Annuals are among the most popular of all flowering plants, loved by gardeners around the world for their color, hardiness, variety and beauty. Since annuals must be planted afresh every year, however, it is important to start them properly in order to have a fresh vibrant garden.

What sets annuals apart from other varieties of plants like perennials and bulbs is that annuals complete their entire life cycle within a single season. That means they sprout from seed, grow, bloom, then die to ground all within one growing season.

Most types of annuals can be successfully started from seeds, and many experienced gardeners prefer to grow their plants from seed. Growing from seed provides a greater degree of control, and a lower costs as well. Most types of annuals can be successfully seeded directly in prepared seed beds. That approach allows the annuals to be started indoors and then transplanted outdoors at a later date.

For those who prefer not to grow their annuals directly from seed, they can also be purchased as ready to plant transplants. This approach allows the gardener to see the results of his or her efforts more quickly, and it can also allow the gardener to choose the healthiest, most robust plants.