Expert: Mike Mascio - 5/18/2003

Question
Hi. Are hanging baskets usually consist of annual flowers? How should I treat my hanging baskets after the summer? Do I have to discard them and buy another one next year, or can I save them indoor and place it outside in the next summer? Will them bloom again if I do so? Thank you for your attention.

Answer
Although perennials can be planted in baskets, over 95% of the hanging baskets bought at garden centers contain annuals.  Make sure you hang it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.  Check the soil every two days to make sure it hasn't dried out.  Soil in hanging baskets tends to dry out much quicker than those planted in garden soil.  Also, make sure you "deadhead" the plants.  This refers to pinching off or pruning the spent flowers.  If you neglect to remove spent blooms, the plant will expend all of its energy into producing seed.  This will weaken the plant and eventually cause it to stop blooming.

If cared for properly, your plants should flower throughout the summer, right up until the first frost.  At that time, either compost or discard the plant.  As with all annuals, they will only flower for one year.

I hope this answered your question.  Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike