Annuals FAQ

What exactly is an “annual” plant?

Basically, an annual plant is one that lasts a single growing season. Whether annual flower, annual grass, or annual plant of the foliage variety, these plants complete their entire growing cycle within the year – thus, “annual.”

What are the advantages of “annual” plantings?

Since annual flowers and plants are “nature’s sprinters” by necessity, they reach full maturity in a short period of time. More blossoms, more blooms, more highlights, or more extensive ground cover is achieved in a relatively short period of time. As a gardener or landscaper you are rewarded every season when you use annual flowers and plants.

Plus, annuals are much more affordable than perennials and offer you more flexibility. And if this year’s plan is going to change next year, there’s no messy and delicate replanting. Whether you grow annual flowers and plants from seed or flats of young annuals, the season you plant is the season you are rewarded.

Do annual flowers and annual plants work in all soil types and sun conditions?

Generally, yes. There are so many different varieties of annual flowers and plants that will thrive in full sun or shade, rich earth or sandy soils, pest resistant, even pest repellant (that old standby - marigolds), acidic dirt or even rock walls. Whether you’re looking for a splash of color with a bed of annual flowers, landscape accent with all shades of foliage, or ground cover from annual rye grass to creeping vines, annual plants have been designed by nature, and helped from plant breeders over the ages, to work everywhere and fill every niche.

What about annual plants that go to seed? Will they take over my beds?

Certain annuals do produce seeds. That’s what plants do. Modern hybrids and varieties may, in rare cases, present a problem with “carryover.” Most modern annual flowers do not produce viable seed. But for the most part, annual flowers and annual plants last just that one growing season. The convenience and ease you get in giving your yard, garden or display the “right” touch with well-chosen annual plants and annual flowers.

Do annual flowers and annual plants work well in containers?

Yes, annuals work great in pots, barrels, window planters, even old boots – if you take care to give them the right soil, water, and other conditions they need to thrive. From apartment balconies, to patios, sunrooms, wall boxes, or spacious country drives, annual flowers and plants work everywhere.