Planting Annuals in Zone 7
Annual plants add immediate punch to the flower garden. There are annuals for sun or partial sun locations. Most popular annuals for zone 7 are tried and true selections with many cultivars and colors. Some are more commonly grown for their foliage and are perfect foils for setting off color displays. With good care, annuals can brighten the garden from spring until the first frost. Local garden centers will carry the most popular annuals for zone 7. This makes it easy to find hardy classics such as petunias and impatiens. You may choose to sow seed or purchase blooming plants. Sowing seeds can be done outside after all danger of frost has passed, but the appearance of flowers will take quite some time. A quicker method is to sow in flats indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date. This gives you a jump start on popular annuals for zone 7. Most seeds will germinate readily in well-draining seed starter mix where temperatures are at least 65 degrees F. (18 C.).
Choosing Zone 7 Annuals
Plant selection will depend on how large you need plants to become and if you have a color scheme. Other things to consider will be site conditions. The amount of light per day for a full sun variety will be six to eight hours. Also, there are plants that thrive in hot, dry, and nearly drought-like conditions, and those that need plenty of water. There are also hardy, half hardy, or tender varieties.
Hardy annuals can usually tolerate cold temperatures and freezing. They are planted early in spring or even in fall. Pansies and ornamental kale are examples of hardy annuals. Half-hardy zone 7 annual flowers, like dianthus or alyssum, can handle a light frost. Tender annuals might be zinnia and impatiens. These types of plants do not tolerate cold or frost and must go in the ground after all danger is passed.
Annuals for hot, dry locations
Black-eyed Susan Cosmos Coreopsis Lantana Salvia Spider flower Strawflower Globe amaranth
Annuals for cooler, sunny areas of the landscape
Marigold Petunia Portulaca Sweet potato vine Geranium Dahlia Cypress vine
Annuals for partial shade
Monkey flower Forget me not Impatiens Begonia Coleus Pansy Lobelia
Annuals for cool season
Snapdragon Dianthus Pansy Ornamental kale
Remember, when planting annuals in zone 7, all selections will require good fertile soil and average water while establishing. Fertilizing and deadheading will enhance the appearance of the plants. A slow-release flower food is perfect for feeding the plants throughout the season. This will encourage more blooms and aid in the overall health of the plant.
