Frost Tolerant Annuals

Spring is here, and everyone is rushing to plant their gardens, but it is too soon for most annuals and vegetables. If you want a head start, here are a few annuals that can tolerate a light frost.

*Note: Plants not grown for food may have been treated with chemicals. Do not eat unless you know for sure they have not been.

Snapdragons
(Full Sun)

• The name comes from the fact that the flowers resemble mouths that open and close when the flowers are pressed on their sides.
• Snapdragons make excellent cut flowers, adding height, color, and texture to arrangements.
• In Asia, snapdragons are called “rabbit’s lips” and “lion’s lips” in Holland.
• In the language of flowers, snapdragons represent graciousness or deception.
• In folklore, snapdragons were thought to offer protection from witchcraft.
• Snapdragon blooms are entirely edible. However, most people use them as garnish.

 

 

Dianthus (Full Sun) Dianthus is one of the oldest documented cut flowers to date. Dianthus means flower of the gods. It is typically used to symbolize feelings of love, affection, gratitude, and admiration. They flower from spring through autumn, and some species have a sweet smell of spice.

The most well-known Dianthus flower is the carnation. The plant was first cultivated in the 15th century by the Moors in Valencia, Spain, and was later introduced as a florist flower in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Dianthus flowers are edible and can be used in various everyday dishes. Alyssum (Sun / Pt Sun) Alyssum flowers have a sweet fragrance and peppery flavor, making them ideal for various culinary applications. The leaves and stems of Alyssum are also edible and can be used in much the same way as the flowers. In a vegetable garden, the short plants act as living mulch, shading the soil to keep it moist and helping to support beneficial soil organisms. Alyssum flowers can be planted right along with chards and kale. In ancient times, Sweet Alyssum was used to treat the bites of rabid animals. Interestingly enough, the word Alyssum has Greek roots that mean ‘without madness.’ Common household names include Sweet Alison in English, Alysson Maritime in French, and Mastuerzo Maritimo in Spanish.

Petunias
(Full Sun)

• The name “petunia” originates from the word “petun,” which stands for “tobacco” in Brazil. These two types of plants are genetically related and can be crossbred.
• Some types of petunia produce gooey sap, which covers the leaves and creates a “sticky feeling.” This substance protects the plant against insects and other pests that might harm it.
• Petunia blooms are edible; they taste somewhat sweet and spicy.
• Back in the old days, it was a huge insult to gift Petunia’s. They carried the message ‘I don’t like you’.
• Petunias are versatile annuals. They can be used for color masses, borders, containers, hanging baskets or as a seasonal groundcover.
• In 1999: Wave Petunias debuted in an ad on TV for the first time!