Watering Flowers

Although some flowers will tolerate moderate periods of dry weather, others must have a continuous supply of water. Most annuals will slow or stop flowering during extended hot, dry summer weather. To minimize the need for watering, select drought-tolerant annuals such as globe amaranths, blue blaze, Dahlberg daisy, gazania, gomphrena, portulaca, and creeping zinnia.

Supplemental irrigation will probably be required at some point during the growing season. Soil type as well as growth stage and temperature influence watering frequency. Bedding plants grown in a clay soil that has been properly watered may need to be watered only once a week. Bedding plants grown in a sandy soil may need to be watered several times a week. This will vary with the time of year, amount of sunlight or shade, plant growth, and other environmental factors. Most plants need 1 inch of water per week, but may require more when flowering or when exposed to high temperatures or windy conditions. Moisten the entire bed thoroughly, but do not water so heavily that the soil becomes soggy. After watering, allow the soil to dry moderately before watering again.

A soaker hose is excellent for watering flowerbeds. Water seeps directly into the soil without waste and without wetting leaves and flowers. The slow-moving water does not disturb the soil or reduce its capacity to absorb water. Sprinklers wet the flowers and foliage and make them more susceptible to diseases. The impact of water drops falling on the surface may change soil structure and cause it to puddle or crust, preventing free entry of water and air.

The least effective method for watering is with a hand-held nozzle. Watering with a nozzle has all the disadvantages of watering with a sprinkler. In addition, gardeners seldom are patient enough to do a thorough job of watering with a nozzle so they do not apply enough water and do not distribute it evenly over the bed.

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