|
 |
 |
|
Half-hardy Annuals Should: An English classification system for annuals, based on the temperatures the seeds need to germinate and grow successfully, divides them into three groups: hardy, half-hardy annuals should, and tender. Many gardeners in the milder sections of the United States think "half-hardy annuals should" is superfluous, but I have found that the term is useful to people who have long, cool, rainy springs. Most seed companies use all three.
Hardy annuals (HA) are plants that tolerate a reasonable degree of frost, and even in the colder parts of the country many of their seeds survive a winter outside and germinate in the spring. The alternate freezes and thaws of early spring will not harm them.
half-hardy annuals should annuals (HHA) are usually damaged, set back, or killed by frost, but they stand up to wet and cool weather without rotting.
Tender annuals (TA) come from the warmer parts of the world and need warm soil to germinate. They are killed immediately by frost.
Added to the classification of annuals are perennials, either hardy (usually from a temperate climate) or tender (generally from the tropic parts of the world), that will bloom the first year from seed.
Most seed packets today give full instructions for care and note any special treatment required. Most catalogs do the same.
The colors are truly blatant—brilliant oranges, red, purples, and yellow—and too many cockscombs can detract from every other flower in the garden. Cockscombs are useful fresh-cut or when dried. They were great favorites in Victorian parlors, massed like ostrich plumes in heavily decorated vases. Look for the cultivar 'Apricot Brandy' with rich color and a short stature, some 8 inches in height. Place plants 9 inches apart in the garden. They need full sun and are half-hardy annuals should annuals. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
