Flower growing is a bit different in Central Florida than in other states. Rather than the typical 4 seasons, Florida only has 3. Summer and early fall is characterized by heavy frequent rains, high humidity and high nighttime temperatures. Winter weather most often consists of cool nights along with an occasional freeze, while spring includes the cool nights without the freezes.
Perennials are plants that can grow for several years without replacement. Flowers that don't fit that requirement are called bedding plants or annuals. Bedding plants are replaced at the beginning of each season with varieties that fit the specific conditions of that season. Perennials typically bloom only part of the year, annual beds can offer almost continuous blooms.
Flower gardening in Central Florida is very much a good news/bad news proposition. The good news is that Florida has lots of sunshine and mild winters. The bad news is that pest abound as do sandy soils and heavy summer rains. The result is that flower beds, especially bedding plants, require extra maintenance such as scouting for and spot treatment of pests.
Planting successful flower beds in Central Florida requires matching the right bedding plants to the right season. Those flowers that prefer cooler night time temperatures, such as pansies, petunias and snapdragons will be most successful when planted in the fall, winter and early spring. Those flowers that thrive in warmer conditions and higher humidity like marigold, gazania, amaranthus, celosia, crossandra, impatiens, vinca and coleus are best planted from late spring to early summer. Wax begonias and salvias do well year-round in Central Florida
It's important to decide how the flowers will be used in the landscape. It's important for gardeners to understand that annuals should only be used as an accent to the landscape, not as the centerpiece. Their use should blend in with the landscape, the home and with other flower beds. Minimize the number of different flowers and colors used. Many well designed flower beds consist of only one species.
In most cases, the flower beds should be prepared and ready several days before purchasing the plants. Several inches of peat or compost should be added and the soil turned to a depth of at least 6 inches. Plant all flowers soon after their purchase. The longer they're held prior to planting, the greater the risk of problems. Flower beds can be fertilized at the time of planting and monthly afterwards.
Be sure to purchase good quality flowers. Look for dark green leaves and plants that are disease free and insect free. Plants do not have to be blooming at the time of purchase. Flowers that have been poorly cared for and reduced in price are not bargains. They will not fully recover and cannot match the performance of healthy plants.
Flowers can usually be purchased either in flats, also called cell packs, or in 4-inch pots. The advantage of cell packs is that they are cheaper. 4-inch pots are more expensive, but they have several advantages. Their larger size means they will bloom quicker, cover the bed quicker, and produce flowers for more of the growing season.
Perennials are plants that can grow for several years without replacement. Flowers that don't fit that requirement are called bedding plants or annuals. Bedding plants are replaced at the beginning of each season with varieties that fit the specific conditions of that season. Perennials typically bloom only part of the year, annual beds can offer almost continuous blooms.
Flower gardening in Central Florida is very much a good news/bad news proposition. The good news is that Florida has lots of sunshine and mild winters. The bad news is that pest abound as do sandy soils and heavy summer rains. The result is that flower beds, especially bedding plants, require extra maintenance such as scouting for and spot treatment of pests.
Planting successful flower beds in Central Florida requires matching the right bedding plants to the right season. Those flowers that prefer cooler night time temperatures, such as pansies, petunias and snapdragons will be most successful when planted in the fall, winter and early spring. Those flowers that thrive in warmer conditions and higher humidity like marigold, gazania, amaranthus, celosia, crossandra, impatiens, vinca and coleus are best planted from late spring to early summer. Wax begonias and salvias do well year-round in Central Florida
It's important to decide how the flowers will be used in the landscape. It's important for gardeners to understand that annuals should only be used as an accent to the landscape, not as the centerpiece. Their use should blend in with the landscape, the home and with other flower beds. Minimize the number of different flowers and colors used. Many well designed flower beds consist of only one species.
In most cases, the flower beds should be prepared and ready several days before purchasing the plants. Several inches of peat or compost should be added and the soil turned to a depth of at least 6 inches. Plant all flowers soon after their purchase. The longer they're held prior to planting, the greater the risk of problems. Flower beds can be fertilized at the time of planting and monthly afterwards.
Be sure to purchase good quality flowers. Look for dark green leaves and plants that are disease free and insect free. Plants do not have to be blooming at the time of purchase. Flowers that have been poorly cared for and reduced in price are not bargains. They will not fully recover and cannot match the performance of healthy plants.
Flowers can usually be purchased either in flats, also called cell packs, or in 4-inch pots. The advantage of cell packs is that they are cheaper. 4-inch pots are more expensive, but they have several advantages. Their larger size means they will bloom quicker, cover the bed quicker, and produce flowers for more of the growing season.
About the Author:
A-Bow-K Florist, Tampa offers fresh flower delivery to Tampa and neighboring areas. A-Bow-K Florist has been family owned florist for 25 years.
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