Annual Plants

Annuals are plants that typically germinate, grow, flower, set seed and die within a single year. Unlike perennials, which return year after year, annuals have a long period of blooming, in some cases all summer long, like cosmos, pansies or petunias. Perennials usually only bloom for two to four weeks out of the year.

In cooler climates, a number of biennials and perennials that are not cold-hardy are grown as annuals. Carrot, celery and parsley are biennials that are usually grown as annual crops for their edible parts. Tomato, sweet potato and bell pepper are tender perennial vegetables. Tender perennial flowers can be dug up and saved for use the next season, but many people don't bother to do that for tuberous begonia, caladium, canna or dahlia plants. Coleus plants are grown chiefly for their colorful foliage rather than their flowers. They root easily from cuttings and can be grown on windowsills all winter long.

Many annuals will self-seed vigorously, so they should be cut back before their flowers set seed if you don't want them to overrun your garden. This would include cleome (spider plant), four-o'clock, nigella (love-in-a-mist), morning glory and touch-me-not.

Other popular annuals that will grow well in most climates include bachelor buttons, heliotrope (very fragrant), larkspur, lobelia, marigold (repels insect pests), nasturtium (edible), nicotiana (flowering tobacco), salvia and snapdragon. Annuals are especially effective grouped in containers for a showy display. Using annuals is also an excellent way to fill in the spaces in a perennial border or rock garden.