It’s time to unleash your inner gardener and start plotting those container gardens! February might seem early, but it’s the perfect moment to dream big and plan your floral masterpieces. Whether you’re envisioning a single, jaw-dropping arrangement or a collection of vibrant containers, now is the moment to decide what will grace your outdoor spaces this year. But here’s where it gets exciting: garden centers across Manitoba are already buzzing with activity, stocking up on pre-rooted seedlings and seeds in preparation for spring. And this is the part most people miss—retailers are placing their orders earlier than ever, sometimes as early as July, to meet the soaring demand for unique and new plants. So, if you’re not planning ahead, you might just miss out on the season’s hottest varieties.
It’s easy to get swept up in the allure of fresh plants at the garden center, but here’s a pro tip: take a moment to reflect on what worked (and what didn’t) in your garden last year. Did certain plants thrive despite the scorching heat? Which ones struggled? By learning from past experiences, you’ll make smarter choices this time around. For instance, if you’re in a hot, dry climate, you might want to consider plants that can handle the stress—more on that later.
Duayne Friesen, a sales representative for Ball Seed and a seasoned gardener himself, has the inside scoop on the most exciting annuals hitting garden centers this spring. Friesen doesn’t just sell plants; he trials them in his own Winnipeg garden, so his recommendations come with real-world experience. I recently chatted with him about the 2026 lineup, and let me tell you, there’s a lot to get excited about.
First up: pansies, but not just any pansies. Friesen highlights the new Top Wave Pansy Series from PanAmerican Seed, which is poised to replace the beloved Cool Wave Pansy. What’s the big deal? These pansies boast 25% larger flowers that cascade all the way down to the crown of the plant. With colors like the light-to-deep pink shades of the Top Wave Pink, they’re perfect for containers and baskets. But don’t expect them to thrive in your landscape—these beauties are container stars. Friesen shares, ‘I’ve grown them in containers as early as April 1, and once they’re acclimatized, they keep flowering relentlessly.’
Now, let’s talk about a plant that’s causing quite a stir: Coleus Sweet Paprika. Part of PanAmerican Seed’s Premium Sun Coleus Collection, this variety is a sun-worshipper with deep red-wine leaves kissed with orange. But here’s the catch: if it doesn’t get enough sun, those stunning colors won’t develop. Compact and late-flowering, it’s a showstopper that has growers clamoring for more. Friesen raves, ‘It’s just a beauty,’ and I couldn’t agree more.
Dahlias are having a moment, but not everyone wants to start them from tubers. Enter the Venti series from Selecta, featuring early-flowering varieties like PinkBurst and FireBurst. These double-flowered anemone-type dahlias are not only easy to care for but also resistant to powdery mildew. PinkBurst, a Retailer’s Choice award winner, charms with its soft pink petals, while FireBurst dazzles with bright red petals and a bold yellow crest. Both grow to about 46 cm, making them perfect for spring containers. Friesen and I trialed them last year, and while he’s team PinkBurst, I’m smitten with FireBurst’s exotic flair.
Remember last summer’s heatwave? While some plants wilted, Angelonia stood tall. This underappreciated gem has been around for 20 years but is finally gaining the attention it deserves. Friesen explains, ‘It’s perfect for hot, dry locations and requires minimal care.’ The Guardian Angel series, particularly Guardian Angel Pink, is a breakthrough in height and beauty, making it an ideal centerpiece for your planters. With glossy dark-green leaves and huge flowers on 46-cm stems, it’s a knockout.
Petunia lovers, rejoice! This year brings new varieties like the Easy Wave Pink Pearl, with its soft pink flowers veined in violet-rose, and the Headliner Crystal Pink, a mounded, trailing variety that was the top-selling new introduction. Friesen notes, ‘It’s everywhere, and for good reason—it held up beautifully all season.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: while some gardeners swear by traditional favorites, others are eager to experiment with unconventional choices like the Mystical Salvia series. With narrow flower spikes in crisp white or lovely blue, these salvias are a departure from the usual. Friesen admits, ‘Salvia Mystical White really stands out—it’s not your typical ‘dirty white’ salvia. It has a lot more oomph.’
And who can resist zinnias? The Zinnia Elegant Hot Mixture is a new dwarf series from PanAmerican Seed that’s taking gardens by storm. Growing to 41-56 cm, it produces big, double-crested flowers in warm hues of pink, orange, scarlet, and rose. Friesen enthuses, ‘It’s easy to grow and looks fantastic in containers or in the ground.’
For something truly unique, consider the Superbells Magic Double Grapefruit calibrachoa from Proven Winners. With trailing habits and flowers that shift from lemon-yellow to pink, it’s a basket or container dream. But be warned: it’s so popular that some greenhouses sold out before the season even started.
Finally, if you’re looking for a statement plant, the Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Shadowstorm sweet potato vine is a must-see. With nearly black, heart-shaped leaves speckled with green, it’s a controlled grower that won’t overtake your container. Friesen declares, ‘There’s nothing like it on the market.’
So, as you start planning your container gardens, remember: this year is all about innovation, resilience, and a touch of boldness. But here’s the question: Will you stick to tried-and-true favorites, or will you take a chance on something new? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
