Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle within one growing season. This means that they germinate, grow, flower, produce seeds and die all in the span of one year. They are also known as "seasonal" or "bedding" plants because they are typically used to add color and interest to gardens during a specific season. Annuals can be classified into cool-season and warm-season varieties depending on when they thrive best. Cool-season annuals prefer cooler temperatures in the spring or fall while warm-season annuals thrive in warmer temperatures during the summer. Some examples of popular annual flowers include petunias, marigolds, zinnias, and impatiens. Annuals are often preferred by gardeners for their vibrant colors, ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, and their versatility in different garden designs. Unlike perennials which come back year after year, annuals need to be replanted each season but offer continuous blooms throughout the growing season.
