Annuals: Variety and Care
Annual plants complete their life cycle in one growing season, meaning they germinate, grow, flower, produce fruit and seeds, and die within a year.
- Life cycle
Most annuals are planted in the spring, bloom in the summer, and die in the fall. However, some annuals, called winter annuals, germinate in the fall, are dormant in the winter, and grow again in the spring and summer.Â
 - Appearance
Annuals are known for their bright colors and showy blooms. They have strong fragrances to attract pollinators like insects.Â
- Uses
Annuals are often used to fill gaps in perennial flower beds, as border plants, in container gardens, or as bedding plants.Â
 - Examples
Many garden flowers and vegetables are annuals, including tomatoes, peppers, squash, zinnias, and cosmos.Â
 - CareAnnuals generally dislike cold, damp soil and shade. Half-hardy and tender types can’t survive frost, so young plants should be kept indoors until late May or early June.
