Most of us know the difference between annuals and perennials. Perennials either grow all year round or they come back every year, while annuals germinate, grow, and die all in one season. Many of the plants we grow as annuals are technically perennials, and they would continue to grow if they were either in a warmer climate or not harvested to be consumed.
There are a few true annuals, some whose whole life cycle lasts only a few weeks. The really short-lived plants are usually desert plants that spend most of the year as a seed, until the rainy season comes. And, there are a few true annuals that are popular for gardening, most of those being grown for food.
Annual flowers will pop up in the spring with really bright colors and loud fragrances to attract pollinating insects and humming birds. They exist only to mature to seed, then they die and start the cycle all over again. Fortunately, we gardeners, also benefit from those showy flowers and sweet aromas.
Park Seed’s Annuals and Tropicals
A couple of really great annuals
Marigold Antigua Yellow
Fresh Look Celosia
Thomas
Park Seed Company