Planting Spring Flowering Annuals in Texas

In Texas gardening regions I to IV, winters have frost, freezing temperatures and snow. Thank goodness, some cold tolerant flowers can be planted that add color to relieve the bland, grey-brown landscape. Early spring and winter planted annuals require little special care, supplemental water, or insect protection.

Preparing Beds

Select sites with full sun and good drainage. Clean up the area to be planted of any remaining plant materials and add a solution of diluted fertilizer about a week before setting the plants. If using pots, it is best to remove the old soil, clean the pot, and add new potting soil. Many potting soils now come with fertilizer already added. Otherwise, add diluted fertilizer about a couple days before planting.

Break up the soil surface with a spade or fork down at least two to three inches. Spread some organic matter, preferably completely decomposed, and mix into the top few inches of the bed’s soil. Place transplants into the soil at the depth they were in their containers. Add mulch around the plants to retain moisture and discourage weeds.

Although these flowers tolerate frosts, they may be damaged by freezing conditions. To protect them when nighttime temperatures are below 30 degrees, cover them with a floating cover or old sheet.

Cold or Frost Tolerant Annual Flowers

Here is a list of some frost tolerant flowers than are easy to grow in Texas and provide a variety of color in the landscape. Bees also prize several of these flowers in the winter and early spring when there are not many options for them.

Daisies (English)

Sweet alyssum

Snapdragons

Pansies

Petunias

Care After Planting

Maintain moisture for these flowers at approximately one inch per week. Since winter and spring tend to have significant rainfall throughout Texas, supplemental watering may not be needed during their growing season. Too much water is not good for these plants, so allowing them to dry out before adding water is best. Feed flowering plants with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks if they are in the ground or weekly for potted ones.

Bugs are not much of a problem with spring flowers. However, aphids, rust and an occasional caterpillar can be a problem. Check the plants when fertilizing and treat with natural methods such as insecticidal soap, hand picking, and pyretherins sprays.

After the flowers are planted and giving them a couple weeks to settle in and increase their blooms, the view from your window or the yard will now have color and texture that can be enjoyed.