Before spraying, read the label carefully to determine if the herbicide is safe for use on the plants you are growing. Pinch off faded blooms at least weekly to stimulate blooming throughout the season. Trailing plants, such as fibrous begonia, petunias, pansies and coleus, can be pruned to keep the plants compact and stimulate additional blooming. Removing faded flowers prevents the plants from forming seed. As a result, they will bloom again in an effort to complete the life cycle.
Annual flowers have relatively few insect and disease problems.
However, specific problems will characteristically develop on some plants. Maintaining vigorous growth, spacing plants so they receive good air circulation, planting in a site with good drainage and sun exposure suited to the plant will usually reduce disease problems. Quick identification of the problem and application of the proper insecticide or fungicide will minimize pest damage. Kenneth R. Bolen, Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.