little longer. Generally, when it starts getting hot, they tend to fizzle out.
Winter annuals prefer cool weather, they don't like it hot, so begin planting in the fall when daytime temps are consistently below 85 F. Continue planting through the fall, winter and early Spring. They will usually stay happy through the end of May in Central Texas, sometimes a little longer. Generally, when it starts getting hot, they tend to fizzle out.
How to plant?
For gardens and flower beds, good soil prep is essential for success. Most annuals prefer rich, loose, well drained soil and these winter flowers are no exception. Consider amending your soil with generous amounts of finished compost. Compost will improve drainage in heavy soils and improve moisture retention in dry, sandy soils. For heavy clay soils, compost and expanded shale should be used together for best results. For containers, use the best commercial potting mix you can find. Soil from your garden or flower bed will not work well at all in containers. Also, make sure the container has ample drainage holes. If not, then drill some holes in it yourself or look for another container if you cannot drill holes in it. Good drainage is key to success, whether in the ground or in a pot. For more impact, plant masses of single colors together or mix colors if you want a more informal look. Flowers look great when combined with foliage plants such as Curly Parsley, Chard, Lettuces and other leafy crops. Be creative and have fun! Finally,you'll want to fertilize your winter color to keep it looking fresh throughout the season. We recommend Lady Bug Flower Power, Espoma Garden Tone, Medina Hastagro, or a similar product. Fertilize every three to four weeks through the growing season for best results.
For gardens and flower beds, good soil prep is essential for success. Most annuals prefer rich, loose, well drained soil and these winter flowers are no exception. Consider amending your soil with generous amounts of finished compost. Compost will improve drainage in heavy soils and improve moisture retention in dry, sandy soils. For heavy clay soils, compost and expanded shale should be used together for best results. For containers, use the best commercial potting mix you can find. Soil from your garden or flower bed will not work well at all in containers. Also, make sure the container has ample drainage holes. If not, then drill some holes in it yourself or look for another container if you cannot drill holes in it. Good drainage is key to success, whether in the ground or in a pot. For more impact, plant masses of single colors together or mix colors if you want a more informal look. Flowers look great when combined with foliage plants such as Curly Parsley, Chard, Lettuces and other leafy crops. Be creative and have fun! Finally,you'll want to fertilize your winter color to keep it looking fresh throughout the season. We recommend Lady Bug Flower Power, Espoma Garden Tone, Medina Hastagro, or a similar product. Fertilize every three to four weeks through the growing season for best results.