December is the best month to plant winter flowers. Flowers such as petunias, pansies, calendula, sweet pea, foxglove, alyssum, dianthus, verbena, phlox and larkspur, when planted at this time, fill the entire garden with bright colors in January.
Flowers to Plant in December: For people fond of gardening, winter season is no less than a festival. Especially the month of December is considered the best for those who want their garden to be filled with colorful flowers by January. By planting the right flowers in this season, they not only grow quickly but also provide a spectacular view with little care. If you also want to beautify your garden or balcony, then plant these 10 flowers in December.
petunia
Petunia is one of the most popular winter flowers. They grow easily in pots, hanging baskets and flower beds. Their pink, purple and white colors make the garden special in January.
Pansy
Pansies are known for their unique patterns and bright colors. This flower thrives in cool climate and grows well even in less sunlight.
Calendula
Calendula, or winter marigold, is a very easy flower to grow. It starts giving flowers within a few weeks of planting. This plant also helps in keeping insects away
sweet pea
If you like fragrant flowers, then you should definitely plant sweet pea. The delicate flowers blooming on its vines give a romantic look to the garden in January.
foxglove
With its long, bell-shaped flowers, foxglove makes a unique addition to any garden. It likes light sunshine and cool weather.
alyssum
Alyssum, with its small flowers, is perfect for the border garden. This plant spreads quickly and blooms in white and pink colors.
dianthus
Dianthus flowers are very attractive and fragrant. It is easy to grow in pots and it blooms profusely in January.
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verbena
Verbena blooms in colorful clusters and also attracts butterflies. These plants are easy to care for in winter.
phlox
Phlox fills the garden with flowers in January. This plant produces a large number of flowers in a short period of time.
larkspur
Larkspur grows rapidly in cool climates and enhances the beauty of the garden with its blue, pink and purple flowers.
gardening tips
While sowing seeds, keep the soil loose and mix cowdung manure or vermicompost in it. Give the plants at least 4-5 hours of sunlight daily and avoid overwatering. With proper care, your garden will look lush and full of flowers in January.
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when to prune
- First pruning: 20-25 days after sowing seeds or planting, when the plant becomes 5-6 inches tall
- Second pruning: after 10-15 days, when new branches emerge
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers as soon as they begin to fade.
how to prune
- Use clean and sharp scissors/pruners
- Cut off the top 1-2 inches of the stem (top pinching)
- always cut just above a node
- Remove yellow, dry or diseased leaves completely
- Do not cut more than 30% of the plant at a time
Which plants need pruning
- petunia
- Pansy
- dianthus
- verbena
- phlox
- alyssum
Which plants need light pruning
- foxglove
- larkspur
- sweet pea
When to water plants
- In winter, watering once every 2-3 days is enough
- The soil should always remain slightly moist, water should not accumulate
- Morning is the best time to water
When and which fertilizer to use
- Apply fertilizer 5-7 days after pruning
- once every 15 days
- vermicompost
- mustard cake solution
- banana peel compost
- Apply light potassium rich fertilizer at the time of flowering