Annuals

The term 'Annual' describes a plant whose entire life cycle , from seed germination to the plant's death, takes place within one year.

Those that are able to withstand frost are known as 'Hardy' annuals. The seed of these may be sown directly in the ground where they are to grow.

Those that cannot withstand frost are known as 'Half-Hardy' annuals and the seed of these is usually sown in tray or pots, in a greenhouse or indoors, where they can be protected from frost until they are planted out in their growing position, once any danger of frost is past.

Annuals are traditionally regarded as a quick and inexpensive means of achieving colour and filling gaps in the garden. They can bring life to any garden within a few months or, as cut flowers, any home. Although short lived, a large number of these plants flowers profusely over many weeks or even months. While most are used in bedding displays, containers and hanging baskets, some varieties with a trailing habit are particularly striking grown up a support or allowed to sprawl over a bank.

As there are many annual plants, I cannot list them all. I suggest that if you wish to find out more about individual plants, that you purchase one of the many good plant encyclopaedias such as the RHS Encyclopaedia of plants, but to start you of I have listed a few of the more popular annuals, listed under their most suitable use.

See my list of Annual Plants.