Gardening tips for a window box???

Question

Hi- I am a preschool teacher and am using the theme "When we all work together" for my first week of school!

To go along with the theme, I am planning a "science" activity where we all work together to plant a window box that we can take care of and watch all year long!

My question is for some really green thumbs out there in yahoo land... What would be the best seeds to plant in our window box? We live in Texas where is it hot, but I am looking to plant something that won't take too long to bloom (or at least show some growth for the kids' edification, lol).

What are your suggestions??

I think that I definitely want something that might re-bloom later on and can thrive in a planter. Thanks in advance!

-Amber

P.S.- I'm not a terrible gardener, but don't know much about specific flowers/ plants, so any help is welcomed! :-D

Answer 1

If you want blooming flowers, try marigolds or petunias.

Answer 2

I would plant some marigolds, for the (seed to bloom to seed) stages since they are colorful and can withstand heat.  Petunias are nice but might need some shade and you can cut them back when they get leggy and they will bloom again for you.  They will need the dead flowers pinched off so they might require some tender loving care from your students.  Mix it up with some SUN loving coleus seeds they will lend some red color and can be quite stunning.  Watch the coleus seeds as a lot of them need to be in shady gardens.  There are so many things out there it might be best if you go to a store and look through the seed packets and put together some that will bloom repeatedly, withstand heat and sun.  Pick some that are tall, some that are short and some that will hang out of your planter for effect.  Good luck.  Sorry but I feel like I wasn't much help I got thinking about it where I live in Maine it isn't the same so what would survive here in the heat and sun might not make it there!