How to Space Annuals

Annuals are an easy way to add color to your yard. Purchased anew each year, they bloom all season long with relatively little care. After properly preparing the beds, about the only thing that can go wrong when planting annuals is that they could be improperly spaced. Too close together causes crowding and is expensive. Too far apart look spotty and the results make the garden look as though you didn't have a plan.

Each variety has its own spacing requirements based on the size of the mature plant. You will also want to consider whether the annual grows well in shade or full sun before you plant it.

Of the shorter annuals that grow from six to ten inches in height, you will need to space them about that same distance apart. Shorter annuals which grow well in full sun are dwarf marigolds with yellow or orange flowers, alyssum with white or purple flowers, and ageratum with its blue or white flowers. For the shade, consider lobelia and wax begonia, which come in a variety of colors.

Petunias, verbena, and zinnias grow from 8 to 24 inches high and grow well in the sun. The petunia comes in a variety of colors. The verbena has pink, white, red or blue flowers, and the zinnias are known for their orange and yellow color. These should be planted 12 or more inches apart.

The shade-loving impatiens and periwinkle should also be planted 12 inches apart. Impatiens come in a variety of colors and two sizes. The dwarf varieties grow from eight to twelve inches high and the standard reach one to two feet high. Periwinkle should not be confused with the groundcover of the same name which has blue flowers. The periwinkle annual has pink or white flowers and are super in hot, dry areas.

The taller annuals should also be planted 12 inches apart although they can grow to over 18 inches high. These include the geranium, snap dragon, salvia for the sun, and fuschia and garden balsam for the shade. The geranium has pink, white or red flowers, and the salvia is known for its red color. Fuschia is known for its pink, white and purple flowers, and the garden balsam has pink or white color.

When planting annuals for the landscape, consider planting several varieties. Choose the shorter types as borders and the taller varieties for background color. Also consider using them as filler plants for the perennial garden and for hanging baskets and pots for the deck or patio.

If annuals are spaced correctly, they can provide an easy method of providing color throughout the yard all summer long.