Quick Color
Most annuals are well into their blooming period, but some can be planted now and still have time to flower before the killing frosts of fall. Among the best to germinate quickly and grow fast are marigolds, cosmos, portulaca, sweet alyssum, zinnia, lobelia, candytuft and annual phlox. These give colorful displays and accents for the garden, often contributing late-season definition to fall chrysanthemums. To hasten flower formation, follow these five steps: (1) Scoop out a shallow depression and mix a teaspoonful of plant food into soil. (2) Cover fertilizer with about 1⁄2 inch of soil and sow three seeds in shallow holes. (3) Cover seed lightly with fine soil. If garden soil is heavy, mix sand into covering soil. (4) Sprinkle ground daily with a fine spray of water if there is no rainfall. When seedlings appear, thin out the two weakest plants. Discards may be planted elsewhere. The undisturbed plants will grow and flower first. (5) Fertilize plants when flowerbuds appear.