Annuals
Colorful plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season.
Stroll through the arch of our main entrance to see (and smell!) fresh outdoor greens, planted containers and outdoor arrangements. The majority of our annual plants are custom grown by local family owned growers – allowing us the flexibility and ability to quickly react to customer tastes and preferences.
Common annuals we stock
Our inventory changes all the time, but we always stock some tried-and-true favorites. Looking for something specific? We welcome special orders, just get in touch with our Annuals gardeners!
Spring
Pansies, ranunculus, nemesia, pussy and curly willow branches, potted bulbs (tulips, hyacinth, daffodils)
summer
Geraniums, begonias, vinca, celosia, cosmos, marigolds, petunias, zinnias, grasses, impatiens, lobelia, salvia
fall
Pumpkins and ornamental gourds, mums, cabbage, kale, pansies, celosia, marigolds, mona lavender
winter
Fresh garland, boughs, wreaths, swags, mantelpieces, birch poles, pine cones, winterberries, branches, dried accents
Custom Annual Containers
We offer both fully custom container designs as well as seasonally changing ‘ready-made’ containers, created to thrive in your unique outdoor environment.
NOTE: Custom containers are not available during the month of May, or during the winter season, though we do have a wide selection of premade “drop-in” containers available.
Visit or call us to get started.
Is this your first time planting a container? Before you head to Gethsemane, read over our downloadable container gardening guide. It will assist you in selecting the perfect flowers, edibles, and containers for your space.
Annuals Resources
Seed starting basics
First time growing from seed, or need a refresher? Download our guide.
Useful External Links for seeds
For information on our local zone hardiness – see the USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Zone Map
- The Old Farmer’s Almanac has an updated Frost Chart available online as well as list of the best dates for planting transplants in our region and the current spring planting dates for Chicago. – Please note that these are approximate dates derived from previous weather patterns and the location of the moon. The Old Farmer’s Almanac estimates that these dates are about 50% accurate, but should provide you with some general guidance.
- Johnny’s Seeds supplies a number of free tools including a Seed Calculator, a Target Harvest Date Calculator, and a Seed Starting Date Calculator.
Useful External Links for bulbs
- The Art of Bulb Planting by The University of Illinois Extension Service
- Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service provides information on Winter Storage of Geranium, Canna, Gladiolus, Caladium, and Begonia
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has a guide for the Care of the Amaryllis after Flowering