An annual plant is one that completes its entire life cycle within one year. True annuals will germinate, grow foliage, flower, set seed and then die all within this time. This distinguishes them from Perennials which live for two or more years and biennials which usually grow only vegetation the first year and then flower the second year before dying. Gardening is not always so black and white of course. Many perennials and biennials are grown as annuals out of necessity. Tender perennials such as petunias, geraniums, tomatoes and sweet peppers are grown as annuals because they won't make it through colder winters or because their usefulness as a food plant is gone once the shorter days of winter set in.

The actual lifespan of annuals varies widely and may be as long as a full year or may take just a few weeks. Many desert annuals spend most of their time as seeds completing their life cycle within just a few weeks. Once they begin to flower, annuals spend a lot of energy producing flowers and seed in the hopes that some of them will be viable for germination during the next growing season. Perennials by contrast tend to produce fewer seeds that may have to wait a few years before the conditions are just right for germination.

Most gardeners are primarily interested in ornamental annuals, called bedding plants which are used to add a lot of color to the garden throughout the spring and summer. This vibrant show of color is a result of these plants devoting so much energy to flowering and seed production in just a season.

Annuals are a varied group of plants and require a variety of growing conditions. Talk to your local nurseryman or woman to see what will work in your area. They will know best what plants to select, how to prepare the soil and how to maintain them. Perhaps the most important and universal care tip that you can do to enjoy blooms all summer long is to deadhead flowers that are done blooming. Removing old flowers will encourage the production of new flowers and trick the plant into thinking that it still hasn't gone to seed. Happy gardening!