Our 5 favourite hardy annuals
Recently I listened to a podcast about making a profit flower farming. One of the topics she covered was the importance of not growing too many varieties because it becomes difficult to grow lots of varieties well. Her suggestion was flower farmers should only grow about 10 different varieties. This made me really think about streamlining what we grow.
It was impossible for me to cut back to just 10 varieties. Our farm grows a combination of perennials, hardy annuals and heat loving annuals and our signature mixed bouquets are full of lots of different blooms. However we’ve decided to streamline the variety of flowers we grow, starting with a focus on hardy annuals.
5 hardy annuals that we couldn’t be without are
1. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons are beloved for their striking, vertical flower spikes and wide range of colors, from soft pastels to bold, vibrant hues. These plants are not only visually appealing but also incredibly versatile, thriving in both garden beds and containers. Snapdragons prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they can tolerate light frosts, making them an excellent choice for early spring planting. With proper care, these flowers will bloom from spring to fall, providing long-lasting beauty.
2. Stock (Matthiola incana)
Stock is a fragrant, old-fashioned favorite that brings a touch of elegance to any garden. Known for its tall, clustered blooms in shades of white, pink, purple, and yellow, Stock is perfect for our market bouquets. This hardy annual thrives in cool weather and can be planted in early spring or late fall. Stock prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Its intoxicating fragrance and beautiful blooms make it a must-have for any garden.
3. Matricaria (Tanacetum parthenium)
Also known as Feverfew, Matricaria is a charming, daisy-like flower that adds a whimsical touch to our market bouquets. This hardy annual is easy to grow and can withstand cooler temperatures, making it ideal for early planting. Matricaria produces masses of small, white flowers with yellow centers, creating a delicate and airy effect in floral designs. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its long-lasting blooms are perfect for cutting and drying.
4. Corncockle (Agrostemma githago)
Corncockle is a tall, graceful plant that produces striking magenta flowers on slender stems. This hardy annual is often seen in wildflower meadows, but it also makes a beautiful addition to floral arrangments. Corncockle is easy to grow from seed and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
5. Bachelor Buttons (Centaurea cyanus)
This one my be controversial amongst other growers because they’re not popular with florists. But we love them. Also known as Cornflower, Bachelor Buttons are a classic. Known for their brilliant blue flowers, they also come in pinks, dark red/purple and purples. These hardy annuals are incredibly easy to grow and can be sown directly into the garden in early spring. Bachelor Buttons thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and their drought tolerance makes them a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners. The bright blue flowers are perfect for for our market bouquets adding a delightful splash of colour.