Buying more mature annuals and biennials to plant out immediately into containers, beds or borders can save time and may be necessary if there is not a greenhouse available to grow half-hardy annuals from seed. Additionally, whilst seeds of many annuals may only be purchased as mixtures, mature plants may be bought as individual colours, offering more control when planning a bedding scheme.

Selecting the Right Plants

Choose robust young plants with healthy green foliage and evenly balanced, short-noded shoots, as they will be more likely to establish well and give good results. Check the root system; it should be well-developed, but not pot-bound, tangled or cramped. Avoid buying plants with diseased or yellowing foliage or in dry compost, as they rarely establish well or produce many flowers.

Half-Hardy Plants

When buying half-hardy bedding plants, check that they have been hardened off if you plan to plant them outside straightaway. Any plant that has not been hardened off must be acclimatised gradually until all danger of frost is past; since they may have been grown in heated glasshouses, any sudden exposure to frost or even cold wind may kill them.