Hardy vs. Half-Hardy Annuals: What’s the Difference?
When choosing bedding plants, you’ll often see the terms “hardy annual” and “half-hardy annual.” Here’s what sets them apart:
Hardy Annuals: These tough little numbers can take cooler temperatures in stride. You can plant them straight into the garden early in the season—they shrug off chilly nights and spring cold spells. Hardy annuals will flower and thrive outdoors until autumn’s first frosts finally finish their show.
Half-Hardy Annuals:These need a little extra TLC. They dislike frost and must be started under cover (or on a sunny windowsill) until it’s reliably warm outside. Wait until the risk of frost is past—generally from mid-May—before planting them out. Once established, they’ll provide glorious colour all summer, but as soon as frosty nights return, their season comes to an end.
So, the main difference? Hardy annuals are resilient in cooler weather, while half-hardy annuals need warmth and shelter to get going. Choose according to your garden conditions and the timing of your planting plans!
When to Plant Bedding Plants
Bedding plants establish best when planted at the right time. For summer bedding, plant in mid-May after the risk of frost has passed. For winter bedding, plant in September or October to give plants time to establish before the cold weather sets in.
Where to Grow Bedding Plants
Good drainage is crucial for bedding plants. Raised beds, containers, and well-prepared garden soil are ideal. Most bedding plants thrive in full sun, but some varieties prefer partial shade. Always check plant labels for specific growing conditions.
How to Plant Bedding Plants in the Ground
To plant bedding plants in your garden, thoroughly weed the area and incorporate plenty of well-rotted compost or leaf mould to improve drainage. Follow our detailed planting guide for the best results.
Before planting, soak the bedding plants in water to ensure their root balls are well hydrated. Gently remove each plant from its container—most bedding plants will be slightly rootbound. To encourage strong root growth, lightly tease out the roots or make a couple of shallow slices across the base with a sharp knife. This helps the roots spread into the soil rather than circling on themselves.
Prepare the planting hole using a mixture of 1/3 potting compost and 2/3 garden topsoil, mixing them thoroughly. Set the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface—don’t plant deeper than this. Firm the soil gently around the plant, then water in well. After planting, feed with an organic fertiliser to give them a good start. Throughout the season, remove faded flower heads promptly to encourage continuous blooming, and feed every two weeks with a soluble fertiliser.
How to Plant Bedding Plants in a Container
For container planting, use a 50:50 mix of soil-based compost and horticultural grit or sharp sand. Ensure containers have plenty of drainage holes and place stones or terracotta pieces over large holes to prevent compost from washing out. Add a layer of horticultural grit or gravel over the surface after planting to prevent rot.
For larger patio plants or those grown in deep containers, add a layer of pebbles or coarse gravel at the bottom to promote free drainage, as container plants are particularly susceptible to waterlogging. Mix a small amount of organic fertiliser into the compost before planting, or consider using slow-release fertiliser tablets for consistent feeding over several months.
After planting, water thoroughly and stand large containers in deep saucers to make regular watering easier—container plants often require daily attention, especially in warm weather. Continue to deadhead faded blooms and feed every two weeks with a liquid fertiliser to keep displays looking their best.
