Planting

When planting spring annuals, add to your native soil a 3-4 inch layer of Greenworld Mulch and one pound of Disper-Sul with Iron per 100 square feet to acidify the soil. Then, spade to a depth of 10 inches. For potted annuals, use Greenworld B-2 potting mix. This is a formulated blend of acidified mulch, sand, soil and major and minor nutrients. Most spring annuals are sold in 3 1/2 or 4 inch pots or color 6-packs. After you have carefully removed the plant from the container, gently loosen the roots, place the plant in a hole and firmly pack soil around the rootball. Water in thoroughly with a solution of Green Light Root Stimulator to minimize transplant shock and promote a vigorous and healthy root system. For weed control in your annual beds, apply Amaze, Portrait or Monterey Surflan 10 days after planting.

Watering

Water thoroughly after planting. Check plants in three to four days for additional watering as needed. As they grow larger, change watering frequency to once or twice per week. For Vincas and Celosia, deep watering once a week after they are established is sufficient. Overwatering will cause root rot and the plant will look like it needs water but is actually drowning. Also, as sprinklers can damage petals, we suggest using a Drip Tape System. See a Gardener's World Pro for more information. Add a 1/2-inch top layer of Greenworld Mulch during the warmer months to help retain moisture, keep soil cool and prevent weeds.

Feeding

To maintain vigorous plants with lots of beautiful flowers, fertilize regularly with FLOWER POWER. This slow release fertilizer lasts for 100 days and should be applied only to the soils surface. It feeds automatically as you water.

Pests

Cosmos: Ladybird and Sonata Series offer bright pastel colors and are best used as a backdrop flowers.

Dahlberg Daisy (Golden Fleece): This daisy is a great border plant, has a yellow flower, is a prolific bloomer and loves the heat.

Dusty MIller: This is used primarily as an accent plant and has beautiful grey leaves-perfect to show off the color in your flower bed.

Geranium: This beautiful bloomer will burn out in full Summer sun, but likes sun in the Spring. It is fantastic in containers or the ground and can be planted in Fall for a long blooming season.

Gomphrena: For purple, pink, white, lavendar and red border and backdrop plants, Gomphrena is great.

Lantana: Generally used as a perenial, Lantana comes in many colors. It is not quite as showy as annuals but covers a lot of ground.

Lisianthus: These dwarf and mid-size flowers come in pink, purple, blue, white, yellow, red. They make a great cut flowerS. For best results, keep the soil acidified.

Marigolds: From cream to bright yellow and orange to brownish red to maroon, sunny Marigolds will flourish in amended soil and generally live through July if flowers are removed.

Nierembergia: This beautiful, bushy, border plant comes in purple, white and blue and is low growing.

Petunias: These flowers vary greatly with flower series in size, shape and color. They require well-fertilized and acidified soil and medium amounts of water. The Madness and Fantasy series are the most heat tollerant. But all need full sun.

Portulaca/Purslane: These trailing (4 to 6 inches) and cheery colored flowers will provide quick cover for sunny beds and containers. They are very tolerant of high heat and sunlight. Flowers open in the morning and the new Sundial and Yube Series won't close until dusk.

Salvia: Salvia is a great backdrop or border plant, as its full height is 18 inches. They perfer some afternoon shade during the hot summer months. Space these red, blue, coral and white plants 8-12 inches apart.

Vinca (Periwinkle): Vincas thrive in almost any soil, need good drainage and to dry between waterings. Periwinkles have glossy leaves, 1/2 inch flowers and will grow up to 18 inches in height. The best series are Pacific, Cooler and Heat Wave.