Annuals flower from planting day until frost, so they’re the fastest way to fill pots, window boxes and bare spots with color. In Maine, plant them after the last frost, usually late May.
We carry these at both stores — they just aren’t in our online catalog yet. Please call South Portland or Westbrook for what’s in today.
How to choose
- Sun or shade: petunias and geraniums want sun; impatiens, begonias and coleus brighten shade.
- Containers: combine a tall thriller, a mounding filler and a trailing spiller.
- Feed them: annuals bloom best with regular fertilizer through summer.
Frequently asked questions
When can I plant annuals in southern Maine?
After the last frost, usually the last week of May. Watch the forecast — cover tender plants if a late frost is coming.
Do annuals come back next year?
No — annuals live one season. Some, like cosmos, may reseed on their own.
How often should I water annuals in pots?
Check daily in summer. Pots dry out fast; water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Which annuals handle shade?
Impatiens, begonias, coleus, torenia and fuchsia all do well in shade.