Welcome the summer blooms

Amarjeet Singh Baath

The colour bonanza of winter annuals is still on these days due to erratic climatic conditions. The day temperatures have still not soared but as the weather will get warmer, many of the flowers that are adorning yout garden will fade away in no time. It’s now the time to think and plan for summer flowering annuals. Though the choice of summer annuals is limited in comparison to those of  winter flowers, still much can be done with the gardener’s creativity.

Shadows of winter

Conserve and maintain a few winter blooming annuals, which can prolong their blooming till late summers or even up to the onset of rainy season provided proper care is rendered. 

The hybrid varieties of Dianthus, Saliva and Petunia have adapted to grow well in the hot summer weather in this region. The bloom remains impressive provided the spent flowers are regularly removed and moisture level is maintained thoroughly. Since these are hybrid and self-sterile they keep on blooming. Upkeep of these flowering plants will not let your garden wear a deserted look which is often witnessed once the winter is over.

Some of the flowering plants that you can look for in plant nurseries and plant now are:

Portulaca grandiflora

Portulaca grandiflora is an easy to grow, low growing hardy plant with creeping habit. It requires less care. It is very common and is seen in abundance in public as well as home gardens. 

It requires a sunny spot and is most suited for flower beds, edging and even as a potted plant. The plant should be sown compactly to have a rich mass effect. The flowers open under full sunshine and close by afternoon.

The perennial varieties of Portulaca are available in magenta, pink and white colours and are propagated through cuttings. The plant remains in bloom from early summer up to the rainy season. Waterlogging is not tolerated by the plant. The hybrid varieties of Portulaca are double and are available in range of colours.

Vinca rosa (Sada bahar)

It is another roadside flowering plant that is often seen growing wild and also in homes. It is a short plant which bears flowers in white and mauve colour. It is propagated by seeds and planting takes place in March. 

The hybrid varieties of Vinca are also available in red, pink, cherry, white and in blackish tones. These hybrids are very sensitive to waterlogging and flourish well on raised beds, slopes and at well drained locations. They are also prone to fungal attack.        

Helianthus annus

Also known as Sunflower, this is another sparkling summer flowering hardy plant. It is tall and must be sown at a sunny place. As it grows tall it requires well cultivated rich soil. The plant does not perform well when grown through seedling hence should be grown directly in the flower bed. Due to its tall height it may not gel with other summer flowers, therefore, it should be grown separately  in the flower beds as a background cover. 

The hybrid sunflowers are medium in size and can be grown in pots apart from flower beds. 

Cosmos sulphureus

Cosmos sulphureus is a tall hardy summer annual which can be grown round the year and requires minimum care. The seeds are sown in nursery beds in early march and seedlings are transferred in mid-April into the flower beds. Cosmos is a popular for its yellow mass effect. The Hybrid varieties are double and comes in orange and yellow colours.

Tending tips

Standard garden practices are carried out while preparing flower beds and pots. Summer season flowers are relatively less prone to pest attack. 

Watering is very important during summers as the water requirement is more but be careful to ensure that plants are not over or under watered.