Have a Leggy Annual Flower?

Got leggy annual flowers? How to turn “leggy” into “lush”

If your annuals are looking a little tired, now’s the perfect time to give them a trim! Cutting back leggy or spent growth helps redirect energy into fresh, healthy blooms and fuller growth. A little mid-season maintenance goes a long way in keeping your containers looking their best.

• Cut back leggy petunias by trimming their stems back by one third to one half, using sharp scissors or clippers. This applies to other annual flowers as well.
• You can also shape the plant by simply following the perimeter of your hanging basket or pot by cutting all stems to an even length.
• If you’re dealing with a tall plant, cut back to a leaf node. You’ll see where new growth will emerge.

Don’t worry! Your plants may look a bit sad and sparse immediately after their “haircut,” but they will bounce back within two to three weeks with a massive flush of fresh flowers. Finish up their spa treatment:

• Fertilizer – Feed your plants immediately with a water-soluble plant food or Osmocote (a slow release fertilizer).
• Water well – don’t tease the leaves. Water thoroughly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Trimming plants encourages new stems to develop, resulting in a much fuller, rounded and attractive shape instead of a few sparse, stringy vines. Since plants bloom on new growth, trimming will help redirect its energy to produce fresh branches, which leads to an abundance of beautiful new blooms.

See how happy this petunia is at her salon day.

Give your petunias a fresh start.
Stop by our Garden Center for plant care tips, tools, and everything you need to keep your annuals looking their best all season.