Annuals offer a versatile solution for adding vibrancy to your outdoor spaces, whether it’s filling a bare spot in your garden or injecting color into containers on your patio. These plants are characterized by their ability to complete their life cycle within a single growing season, typically from spring to fall, before eventually dying off.
This characteristic makes them an attractive option for those seeking a pop of color that can be enjoyed throughout the entire growing period, as well as being a more affordable alternative to perennials. While annuals are often used for aesthetic purposes, they also provide opportunities for cultivating tasty herbs and vegetables. With their relatively low cost, you can achieve a significant impact with minimal investment.
Annuals vs. Perennials
Choosing annuals over perennials may seem counterintuitive at first, but there are several compelling reasons to consider the former. For instance, when you’re unsure about a particular planting area or don’t want to commit to a specific plant for an extended period, annuals offer a convenient solution. You won’t have to worry about a perennial taking up space and requiring maintenance, only to re-plant it each year if your preferences change.
Additionally, annuals tend to be more budget-friendly upfront compared to perennials. With minimal upkeep required beyond watering and occasional fertilizing for certain varieties, you can enjoy the beauty of these plants without the hassle. And let’s not forget about their show-stopping blooms – many annuals produce impressive displays that perennials simply can’t match.
15 Annuals Worth Planting
Each spring, many gardeners face the dilemma of deciding which plants to replant and which to let go. To make this process easier, I’ve compiled a list of 15 annual herbs and flowers that I believe are worth planting every year, providing a consistent burst of color and fragrance in your outdoor space.
Zinnias
Zinnias hold a special place in my heart – I just can’t get enough of them! These vibrant flowers bring a pop of color to my garden all summer long, drawing in pollinators like butterflies and bees. When it comes to their bloom time, zinnias typically start flowering during the summer months and continue until the first frost. As for when to plant them, I’ve found that starting them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date gives them a strong head start.
Transplanting can be a bit tricky, but with some TLC (and gentle handling), they thrive just as well outside as in. For optimal growth, make sure to provide full sun, consistent watering (though they’re surprisingly drought-tolerant!), and rich soil amending with compost. If you’re starting from seed, the variety options are endless – I recommend mixing things up with a colorful blend for maximum visual impact.
Petunias
These charming flowers are a common sight at hardware and grocery stores in early summer, often adding a pop of color to neighborhood landscaping or hanging pots on patios. If you’re interested in bringing some beauty to your outdoor space, you might be wondering when these lovely blooms will start to appear.
The answer is that they typically bloom in the spring and summer months. But before you can enjoy their vibrant colors, you’ll need to get them planted.
Timing is key – it’s best to plant petunias as soon as there’s no longer a risk of frost in your area. To give yourself a head start, begin starting seeds about six to ten weeks before the last expected frost date.
Once you’ve got your petunias in the ground, make sure they’re getting enough sunlight – full sun is ideal. As for soil type, don’t worry too much; petunias are relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of conditions.
Just be sure to keep an eye out for droughts and water them regularly to ensure their continued health.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a striking addition to any garden or landscape, offering an impressive display well into autumn and making for lovely cut flowers. Not only can you harvest seeds from these towering blooms, but you can also plant them in your vegetable garden to provide shelter for delicate plants from harsh winds. Plus, their unique shape adds visual interest to any design. When it comes to sunflowers’ flowering period, expect to see them bloom from summer to fall.
For optimal growth, direct sow sunflower seeds in mid-spring once the soil has warmed up. Alternatively, start them indoors about two weeks prior to the last frost date. With a relatively low maintenance requirement, sunflowers thrive in full sun and can tolerate poor soils and drought conditions.
Marigolds
Marigolds have earned a permanent spot in my garden due to their striking beauty and functional benefits. Their vibrant appearance is undeniable, while their pungent aroma has proven effective in repelling unwanted pests. One of the most significant advantages is that they’ve kept nightshade pests at bay, ensuring a pest-free growing season. These annual flowers typically bloom from spring through fall.
When it comes to planting marigolds, there are two approaches: starting seeds indoors about eight weeks prior to the final frost date or transplanting store-bought plants once the danger of frost has passed. For optimal growth, ensure they receive full sun and can thrive in any type of soil. If growing among vegetable plants, avoid shading them with foliage and provide sufficient light and warmth. Regular watering is essential, but make sure the soil has a chance to dry out between waterings.
Basil
Basil, an annual herb, offers numerous benefits. Its sweet aroma, vibrant appearance, and attraction of pollinators make it a valuable addition to any garden or kitchen. With its popularity in Italian cuisine, basil is a staple for many cooking enthusiasts. The variety of options available, including Thai basil for those who love pad sew dishes, only adds to its appeal.
Basil blooms during the summer months when left unpruned.
To maintain its culinary value, frequent harvesting and pruning are necessary to prevent flowering. For those growing basil for consumption, it’s essential to control the plant’s flowering cycle.
When planting basil, wait until the danger of frost has passed before transplanting. If starting from seed, begin at least two months prior to ensure a healthy start. For optimal growth, basil prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Dill
Growing cucumbers without incorporating dill into your garden would be a missed opportunity, considering its numerous benefits. Not only does it provide a natural flavor complement for pickling purposes, but its attractive blooms also draw in pollinators, making it an excellent addition to any garden. Furthermore, dill is a prolific re-seeder, allowing it to return in the spring if left to self-sow. As far as timing goes, dill typically blooms during the summertime months.
To ensure successful growth, start planting at least a month prior to your area’s last frost date. This will give the seeds ample time to germinate and establish themselves before the onset of warm weather. In terms of care, dill thrives in areas that receive plenty of sunlight, so choose a location that meets this requirement. Additionally, keep the soil consistently moist by watering frequently.
Cilantro
Cilantro, my favorite herb, sparks intense emotions in people. At social gatherings, the debate about whether to love or hate it often unfolds. I firmly believe that this annual plant is a must-have for any kitchen due to its remarkable versatility, akin to basil. As for when cilantro blooms, spring is the answer. When it comes to planting, starting seeds indoors around two weeks prior to the last frost date yields the best results.
To ensure a steady harvest, succession sowing is also recommended. When it comes to care tips, it’s essential to note that while cilantro can tolerate partial shade, it thrives in full sun. Consistent moisture until seedlings are established is also crucial for their healthy growth.
Parsley
Parsley is a versatile plant that serves as both a culinary delight and a vital food source for swallowtail caterpillars. For gardeners dealing with pesky carrot pests, growing parsley as a sacrificial crop can be a game-changer. This biennial herb also boasts an impressive array of health benefits, making it a valuable addition to any garden. As parsley is typically grown as an annual, it’s essential to know when it will bloom.
Happily, this plant tends to flower after winter, providing a lovely burst of color in the colder months. For those looking to get started with parsley, it’s crucial to remember that seeds can be slow to germinate. To ensure success, begin sowing them at least a month prior to your region’s last frost date. In terms of care, parsley is surprisingly adaptable. While it can tolerate partial shade, it truly thrives in the sun.
To keep your plants healthy and happy, make sure to harvest and water frequently – this will help prevent bolting and keep your parsley bushy and productive.
Dahlias
This year, I welcomed dahlias into my garden with an impulsive purchase that has proven to be a fantastic decision. These star-shaped blooms have continued to thrive, offering a stunning display of color even when viewed from a distance. As for their blooming schedule, dahlias typically flower throughout the summer until a killing frost sets in. When it comes to planting them, keep in mind that dahlias are tubers rather than seeds.
To get started, begin growing them indoors about a month prior to your region’s last frost date if you’re in an area with a short summer. For those with a longer summer, simply plant the tubers once spring arrives and the soil has warmed up enough for digging. Another money-saving tip is to dig up the bulbs, store them during the winter, and replant them the following year. In terms of care, be sure to give dahlias full sun and well-draining soil.
Regular watering is also essential, especially during times of drought.
Moss Roses
In terms of visual appeal, these tiny button roses have a certain charm that even surpasses their real counterparts. However, it’s essential to note that they don’t offer the same longevity as perennials. Despite this limitation, I firmly believe they’re worth planting in the spring. Their vibrant colors are particularly impressive given their miniature size. As for blooming, button roses typically produce flowers from late spring until the first killing frost sets in.
When it comes to planting, direct sowing is recommended in late spring when the soil has had a chance to warm up. If you’re starting from seed and plan to transplant, be sure to give yourself at least two months’ head start to allow for proper growth. In terms of care, these flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil conditions. They also possess remarkable drought tolerance, making them an excellent choice for adding pops of color to rock gardens.
Gladioli
When it comes to adding a touch of elegance to your cut flower arrangements, gladioli are a great choice. Their statuesque stems and vibrant blooms make them a popular pick among florists and gardeners alike. But before you start growing these beautiful flowers, let’s take a closer look at when they bloom and how to care for them.
Gladioli are annuals that come in a range of varieties, each with its own unique characteristics.
The timing of their blooms can vary depending on the specific type and your region. Some gladioli may start flowering in late spring, while others might take until early summer to unfurl their petals.
When it comes to planting these flowers, you’ll want to wait a few weeks after the last spring frost date in your area. This allows the soil to warm up and the corms (the underground storage organs that gladioli grow from) to get established.
In areas with mild winters, gladioli can be left in the ground year-round, but in colder climates, it’s best to dig them up and store the bulbs indoors until spring.
When growing gladioli, keep in mind that they prefer full sun to partial shade. If you live in an area with scorching summers, consider planting them in a spot that gets some afternoon shade to prevent burning. Throughout the summer months, make sure to water your gladioli regularly to ensure they receive enough moisture.
By following these simple care tips and waiting for the right moment to plant, you’ll be enjoying a bountiful harvest of beautiful gladioli blooms in no time.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are an annual favorite for cut flower arrangements, offering a prolonged bloom time that makes them well worth the effort. While they can be perennials in certain climates, many gardeners choose to grow them as annuals instead. These flowers typically bloom from spring through fall, with their flowering period pausing during periods of intense heat. However, they won’t succumb to the cold until a frost sets in.
When it comes to planting snapdragons, it’s essential to start them early and allow six to ten weeks for the plants to grow robustly before transplanting them in the spring. For optimal germination, ensure the soil is cool. In terms of care, snapdragons thrive in full or partial sun and require consistent moisture to keep their tender stems healthy. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of beautiful snapdragon blooms.
Gerbera Daisies
I’m utterly enamored with these vibrant gerberas! After purchasing a few plugs this year, I’ve been delighted by their constant blooming on my back deck – even my occasional neglect hasn’t deterred them from thriving. These flowers are perfect for creating a kaleidoscope of colors throughout the seasons.
As for when they bloom, gerberas are in full swing from spring to fall, providing an extended period of colorful beauty.
When it’s time to plant these lovelies?
Wait until the soil has warmed up and there’s no longer a risk of frost. Then, with a little TLC, you can enjoy their radiant petals.
Some care tips to keep in mind:
* Give them full sun for optimal blooming – they’ll still tolerate shade, but you might notice fewer blooms.* Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent any root rot issues. With proper conditions, these flowers will bloom beautifully and provide a pop of color to your outdoor space.
Begonias
Begonias are an excellent choice for adding color to shady areas or containers, as they not only tolerate partial sun but actually thrive in such conditions. Consider placing them in a spot that’s currently lacking vibrancy. Not only will begonias perform well here, but their container-friendly nature makes them easy to reposition if needed. The timing of when begonias bloom is from summer through fall, providing a delightful display of color during this period.
As for planting, it’s best to start or plant begonia bulbs in the spring once the soil has warmed and there’s no longer a risk of frost. To encourage continued blooming, make sure to deadhead spent flowers regularly. Also, maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil, avoiding waterlogged conditions.
Impatiens
For gardeners seeking a vibrant display that’s easy to maintain and draws in pollinators, impatiens are an excellent choice. These blooms burst forth during the spring and summer seasons. When it comes to planting or transplanting them, timing is everything.
Impatiens purchased from a nursery should be transplanted after the risk of frost has passed in the spring. If you’re starting from seed, do so early on, as they have a slower germination rate.
Give the plants at least three months to mature indoors before moving them outside. In some zones, impatiens are known to self-seed and return the following year.
To keep your impatiens thriving, be sure to choose a spot with partial shade and water regularly.
