Expert: C.L. Fornari - 6/12/2008

Question
I bought these flowers to plant in the front of my house which gets the afternoon sun. Even though I am watering them almost daily, they seem to be dying. Help!

Answer
Barbara,
If you are in an area where it's very hot, the plants would probably wilt every day for awhile - afternoon sun is when it is strongest, and new plants only have a root system the size of the pot. So if you think that they are drying out, try watering them in the morning and again mid-afternoon if possible, or if not, early evening. Mulching the bed would also help keep the moisture from drying up too quickly. If this is the problem it will ease in the summer when the plants have larger root systems, but you still might need to water every morning or every other morning in very hot weather.

On the other hand, plants that are getting too much water can get root rot and die - so if you think that they may be too wet you should stop watering daily - a plant with rotting roots looks just like one that is thirsty, so use the soil for your guide. If the plant is wilting when the soil is damp then the problem is too much water not too little.

Other things that can kill annuals are: watering with water that has been made hot by the sun - let the hose run until the water is cool before spraying on the plants. Drift from chemicals such as weed killer that are used elsewhere in the garden or on the lawn. Too much fertilizer - fertilizer burn causes leaves to turn crispy and fall off.

I hope this helps!
C.L.