Starting Annuals from Transplants: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

Bedding plants give you an instant garden of blooms—perfect if you lack time, space, or desire to start from seed. Flats and packs of almost any flowering annual are available at garden centers. Plant after your last frost date for a jump on summer color that transforms beds overnight.

Look for stocky, compact plants with bright green foliage. Labels list variety, color, and height. Don’t reject non‑blooming plants—all‑green often establish better. If you can’t plant immediately, keep them moist. Remove from packs by inverting and tapping gently.

Planting Steps

1. If plants aren’t in individual cells, separate gently by hand or knife just before planting; don’t let roots dry. Soil should be tilled, enriched, and watered beforehand.
2. If roots are compacted, loosen gently. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, set plant at the same depth it grew in the pack. Firm soil around roots.
3. Water thoroughly after planting. Water frequently until established and new growth appears—then they’ll fill in quickly.

Professionally grown transplants are larger, easier to handle, give you an extra month of color, and are better established before midsummer heat and drought.