Hanging Baskets
are annuals that hang down rather than grow upwards, so they look attractive overhead or at head height, hanging from railings, eaves of houses, gazebos, etcThere's nothing quite like a beautiful annual hanger. They look attractive overhead or at head height, hanging from railings, eaves of houses, gazebos, etc. Different varieties of the same plants, such as begonias and petunias, will grow upwards.
We've seen hangers that have a variety of plants including tropicals and deep rooting datura.
Pay attention to choosing types of plants that enjoy the same types of light and water requirements.
What do annual hanging baskets need?
Well, that varies by variety, but generally speaking, they are heavy feeders and often heavy drinkers. This means if you want the best flowers you can get, you should be watering and fertilizing as needed all season. There's no way we can go through the exact schedule of every plant, so let's just use the rules of thumb.They are pretty straight forward. Water as needed. If you're not sure how much, water your hanger until water comes out the bottom. Now lift the pot. That will give you some indication as to how heavy it should be when it's freshly and properly watered. Self-watering hangers are a little different as they hold water in a reservoir, but you get the idea. When you think your hanger may need water just gently lift and if it's light then for sure you can water. Annuals don't always like to be soaking and for sure they don't like to dry right up, so monitor closely, especially after very hot or very windy days. Annuals in a hanger will certainly let you know that they need water. The plants will show signs of wilt and will curl their leaves for protection and it will look pretty obvious. If they get a "little" dried out don't fret water them immediately and they should perk back up in an hour or so. Of course, if they completely dry out for a lengthy period, they will suffer a setback if not die completely. One should keep in mind that it doesn't take too long for annuals to perish, this is why they are not guaranteed like other plants we sell.
The secret to beautiful hanging baskets all summer long is slow-release fertilizer. It always shocks us when we see so many hangers go out of the shop with no fertilizer. These days a hanging basket is a fairly heavy investment. Fertilization is good insurance for keeping your hangers looking their best. Add slow-release as soon as you get your hanger home and water it. Since our Nurseryland container 14-14-14 slow release will feed all summer, you may not have to fertilize again, but to be sure add more halfway through summer. The nice thing about the slow release is that it's much harder to burn up a hanger than using water-soluble fertilizer, but it can still happen. Don't go crazy! Of course, if you prefer water-soluble or organic then go for it!
Annuals in planters or pots are a little trickier as they come in so many sizes and shapes.
Certainly, planters that hold a lot of soil are far less likely to dry up before you set to watering them, but it can still happen. As your annuals grow, they will take up more and more water, so monitor their progress until they become mature. At that point, you can set a routine so that they don't run out of water.
Fertilization in your containers can be done with slow-release fertilizer as well, but many people prefer the good old fashion water-soluble out of a watering can. A really good fertilizer for this is the Nurseryland Power Bloom 10-40-25. Don't take just my word for it many of the greenhouse staff have switched from whatever they were using to this one. There is no perfect way to fertilize, it always depends on the habit of the plants you are feeding the size of the container and the conditions they are growing in. Some say every couple of weeks, some say every 7 to ten days. One of our horticulturists John Ostrowdun feeds every watering but with only ½ strength ratio. This is a good way to go as your plants will never lack fertilizer and it's hard to burn them with too much. Always be careful, you know you can fry your plants with too much fertilizer. Yes, that goes for all plants when you are using chemical fertilizers.
One of our horticulturists John Ostrowdun feeds every watering but with only ½ strength ratio. This is a good way to go as your plants will never lack fertilizer and it's hard to burn them with too much. Always be careful, you know you can fry your plants with too much fertilizer. Yes, that goes for all plants when you are using chemical fertilizers.
To read our Annual Hanging Baskets Growing Guide, click here: 
Tips for growing robust hanging baskets:
Tip 1:
Hanging baskets need to be checked often as they dry out quickly.
Also, ensure the pot has drainage holes. When watering, water each container until a healthy amount of water drains out the bottom. This ensures that all of the roots are getting sufficient water. The less stressed your hangers are the more they will reward you. If you're unsure if your hangers need water, lift the pot. A light hanger is a clear indication that water is necessary.
Tip 2:
For more blooms all summer make sure you deadhead your flowering plants. Deadheading is the removal of faded or spent blossoms. Pinching or flower heads off encourages the plant to produce more flowers and keeps the plant looking tidy.
In some cases it will also prevent your flowers from going to seed. Just think the more you pick the flowers the more flowers you will have.
Tip 3:
Being a contained unit, one must be on top of the watering and supply of nutrients to the plants. Doing so along the edge of the planter makes a world of difference to the trailing plants. The need for nutrients (food) (fertilizer) is heightened due to the fact that the plants must draw from the confined space, which has no chance of replenishing itself if you are not using a living soil soils. For the establishment of a strong root system, use a "Kick Start" or "Root Booster." Typically, a high second number, phosphorous, fertilizer, for the first two weeks after planting. Continue to use a high middle number fertilizer like 10-60-10 for the balance of the growing season to optimize plant and flower growth.