Annual Plants

An annual plant is one that completes its life cycle in a single year, seed to seed.

Plants used as annuals may however be perennials - plants that live for a number of years - but are much better in their first year such as pansies that just get weak, leggy and tatty if kept any longer. Others are not winter hardy in most regions and it is more convenient to discard them in the winter months and start again next year rather than find space in a frost-free growing environment for them for a few months, Geraniums (Pelargoniums) fall into this group.

Annuals are usually quick growing repeat blooming plants (deadheading always helps though) that provide a profusion of flowers from an early age. They are widely used in containers especially in the summer.

In warmer areas where there is no frost in the winter, they may well happily survive as long-lived perennials.

Annuals also make easy and cheap (if short-lived) houseplants for a bright sunny spot.