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Can anyone suggest a good annual to grow from seed for a bed that gets only afternoon sun? I'd like something that grows quickly to flower and can tolerate the heat. 10-18 inches tall would be great but others are ok too. All I have in the bed now is a rose on each side so I just want some nice bright color for the season.
I'm not certain about the afternoon sun only - but we've had the best luck the last several years with zinnias. They grow quickly and bloom and re-bloom all summer long into fall.
Your requirement list made it real hard. Many of the annuals that can tolerate just afternoon sun that are traditionally planted in gardens don't get much above the 10 inch mark unless you are in an area with a fairly long growing season. Some do not grow well from seed and others would be too tall. Many part-sun plants need protection from afternoon sun intensity or they get burned leaves. Add fast growing and there are almost none to recommend.
Short and colorful (they won't grow much taller than your bottom end requirement), but not always easy to grow from seed would be Wax Begonia and Vinca. There is a newer variety of Impatiens called SunPatiens that can handle hot sun, but I don't know if you can get the seed yet. Borderline plants that should be OK would be annual Salvia. There are shorter and taller varieties of Snap Dragons that will do alright if they get at least 5 hours of sun.
Among the taller varieties of annuals (more likely to be higher than your 18 inch requirement) that you can grow from seed are Nicotiana, Cosmos, Zinnia, Cleome and mid sized sunflowers.
Traditional annuals that have good, bright blooms like Marigolds and Zinnias will bloom less -with less than most of the day sunshine- but will tolerate afternoon sun. A few of the taller varieties would fit in the 10-18 inch requirement but they may turn out to be a bit leggy as well.
Keep in mind already started plants you pick up at the local nursery will give you a head start in your requirements. Plants like wax begonia are the most adaptable to growing in full sun to near full shade but their seed is microscopic and requires fussing most people don't like to do. Vinca will have fewer flowers in less sun, but thrive in heat and humidity- but - are fussy to start from seed (yet mine have self seeded themselves like weeds... go figure!). I hope that gives some ideas to start with.
Also, cosmos come in dwarfs these days! I also love California poppies. They reseed themselves in my region and if they're growing where I don't want them to, I just weed them out!
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