Continuous Color from Spring Through Fall
Annual flowers are the workhorses of the garden world - blooming continuously from the time you plant them in spring until the first hard frost in fall. Unlike perennials that bloom for just a few weeks, annuals provide months of non-stop color and beauty. At Big John's Farm Market, we grow the majority of our annuals from unrooted cuttings, plugs and seeds right here in our greenhouses, ensuring you get the healthiest, most vigorous plants for your garden.
What Are Annual Plants?
Understanding Annuals vs. Perennials
Annual plants complete their entire life cycle in one growing season - they grow, bloom, produce seeds, and die all within a single year. This might sound limiting, but it's actually their superpower! Because they're racing to complete their life cycle, annuals bloom almost continuously, trying to produce as much seed as possible before winter arrives.
Our Growing Process
Something Beautiful Every Season
From Cutting to Your Garden
What sets our annuals apart is our hands-on growing process. Many of our annuals, including all our geraniums, start as unrooted cuttings. We root them here using specialized systems with bottom heat, overhead misting, and grow lights. This means we've nurtured these plants from their very first roots!
Planting & Timing
When and How to Plant Annuals
Size Options & Pricing
Choose the Right Size for Your Project
We offer annuals in multiple sizes to fit different projects and budgets:
Available Sizes:
- Flats: 36 plants total, or individual 3-plant sections (trays)
- 4.5-inch Pots: Individual plants, more developed
- 6-inch Pots: Larger, more mature plants
- Hanging Baskets: Pre-planted, ready-to-hang displays
- Custom Containers: Planted onsite in decorative pots, with several different plants. Just take home and set on your porch or patio.
- Choosing the Right Size:
- Flats/Trays: Best value for large plantings
- 4.5-inch: Good balance of size and value
- 6-inch: Instant impact, more developed plants
- Hanging Baskets: Immediate full display
Pricing varies by plant type and size - contact us for current pricing
Plant Selection Help
Expert Guidance for Your Specific Needs
Our knowledgeable staff helps you choose the perfect annuals for your specific conditions and goals. We consider:
Growing Conditions
- Sun vs. Shade: Matching plants to your light conditions
- Watering: Considering your maintenance preferences
- Soil Type: Recommending plants that work in your specific soil
- Climate Factors: Wind, heat, humidity considerations
Design Goals
- Color Schemes: Creating pleasing color combinations
- Height Variations: Layering plants for visual interest
- Bloom Times: Ensuring continuous color throughout the season
- Maintenance Level: Matching plants to your care preferences
Annual Varieties We Grow
Popular Categories
Availability varies by season. Spring offers our fullest selection, with certain varieties available throughout the growing season. Contact us for current availability.
Why Choose Our Annuals
The Big John's Difference
Getting Started
Ready to Add Continuous Color?
Visit our greenhouses to see our full selection of annual flowers and get expert advice for your specific project. Whether you're planning container gardens, filling flower beds, or creating hanging basket displays, we're here to help you succeed.
Planning Your Visit:
- Best Selection: Early in the season (April-May)
- Expert Help: Weekdays for personalized attention
- Bring: Photos of your planting areas, container measurements
- Ask About: Custom planting services for your containers, design advice
Current Hours: [Link to current seasonal hours]
Ready to Design?
Ask about our custom container planting service - bring your containers and we'll create beautiful combinations using our thriller, filler, spiller method!