Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Ornamental annuals are propagated by seed and are classified based on their planting requirements into:
- Annuals that must be started in a nursery and transplanted.
- Annuals that are sown directly into their final garden beds.
Direct-sown annuals typically have large seeds, fast growth, or delicate root systems that do not tolerate transplantation shock well.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each of the listed annuals:
(A) Pansy, (C) Stock:
These annuals have very tiny seeds and slow early growth.
They are started in nursery trays under controlled conditions and transplanted into garden beds once they develop 4--6 true leaves.
Thus, (A) and (C) are not directly sown.
(B) Nasturtium:
Nasturtium has large, hardy seeds and a sensitive, fragile root system.
It does not tolerate root disturbance and often fails if transplanted.
Therefore, it is always sown directly into its final garden beds.
Thus, (B) is directly sown.
(D) Hollyhock:
Hollyhock is a tall, fast-growing biennial/annual with a deep taproot system.
Because taproots are easily damaged during transplantation, sowing the seeds directly into their final location is highly recommended to ensure healthy root and stem development.
Thus, (D) is directly sown.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Nasturtium (B) and Hollyhock (D) are directly sown in garden beds.
This corresponds to Option (D).