The Top 5 Sun Annuals
We’ve already shared our top picks for sun and shade-loving perennials — now it’s time to shine a light on annuals! These five favourites are well-suited to the Edmonton area and offer big, beautiful colour with minimal upkeep. Whether you’re filling containers, garden beds, or borders, these tried-and-true annuals are sure to brighten your space all season long.
#1 Petunias
Don’t let their delicate blooms fool you — petunias are garden tough! These vibrant annuals come in a wide range of colours and varieties, and they bloom from late spring right through to fall. With just a bit of deadheading, petunias thrive in Edmonton’s sunny gardens, making them a reliable and cheerful favourite for beds, containers, and hanging baskets.
Care Instructions:
Sun & Soil: Plant in well draining soil enriched with compost or in high quality potting soil if planting in a hanging basket or container. The ideal location will get at least 6 hours of sunlight.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist. Give them a good watering, but let the top inch of soil dry between waterings.
Maintenance: Deadhead to encourage more blooms. Wave petunias are self cleaning so no need to deadhead!
Fertilize: Fertilize every 1-2 weeks, especially when planted in containers. We recommend using Nature’s Source Plant Food.
Pests & Diseases: Look out for aphids!
#2 Geraniums
Geraniums are a true garden classic — and for good reason! With their bold, vibrant blooms and dependable performance, geraniums bring lasting colour to any sunny space. These hardy annuals are also naturally resistant to pests and deer, making them a low-fuss favourite for gardeners. Whether you’re planting them in garden beds, containers, hanging baskets, or using them in mass plantings, these versatile annuals deliver show-stopping impact all season long.
Care Instructions:
Sun & Soil: Plant in well draining soil or in high quality potting soil if planting in a hanging basket or container. The ideal location will get at least 6 hours of sunlight.
Watering: Geraniums do not like “wet feet”! Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings and be careful not to overwater in cool or cloudy weather.
Maintenance: Deadhead regularly and your Geraniums will continue to flower all season long.
Fertilize: Fertilize every 1-2 weeks, especially when planted in containers. We recommend using Nature’s Source Plant Food.
#3 Marigolds
Marigolds bring compact flowers and bold bursts of colour to any garden, but they have a superpower too — they help repel pests like aphids and nematodes! Add these cheerful blooms to your garden beds and vegetable plots to naturally deter pests while brightening up your space.
Care Instructions:
Sun & Soil: Plant in well draining soil where they will get at least 6 hours of sunlight.
Watering: Marigolds are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but they do best with regular watering, especially in containers. Let the soil dry out between waterings — avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Maintenance: Deadhead regularly to encourage more flowers.
Fertilize: You can fertilize once a month, but marigolds are not heavy feeders.
#4 Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa, often called Million Bells, look like tiny petunias and are a favourite for hanging baskets and containers. Their trailing habit creates a beautiful waterfall of colour that lasts all season long. They can handle cool spring nights (just not frost), and best of all — no deadheading required!
Care Instructions:
Sun & Soil: Use well-draining potting mix — calibrachoa hate soggy soil and root rot is a risk in poorly draining containers. The ideal location will get at least 6 hours of sunlight.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist. In hot, dry weather, daily watering may be needed for containers. Calibrachoa does not like wind and does not like to dry out!
Fertilize: Fertilize regularly — they are heavy feeders. Use a balanced or bloom-boosting fertilizer every 1–2 weeks. We recommend using Nature’s Source Plant Food.
Pests & Diseases: Look out for aphids!
#5 Sunpatiens
Sunpatiens are a summer favourite thanks to their bold blooms and lush, bushy foliage. Available in vibrant shades of pink, red, and white — with some varieties boasting eye-catching variegated leaves — they add instant impact to any garden. A hybrid of traditional impatiens and wild Indonesian species, SunPatiens were specially bred for sun tolerance and vigorous growth, making them a standout in sunny or partly shaded spots.
Care Instructions:
Sun & Soil: Plant in a well draining spot (no soggy soil). Enrich your soil with high quality compost before planting. They thrive in full sun to part shade (at least 4-6 hours).
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not too wet. Drought tolerant (once established), but may need daily watering if planted in a container.
Fertilize: Fertilize every 1-2 weeks to promote steady growth and blooms. We recommend using Nature’s Source Plant Food.
