Staking Annual Flowers

Many tall annuals such as cosmos and celome may need support to protect them from strong winds and rain. Begin staking when plants are about one-third their mature size. Staking early is also more aesthetically pleasing because new plant growth will cover the stakes.

Many materials can be used for staking: wire cages, bamboo stakes, tomato stakes, twiggy brushwood, or wire rings. The staking material should be 6 to 12 inches shorter than the height of the mature plant.

Place stakes close to the plant, but take care not to damage the root system. A stake two-thirds as high as the stem's mature height should be pushed into the ground near the base of the shoot. Sink them into the ground far enough to be firm. Loosely tie plants to the stakes, using paper-covered wire, plastic, or other soft material.

Tie the plant by making a double loop with one loop around the plant and the other around the stake to form a figure-eight. Never loop the tie around both the stake and plant.

The plant will hang to one side and the stem may become girdled. Plants with delicate stems (like cosmos) can be supported by a framework of stakes and strings in crisscrossing patterns.