Petunias
Petunias are a popular choice for their wide range of colors and continuous blooming throughout the summer. These hardy annuals are perfect for garden beds, borders, and containers.
Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
Planting Guide:
- When to Plant: After the last frost, typically in late May.
- Location: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
- Spacing: Space plants about 12-18 inches apart.
Maintenance Tips:
- Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
- Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Marigolds
Marigolds are beloved for their bright, cheerful blooms and their ability to repel garden pests. They are easy to grow and are available in shades of yellow, orange, and red.
Bloom Time: Early summer to frost
Planting Guide:
- When to Plant: After the last frost in late May.
- Location: Full sun.
- Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil.
- Spacing: Space plants 8-10 inches apart for smaller varieties, 10-12 inches for larger ones.
Maintenance Tips:
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Deadhead regularly to promote new blooms.
- Marigolds generally do not need much fertilization; a light application of balanced fertilizer once a month is sufficient.
Zinnias
Zinnias are an annual known for their bold, vibrant colors and are excellent for attracting butterflies. They come in various heights, making them suitable for both borders and container gardens.
Bloom Time: Early summer to frost
Planting Guide:
- When to Plant: After the last frost in late May to early June.
- Location: Full sun.
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
- Spacing: Space plants 6-18 inches apart, depending on the variety.
Maintenance Tips:
- Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to powdery mildew.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
- Fertilize lightly every month with a balanced fertilizer.
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Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are perennial favorites with their daisy-like flowers and long blooming period. They are drought-tolerant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to fall
Planting Guide:
- When to Plant: Spring or early fall.
- Location: Full sun.
- Soil: Well-draining soil, can tolerate poor soil conditions.
- Spacing: Space plants about 12-18 inches apart.
Maintenance Tips:
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells.
- Deadhead to extend the blooming period, but leave some seed heads for winter interest and to feed birds.
- Divide clumps every few years to maintain plant vigor.
Black-Eyed Susans
Black-Eyed Susans are hardy perennials that provide bright, golden-yellow flowers with dark centers. They are easy to grow and ideal for naturalizing in meadows or borders.
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall
Planting Guide:
- When to Plant: Spring or early fall.
- Location: Full sun to light shade.
- Soil: Well-draining soil, tolerant of poor soils.
- Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
Maintenance Tips:
- Water regularly until established, then they are drought-tolerant.
- Deadhead to prolong flowering, but allow some seeds to mature for reseeding.
- Cut back stems to the basal foliage after flowering to encourage new growth.
Daylilies
Daylilies are robust perennials known for their stunning, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors. Each bloom lasts just one day, but the plants produce multiple flowers over the blooming season.
Bloom Time: Early summer to late summer, depending on the variety
Planting Guide:
- When to Plant: Spring or early fall.
- Location: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart.
Maintenance Tips:
- Water deeply during dry periods.
- Remove spent flower stalks to encourage further blooming.
- Divide clumps every three to four years to maintain vigor and flower production.
By incorporating these beautiful summer flowers into your Minnesota garden, you can enjoy a colorful and vibrant landscape all season long. At Applewood Nursery & Landscape Supply, we provide everything you need to grow and maintain these blooms, ensuring your garden remains a summer paradise.
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