CALLOWAY'S TIMELY TIPS NOVEMBER
Transform your landscape with the addition of fresh, colorful blooms. Pansies are by far the most popular Winter color. The ‘Matrix’ Pansy has been outstanding for our Texas weather. It will not “stretch” during bouts of warm temperatures and is bred to grow out, not up. This compact grower offers shorter, sturdier stems to support large, colorful blooms. Dianthus (also known as “Pinks”), Snapdragons, Cyclamen, Violas and the fragrant Alyssum are also good choices for cold tolerant annuals. Ornamental Cabbage and Kale provide interesting texture in the landscape as well as color. For best effect, limit your planting to two or three colors per bed.
The key to growing beautiful annual flowers is soil preparation. Select a well drained flower bed and add plenty of organic matter. Calloway’s Flower Bed Mix contains compost plus a boost of fertilizer, water-management crystals and a wetting agent. Adding Calloway’s Flower Food to the soil at the time of planting will provide the extra nutrients for growth and blooms. Remember to add 2 to 3 inches of mulch to all beds to reduce moisture loss, prevent weeds from germinating and to insulate the soil from the cold.
These same annuals can be used in patio containers. Fill your containers with fresh potting soil and plant food. Keep them watered as necessary and remove faded flowers to encourage repeat blooming.
Drop by any of our garden centers and visit with a Texas Certified Nursery Professional. These individuals are experts in their field and continuously receive training to keep their certification current. Or, email The PlantMaster with questions at www.calloways.com/plantmaster.