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Annual Plants: A Guide for Beginners
Annual plants are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season. They are typically grown from seed and will bloom for a few months before dying back in the fall. Annuals are a great way to add color and interest to your garden, and they are relatively easy to care for.
Types of Annual Plants
There are many different types of annual plants, including:
- Bedding plants: These are plants that are typically grown in containers or hanging baskets. They are often used to add color to patios, decks, and other outdoor areas.
- Cleome: These plants have tall, slender stems with clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers. They are a popular choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Cosmos: These plants have daisy-like flowers that come in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, orange, and white. They are a good choice for attracting pollinators.
- Impatiens: These plants have large, showy flowers that come in a variety of colors. They are a good choice for shady areas.
- Marigold: These plants have bright, yellow or orange flowers. They are a good choice for repelling pests.
- Petunia: These plants have trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors. They are a popular choice for hanging baskets and containers.
- Salvia: These plants have spikes of brightly colored flowers. They are a good choice for attracting hummingbirds.
- Snapdragon: These plants have tall, slender stems with clusters of brightly colored flowers. They are a good choice for cutting gardens.
- Viola: These plants have small, heart-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors. They are a good choice for shady areas.
- Zinnia: These plants have daisy-like flowers that come in a variety of colors. They are a good choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
How to Choose Annual Plants
When choosing annual plants, it is important to consider the following factors:
- The amount of sunlight your garden receives
- The size of your garden
- The type of soil you have
- Your personal preferences
Caring for Annual Plants
Annual plants are relatively easy to care for. They need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather. They also need to be fertilized every few weeks. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) will help to encourage new blooms.
With proper care, annual plants will provide you with months of beautiful blooms.
