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.

Annuals are among the most popular types of plants, and they are attractive to all levels of gardeners, from the first time gardener to the most experienced. Annuals certainly have much to recommend them, including beautiful blooms, bright vibrant colors, low cost and hardiness.

What sets annuals apart from other types of flowers is that they complete their entire life cycle in a single growing season. That means they grow from seed, bloom, set seed and die all within a single season. This of course means that annuals must be planted anew every year, but the gardener is rewarded for his or her hard work by a garden full of beautiful blossoms.

More on Popular varieties of annuals for the home garden

Annuals are among the most popular of all flowering plants, and it is hard to beat annuals for low cost, beautiful blooms and ease of planting. All most annuals need in order to thrive is proper water, sufficient sunlight and a good well balanced soil. Let’s take a quick look at each of these important elements for growing a spectacular bed of annuals. Soil Most types of annuals will do best in when given a well drained soil containing a moderate amount of humus. If you start a compost bin at home, you can provide your own high quality humus, or you can buy prepared humus from your favorite garden store. If your soil is very dry or contains a lot of clay it can be supplemented with manure or high quality compost.

Sunlight

Most varieties of annuals need to have at least six hours of full sunlight per day. Many types of annuals, such as argeratum, browallia, coleus, fuschia, dianthus, pansy, and impatiens, do well in partial shade or in filtered sunlight, but few if any annuals will thrive in complete shade. It is important to take these sunlight needs into account when planning your flower bed.

More on Gardening with annuals