Summer Bedding Plants

These are typically planted around early June, to protect from any late frosts which might occur in mid to late May. Spring bedding plants are usually removed during early the end of May or the first week of June ready for the summer display to be planted up straight afterwards. A wide range of plants are typically used, from which a selection would be chosen for a specific display, including Ageratum, Alyssum, Antirrhinum, Begonia, Busy Lizzie (Impatiens), Californian Poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Cineraria, Cosmos, Dahlia, Geranium, Lobelia, Marigolds (African and French), Nemesia, Pelargonium, Petunia, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Stock (Matthiola) and Sweet Pea,

Preparing the soil prior to planting out summer bedding will be similar to that undertaken for spring bedding plants, although the fertiliser used will be different. On this occasion the use of a controlled release fertiliser, which might last the entire season, might be applied, although a granular feed mixed into the prepared soil and then supplemented by routine liquid feeds might also be considered, during the summer might also be considered. Incorporating a water absorbing gel into the soil might also be considered as this will help to retain water during dry hot spells, reducing the likelihood of plants wilting. If a suitable quantity of organic matter had been included in the autumn preparation then there may be little need for any further organic material, although this will depend on whether the soil is very sandy, in which case some additional organic matter might be beneficial. Typically, a small handful of composted material might be sprinkled at the base of the trowel hole prior to planting of each plant.

The maintenance of summer bedding plants will require regular deadheading of flowers to ensuring a nice fresh display is maintained throughout the flowering months, regular watering is carried out to ensure they do not dry out, with this being a daily requirement on warm days, whilst a routine (possibly fortnightly depending on plants and soil type but check the manufacturer's label on the different products available) liquid feed will also typically be required. Weeds will be very active so regular hand weeding, hoeing, or similar will be required on at least a weekly basis to prevent any weeds from becoming established. Keep an eye out for pest or disease damage and treat using approved materials only.

Summer bedding displays might be cleared from late September (usually the earliest time) to late October, in anticipation of the (winter-)spring bedding being planted in late October to mid-November.