How to Grow Polyanthus

For a real punch of colour in the cool dreary winter months, you cannot look past Polyanthus. They produce many lovely flowers in bright vibrant colours from pinks, reds, blues, yellows and white, all with a contrasting bright yellow centre or eyes. Very popular with kids due to their bright and cheerful appearance.

Full sun to part shade

Regular watering

Well drained soil

Late autumn to early spring in all climatic zones

How to grow polyanthus in a garden

Step 1

Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun to part-shade with well drained. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the base of the plant.

Step 5

Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

How to grow polyanthus in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 200 mm wide and deep. Position in full sun to part shade.

Step 2

Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 4

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 5

Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Growing tips

Remove spent blooms to encourage further flowering.
Plants will grow in full sun, however, you will get a more intense flower colour when grown in part shade.