Annuals may be divided into several classifications: hardy, half-hardy and tender. To the hardy classification we add the biennials which we treat as hardy annuals in this section of the country.

Hardy annuals should be planted in early fall (October), since many of them require cold for best germination. Half-hardy annuals are best started in boxes and then transplanted about March. Tender annuals should not be planted until the weather is settled and the nights are warm enough to keep the seed from rotting. This is toward the end of March or the first two weeks in April.

Soil for annuals should be rich in humus, loose in texture and well drained. A good proportion would be one-third each of peat moss or vermiculite, washed sand and good garden loam. Any well balanced or complete fertilizer may be used in the beds but it should be mixed in several weeks ahead of planting and then watered down, otherwise it may burn the tender roots.

Very fine seeds should be lightly pressed into the potting mix, larger seed may be covered lightly. More seed is lost by planting toodeeply than any other cause. Firm all seed by pressing with a small block of wood or the palm of the hand, then water lightly. Keep moist until germination is well established and then water enough to keep the seedlings from drying out. This may mean watering twice a day in very hot weather but if the seed is allowed to dry out it will not germinate. Keep a watch for snails and pill bugs.

Hardy annuals which may be sown where they are to bloom are as
follows:

Planting time: October through January.

Alyssum, Sweet
Antirrhinum (snapdragon)
Calendula
Candytuft
Cornflower
*Calliopsis
California poppy
*Chinese Forget-Me-Not
Flax (Linum, all colors, perennial but may be treated as annual)

Gaillardia
Globe Amaranth (Bachelor's Button)
Hunnemannia (Sunlight Poppy)
Larkspur
Linaria
*Nemophila (Baby-Blue-Eyes)
*Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco)
Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist)
Poppies (All types, except Oriental)
Phlox
Scabiosa
Tahoka Daisy

*Indicates those that will succeed in light shade. Most hardy annuals
require sun.
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Half-hardy annuals that are best started indoors in boxes and then
transplanted when weather is
settled (usually early April in San Antonio).
Arctotis (Blue-eyed Daisy)
Petunia
Ricinus (Castor oil bean)
Salvia (red) Tagetes (Marigolds)
*Torenia (Wishbone flower), one of the best annuals for shade.
Vinca (Periwinkle) (Slow to germinate).

Pansies and violas while perfectly hardy must be started in August in flats or pots and transplanted later when weather is cool. Ants will carry off the seed so dust with chlordane. Unless special variety is desired it is best to leave the growing of these to your favorite nurseryman.

Tender annuals will be damaged by the lightest frost or strong winds and should generally be planted after the first of April. If started indoors do not begin too early or the plants will be leggy before the weather is suitable outside.

Amaranthus, including Cockscomb, Princess Feather,
Molten Fire.
*Balsam (Lady's Slipper)
Canary Bird Flower
Cardinal Climber
*Coleus
Moonflower Vine
Morning Glories
Zinnia

All annuals will need to be watered regularly. Twice a week in dry weather, less often if there is a rainy season. A balanced fertilized may be applied and lightly cultivated in. Follow directions explicitly, whenever using fertilizers or chemicals.