Desert Gardening 101
  • Home
  • About
  • Classes
  • Consultations
  • Speaking
  • Book
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Menu Menu
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Pinterest
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to Youtube

When To and When NOT to Plant Flowering Annuals

Compost
home improvement store
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
Flowering Annuals

Each year, around the end of August, I walk into the plant section of our local home improvement store just to look at the colorful, flowering annuals

While I may be sorely tempted,  I don’t buy any; I just like to look.

BUT, I know that I am in trouble when the majority of the nursery shelves is covered in a sea of winter annuals – I feel like a kid in a candy store.  The vibrant colors and scents are almost intoxicating – to me anyway.

In the past, when I managed landscapes on golf courses, I would come to the store in our work truck and load countless flats of annuals for planting around the golf courses and the other buildings.  I loved planning ahead of time what I would plant and the color combinations that I would use.

Flowering Annuals

  Petunias, bacopa, and alyssum

In the low desert, winter annuals typically show up in the nurseries around late August, and it is so easy to get caught up in the excitement of fall being just around the corner along with the promise of cooler weather.  So before you know it, you buy a bunch of flowers and run home and plant them.  The problem is, is that it is often still too hot for them to survive.

Flowering Annuals

  Red geraniums with bacopa

For years, I would tear out the summer annuals around the golf courses and plant winter flowers in late September, usually with good results.  Of course, I would have to be vigilant and replace a few plants that would fall victim to the warm September temperatures, but overall they did fine.  

That is until one year when we had higher than usual temperatures in early October.  The flowers kept dying despite my best efforts.  Each day on my way to work, I would have to stop by the nursery to buy replacement plants.  This got kind of old after 2 – 3 weeks and I would have to go from store to store to find the same kind of flowers that I needed.

Flowering Annuals

 Blue Petunias 

So, I learned my lesson – no matter what, we would not plant winter annuals until late October.  I mean, it was silly to pull out the summer annuals in September when they still looked great.  I think people want to get a jump start on winter flowers because it makes us feel like the weather is cooler when it isn’t.  So unless you want to make extra visits to your local nursery, WAIT until mid-October.

Now, since I no longer manage landscape areas, I am only responsible for my annual pots.  Last year I planted hot pink geraniums with alyssum, and they did very well.  In the past, I have tried the following combinations with good results:

– Yellow Snapdragons with Blue (Deep Purple) 

– Petunias and White Alyssum

– Red Geraniums with White Alyssum

– Hot Pink Geraniums with Lobelia

– Yellow Pansies with Lobelia 

– Light Blue Pansies and Alyssum

– White Snapdragons with Pink Petunias and Lobelia 

Snapdragon

 Snapdragon

PLANTING:For containers (pots), I use a planting/potting mix, which is specially formulated for containers – not potting soil, which can become soggy.  

If you are planting annuals in the ground, then I add compost or potting soil to the existing soil at a ratio of about 1 part compost to 1 part existing soil.  

If you do not have a compost pile at home, you can buy bagged compost at your local nursery.  Add slow-release fertilizer, following directions on the label.  Plant your winter annuals, making sure that they have enough space between them to grow.

CARE:  Water twice a day.  I usually water in the morning and maybe late in the afternoon as the plants are becoming established (about two weeks).  You can then water once a day or every 2 – 3 days, depending on the weather.  

In a managed landscape setting, I would also fertilize weekly with a liquid fertilizer to promote maximum blooming.  At home, I usually fertilize every other week.

Viola

 Viola

Now that we are in the second half of October, I am ready for planting winter annuals in my garden.  I have been thinking about planting violas.  I have not planted them since I was a little girl and I did notice some beautiful ones at the nursery back in August.  Those violas are probably dead from the heat of late August.  

Hopefully, they will have some new ones in now that it is really time to plant!

A Children’s Flower Garden in a Kiddie Swimming Pool

Noelle Johnson, aka, 'AZ Plant Lady' is a author, horticulturist, and landscape consultant who helps people learn how to create, grow, and maintain beautiful desert gardens that thrive in a hot, dry climate. She does this through her consulting services, her online class Desert Gardening 101, and her monthly membership club, Through the Garden Gate. As she likes to tell desert-dwellers, "Gardening in the desert isn't hard, but it is different."
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/EM-Annuals.jpg 239 400 arizonaplantlady@gmail.com https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AZ-Plant-Lady-Logo-small.jpg arizonaplantlady@gmail.com2009-10-18 21:11:002021-03-22 08:21:58When To and When NOT to Plant Flowering Annuals
You might also like
Anna's Hummingbird sitting in front of my kitchen window. Easy Garden Project: Create a Hummingbird Haven in a Container
newly-planted landscape Old, Overgrown Plants: Time to Start Over?
flame acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii) Drought Tolerant and Beautiful: Flame Acanthus
apple_harvest_Arizona_garden Can It Forward: Making Nectarine and Blueberry Jam
heat_proof_garden How to Help Your Plants Survive a Heatwave
Sparky_Tecoma A New Shrub Named After a School Mascot
24 replies
  1. Amy
    Amy says:
    October 18, 2009 at 10:23 pm

    I was just getting ready to look up the soil mixture I should start using for my plants. Thanks for answering my question! Your posts are informative and I love the pretty combinations.

  2. Vickie's Michigan Garden (my backyard)
    Vickie's Michigan Garden (my backyard) says:
    October 18, 2009 at 10:48 pm

    It's just like us in the spring -we hurry to plant and if we do it before Memorial Day there could be a frost. It was so nice looking at your colorful blooms today and have fun planting when it's time.
    vickie

  3. Carol
    Carol says:
    October 18, 2009 at 10:49 pm

    I have to laugh at the contrast … as we are tearing out frost bitten annuals you are beginning to plant them. I am not envious just yet as our fall is still lovely but soon when winters coat of white is all about I may begin to feel a bit jealous of your climate. I love the hot pink with the shrub in the back… so daring! Many lovely combinations. Enjoy your cooler weather. Carol

  4. Catherine@AGardenerinProgress
    Catherine@AGardenerinProgress says:
    October 18, 2009 at 11:22 pm

    It's so true that once those winter pansies are out I'm ready to start buying them. Then, like you said, it's still too hot for them. Good idea to wait longer. I can't wait to see how your flowers look this winter.

  5. Nell Jean
    Nell Jean says:
    October 19, 2009 at 12:21 am

    When I first moved to south GA, the plant ladies in the next county planted White snaps, Iceland poppies in citrus shades and blue pansies in front of the Vet's office. Prettiest display I ever saw.

    Your combinations all sound just marvelously pretty.

    I have to stay away from the nursery until November so as to plant violas (my fav) after the hottest days are over for sure and a new supply comes in. I can hardly wait.

  6. Sue
    Sue says:
    October 19, 2009 at 12:52 am

    Whatever you pick, you'll enjoy it. All of these blooms are so bright and cheerful!

  7. James Missier
    James Missier says:
    October 19, 2009 at 6:06 am

    Look forward for your winter annuals. Now I know why these plants don't survive in my place. Its too hot for them.

  8. Hortist
    Hortist says:
    October 19, 2009 at 8:43 am

    Hellow Catherine, it's nice to read that you are a Landscape Horticulturist by profession. I'm also a Landscape Horticulturist but still in the primary phase of my career. Really nice to meet you….your combinations for annuals are really attractive, I appreciate them all…..nice day 🙂

  9. Muhammad khabbab
    Muhammad khabbab says:
    October 19, 2009 at 10:39 am

    I agree when a gardener sees so many flowering plants feels like a kid in a candy store.I also bought a seedling of dahlia and phlox last day although i had no intention at all. As phlox has started flowering, so time for winter flowers has just started.

  10. Janet
    Janet says:
    October 19, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    It is certainly interesting to see the contrast of seasons across the country. Your desert garden is most interesting to hear about.

  11. Rosey Pollen
    Rosey Pollen says:
    October 19, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    Noelle,
    The blue petunias in that photo are a huge pop of color! Love it!
    I love violas. They are pretty hard so they are welcome in my garden anyday. Thanks for the tips on the planting medium, I always forget to add compost to the potting soil.
    Rosey

  12. Yan
    Yan says:
    October 19, 2009 at 3:19 pm

    Like Carol, I find it funny we plant the same annuals, but in opposite seasons. Petunias, lobelia and geraniums mean Summer heat here. Violas are lovely and repay the smallest amount of work with long lasting displays. I had two tubs of a lovely delicate viola this summer, the flowers of which were almost white when they first opened and then slowly darkened through sky blues to deep violet. Planted them as seeds in Feb and they are still flowering. Go for it.

  13. Flowers
    Flowers says:
    October 19, 2009 at 5:00 pm

    What an incredible blossom viola is. I am not at all familiar with this plant, but it sounds like one I would like to get to know better.

  14. CCAZJeff
    CCAZJeff says:
    October 19, 2009 at 5:44 pm

    I was once told by of U of A professor to avoid mixes made with peat/peat moss because if they dry out they are very hard to re-wet.

    It is difficult to find a prepared soil mix without peat moss in it.

    What is your take on this issue?

    Thanks – [ Jeff ]

  15. arizonaplantlady@gmail.com
    arizonaplantlady@gmail.com says:
    October 19, 2009 at 5:59 pm

    Hello Jeff,

    To be honest, I have not had a problem with the soil drying out. I do avoid using large amounts of peat moss because of it tendency to create an impervious layer against water. I do make sure that the soil is moistened before planting. I am careful to keep the soil from drying out. If this does happen, I would slowly water the area so that the water permeates down into the soil. You can also poke small holes about 6 – 8 inches deep with the end of a wooden spoon or a piece of rebar, which should help the water get down to where it needs to be (be careful of the roots). You might also try water retaining gel which is mixed into the soil and releases water as the soil dries. I hope these help.

  16. Joanne
    Joanne says:
    October 19, 2009 at 8:45 pm

    Such lovely vibrant colours against the background of such blue sky lovely.

  17. OF SPRING AND SUMMER
    OF SPRING AND SUMMER says:
    October 19, 2009 at 9:04 pm

    Great combinations and wonderful with all that colour at this time of year.

  18. janie
    janie says:
    October 19, 2009 at 10:47 pm

    That RED geranium and the white alyssum just thrill me! I love your combinations! I am with you, ready to plant winter annuals.

  19. Mary Delle
    Mary Delle says:
    October 19, 2009 at 10:59 pm

    I love your suggestions for plant combinations for winter. I'm also waiting until the heat abates. We're supposed to have another Santa Anna at the end of the week.

  20. The Violet Fern
    The Violet Fern says:
    October 20, 2009 at 1:22 am

    Thanks for the great combos! I've just "rediscovered" alyssum and absolutely love violas. I will keep your suggestions in mind come (sigh) spring.

  21. Jan
    Jan says:
    October 20, 2009 at 1:32 am

    I, too, have learned the hard way to wait until November 1st to start planting the winter annuals, esp. pansies.

    Jan
    Always Growing

  22. Kanak Hagjer
    Kanak Hagjer says:
    October 20, 2009 at 8:23 am

    Your combinations are a visual treat and I think your post has answered many questions. I found it very interesting and although I've been planting in pots for so long, it's always good to read about the right kind of soil mixture. Our winter planting time is now, so there are many points I could relate to. Thanks.

  23. Msrobin
    Msrobin says:
    October 20, 2009 at 1:39 pm

    We have the opposite problem here in the midwest. The pretty summer annuals are out at the garden centers in April, but we know darn well that there will be another freeze, so we need to hold out till mid May when it's "safe"! I sure wish we could plant flowers in winter, but no such luck. That's why I hate winter so much!

  24. Phoenix C.
    Phoenix C. says:
    October 20, 2009 at 7:22 pm

    Your work must be very fulfilling! I've just found your interesting and inspiring blog.

Comments are closed.

Get My Free Guide to Gardening in the Desert

You’ll receive helpful tips from me in your inbox. I write these with you in mind to help you succeed in the desert garden. I will never share your information with anyone else, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Privacy Policy

Connect With Me!

  • Amazon
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

noelle-johnson-az-plant-ladyNoelle Johnson: AZ PLANT LADY®

Author, Horticulturist, Landscape Consultant & Lover of Blue Pots

Check out my popular online classes!

Have a Question? Search Past Posts

Want More Tips? Connect with me in my Facebook Group!

 

Shrub Pruning Booklet: Say “No” to ball, square & cupcake-shaped shrubs!

Spiral-bound pruning guide booklet for shrubs

Product of the Month: Leather Gardening Gloves

 

Spring is the busiest time of year for pruning plants. Are your hands ready? A good pair of leather gloves is really important. My Bamllum gloves have a good grip and offer great protection.

 

Amazon Disclosure

AZ Plant Lady, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.

Privacy & Policy, Disclaimer & Disclosure

 

“…and the desert shall rejoice and blossom.” Isaiah 35:1

© 2008-2025
Noelle Johnson
All Rights Reserved.

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn

Popular Classes and Membership Club

desert gardening 101 class logo

Shop for My Recommended Garden Products:

Sign-Up For My Free Guide to Gardening in the Desert!

I promise not to sell or share your email with anyone ever!

*Please note that I cannot answer individual gardening questions.

Privacy Policy

Order My Newest Book!

The Water-Smart Garden Book

My Award-Winning Book!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Noelle Johnson, aka, 'AZ Plant Lady' is a author, horticulturist, and landscape consultant who helps people learn how to create, grow, and maintain beautiful desert gardens that thrive in a hot, dry climate. She does this through her consulting services, her online class Desert Gardening 101, and her monthly membership club, Through the Garden Gate. As she likes to tell desert-dwellers, "Gardening in the desert isn't hard, but it is different."

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
© Copyright 2025 - azplantlady.com       Privacy Policy · Disclaimer · Sitemap
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Pinterest
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to Youtube
Link to: Baja Fairy Duster: Unique and Red Link to: Baja Fairy Duster: Unique and Red Baja Fairy Duster: Unique and RedBaja fairy duster Link to: A Children’s Flower Garden in a Kiddie Swimming Pool Link to: A Children’s Flower Garden in a Kiddie Swimming Pool local nurseryA Children’s Flower Garden in a Kiddie Swimming Pool Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT