Question: My cockscomb plants are in flower when I buy them, but they never really take hold after that. It seems like they never look as good as the plants I see in old neighborhoods. I assume those plants have come back from seeds every year.

Answer: If you want to try cockscomb, set out transplants that have yet to form flower buds. You’ll be the astute gardener who knows that cockscombs, marigolds, zinnias, verbenas and other annuals that are already in flower when you buy them may not ever do much more flowering once they’re planted.