Water annual flowers in the ground 2 to 3 times a week in summer, giving about 1 inch of water a week. Annuals in pots, window boxes and baskets usually need water every day in hot weather. New transplants need daily water for the first week or two.
A starting point, not a rule. Check the soil before each watering and stretch the gap in cool, cloudy weather.
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Annuals live fast. They sprout, grow, bloom and set seed in a single season, and they need a steady supply of water to keep up that pace.
Unlike perennials, annuals never get the chance to grow deep roots. Most of their roots stay in the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. Your job is to keep that root zone evenly moist all summer, so the plants keep pushing out new flowers instead of struggling.
Annual watering schedule
| Where they grow | How often |
|---|---|
| New transplants, first 1 to 2 weeks | Every day |
| Beds, spring and fall | 1 to 2 times a week |
| Beds, summer | 2 to 3 times a week |
| Pots and window boxes, summer | Every day |
| Hanging baskets in sun | Once or twice a day |
Drought tolerant annuals like zinnias, portulaca and vinca can go a bit longer. Thirsty ones like impatiens and begonias need the most.
How to tell when annuals need water
Push a finger 1 inch into the soil. If it is dry, water. In beds, dig a little deeper to 2 inches before deciding.
Annuals show thirst quickly. Leaves droop, flowers fade early, and buds dry up. Morning wilting is the clearest sign the roots are dry.
How to water annuals
- Water in the morning. Leaves and petals dry quickly, which helps prevent mildew and gray mold.
- Water the soil at the base. Keep water off the flowers. Wet petals spot and rot.
- Soak the root zone. Water until the top 6 inches of soil are moist in beds, or until water drains from pots.
- Mulch between plants. A thin layer of mulch keeps the soil cooler and moister.
Signs of overwatering and underwatering
Too much water
- Yellow lower leaves
- Stems rotting at the soil line
- Lots of leaves but few flowers
- Mold on the soil in pots
Too little water
- Plants wilted in the morning
- Buds drying up before opening
- Brown, crispy leaf edges
- Plants going leggy and stopping bloom
Keeping annuals blooming all season
Annuals put their energy into flowers as long as they are not stressed. A few days of dry soil in July can push them to set seed and slow down. Steady water is the single best way to keep color going into fall.
Feed container annuals every couple of weeks, because frequent watering washes nutrients out of the pot.
For popular annuals, see our guides to marigolds, impatiens and geraniums.
Annuals watering FAQ
Should you water annuals every day?
Annuals in pots and baskets often need daily water in summer. In beds, 2 to 3 deep waterings a week is better.
How much water do annuals need?
About 1 inch a week in garden beds, including rain. Pots need enough water to drain from the bottom each time.
Is it better to water annuals in the morning or evening?
Morning is best. If you water in the evening, water only the soil so the leaves stay dry overnight.
We turn horticulture research and real growing experience into plain-English watering schedules you can actually follow.