Armstrong Garden Centers Annual Color Bowl

Full sun means the container needs at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day to thrive. If placed in partial shade, the flowers will likely become leggy and produce fewer blooms.

Because container plants dry out faster than those in the ground, check the soil daily during hot weather. If the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water until you see moisture draining from the bottom of the bowl.

These are annuals, meaning they are selected to complete their life cycle—growing, blooming, and setting seed—within a single season. They are not designed to survive the winter or return the following year.

The soil mix typically includes a starter fertilizer, but for the best results throughout the season, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks. This helps sustain the heavy blooming cycle of annuals.

Yes, removing spent blooms, known as deadheading, encourages the plants to direct their energy into producing new flowers rather than seeds. Simply pinch off faded blossoms as you notice them to keep the arrangement looking fresh.