Annuals - No Garden Is Complete Without Them

Annuals are plants that experience their entire life cycle throughout one growing season. In other words, from the seed, to bloom, to setting seed - all happens in one “cycle”. It is nature's way of safeguarding against poor growing conditions due to extreme cold weather or long drought seasons. Annuals are able to withstand these harsh conditions until the time is right and will germinate immediately when the opportunity presents itself.

Annuals are constantly in a state of seed production and do not utilize much energy on growth. Because of this, many annuals tend to die off once they set seed because the goal has been accomplished. You can basically "trick" the plant into producing new flowers simply by removing faded flowers before they have a chance to form seeds.

Even though all annuals go through their life cycle within a single year, there are different types which germinate during different seasons. Here are examples of a few different types of annuals that are available:

1. Hardy annuals: They call annuals that are able to withstand heavy frost "hardy". Nurseries will typically offer hardy annuals after the spring time because you can plant them in your garden even though strong snows are likely to come. They will withstand the cold environment and bloom beautifully the first chance they have.

2. Half hardy annuals: The term "half hardy" is in reference to annuals that are only able to tolerate some cold and wet weather, as well as some light frost. However, they are not as durable and able to withstand heavy winter weather like full hardy annuals can.

3. Cool season annuals: Regardless if they are tender or hardy, cool season annuals are those plants that always prefer to be in the ground during the cold weather. Many types will germinate in the fall and then spend the entire winter as a small clump of leaves. Then during the spring, they will bloom the instant warm weather hits. Once the summer becomes abundant and high temperatures, the plants will succeed and die. Cool season annuals are best if planted during the fall.

4. Warm season annuals: These plants will germinate during late spring or early summer. Also, you must not rush them by trying to plant seeds or starting transplants too early, for they may rot or stunt. Most of the warm season annuals are extremely tender and will start to blacken at the first signs of cool weather. It's best to plant these annuals in the spring or fall.