How often should I water full sun annuals?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Annuals for full sun do best when watered thoughtfully. Watering deeply once or twice weekly will create deep roots to deal with hot weather. Those that are drought tolerant, like portulaca, need even less, and I have seen them thrive in cracked clay with monthly watering. Always check the soil moisture 2 inches (5 cm) down in the soil before reaching for the hose.
Soil Prep
- Test soil type: clay needs compost, sand needs peat moss
- Amend beds with 3" (7.6 cm) organic matter pre-planting
- Use moisture-retentive potting mix for containers
Mulching Tips
- Apply 2-3" (5-7.6 cm) bark mulch in arid zones
- Keep mulch 1" (2.5 cm) from plant stems
- Refresh gravel mulch mid-season in rainy areas
Drought-tolerant annual flowers, like verbena, are the radicals. They have succulent, thick leaves that store enough water to last weeks. Recently, I redesigned a client's scorched hot, shady backyard using these radical plants and their water use dropped 60%, while the blooms doubled. Use these plants with drip lines for set-and-forget irrigation systems.
Efficient Tools
- Use drip irrigation for targeted root zone watering
- Choose watering cans with long spouts for container precision
- Install soil moisture sensors for data-driven care
Timing Matters
- Water before 8 AM to reduce evaporation
- Avoid evening watering to deter mildew
- Adjust frequency during heatwaves or storms
It's better to be attentive to your plants than count the days. When Lantana is thirsty, the leaves curl slightly, a perfect alert system built into nature. One client has transformed their once-struggling border, simply by learning to read their Lantana! Make sure to share your successes when irrigation is visible online and make mention of professionals you trust if you'd like some customized feedback. Gardens grow better when we are learning together.
Read the full article: Full Sun Annuals: Blooms That Thrive in Sunshine
