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The Garden Helper, Helping gardeners grow their dreams since 1997

How to Grow and Care for your Favorite

Annual Plants and Flowers

Willy will Return You to the Home Page Annual plants are those whose life cycle lasts for only one year. Their life cycle begins with the germination of the seed.
The plant then blooms, producing the next generation of seed, after which the parent plant dies.
Removing the blooms prior to them going to seed will prolong the life of the plant.
Annual plants will often re-seed themselves, or the seeds may be collected, prepared and re-sown.
Annuals are an excellent way to create a dramatic splash of summer color in the garden, or for long blooming annual baskets.
African Daisies Osteospermum barberae Osteospermums should be grown in full sun, but they will tolerate some partial shade. Their blooming season begins in early spring and continues until the first frosts of fall.
Annual Asters Callistephus chinensis his annual plant is a native to Asia.The flowers range in color from blue, white, red, yellow, or pink on 1'-3' stems.
Aster care Aster Annual varieties of Asters should not be planted in the same spot the following year, to prevent plant diseases such as Aster wilt.
Bat-Face Plant Cuphea A tender Perennial grown as Annual, Cupheas grow best in full, bright sun but will tolerate periods of light shade. Hummingbird Flower
Bellflower Campanula calacanthema There are about three hundred different species of Campanula. They prefer full sun and rich, well drained soil. They should be kept well watered, especially when in bloom.
Carnations, Pinks, Sweet William Dianthus Most Dianthus produce richly fragrant flowers in the spring or summer, sometimes extending right up until the first frost.
Castor Beans Ricinus communis One of the fastest growing plants I've seen... up to 15 feet in a season. Seeds are extremely toxic!
Chocolate Cosmos Cosmos atrosanguineus The dark maroon flowers appear on wirey 18 inch stems from June until frost and produce a pleasant chocolate scent
Cinerarias Senecio cruentus Cinerarias are most commonly grown as House Plants, but require cool night temperatures if you want an extended blooming period.
Cockscomb Celosia Argentea Plumosas resemble plume like feathers, while Cristata looks like a rooster's comb with crested heads and ridges
Corydalis Corydalis sempervivens Pink Corydalis is a Spring flowering annual which is native to western Washington and southwestern British Columbia
Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus Cosmos are extremely heat and drought tolerant.They like full sun and do well in poor, unfertile soil
Creeping Zinnia Sanvitalia speciosa Creeping Zinnia is a bright little yellow flowering annual plant. They should be planted in rich, well draining soil, in full sun.
Floss Flower Ageratum Ageratum is known for its furry mounds of long lasting floss-like blue flowers, occasionally you can find them in white and pink.
Foxgloves Digitalis purpurea Foxglove is a biennial flower which is native to Europe but now grows wild in most temperate climates of the world.
Morning glory Ipomoea Morning glory vines grow very fast, and will reach 10 feet or more within the first two months after the seeds sprout.
Moss Rose Portulaca Grandiflora Portulaca seeds should be sown outside after your last frost has passed. Seeds will germinate within 10-15 days.
Nemesia Nemesia strumosa Brightly colored annual which quickly grows to a height of 12 inches. Nemesias grow and flower best in full sun
Ornamental Kale Brassica oleracea These plants are very showy, and come in a variety of colors, ranging from white to pinks, purples or reds, extremely cold-tolerant
Painted Nettle Coleus blumei Coleus plants are durable and easy to grow. They are best known for their bright colors, and variety of foliage forms
Pansies Viola Pansies have their own unique set of cultural requirements that differ from other summer annuals. Planting time is critical
Persian Buttercups Ranunculus asiaticus Beautiful flowers that almost look artificial, full sun, Butterfly flower
Pin Cushion Plant Nertera granadensis The Pin Cushion Plant is a fast growing tropical plant that produces an abundance of tiny orange berries just in time for halloween
Poor Man's Orchid Schizanthus The colorful orchid like flowers of the Butterfly Flower contrast beautifully against the soft, feathery foliage of this annual
Snapdragons Antirrhinum Majas Fragrant lavender, white, orange, lemon yellow to pink, and red flowers, attract butterflies, red variety is a hummingbird favorite.
Strawflower Bracteantha bracteata Paper Daisys need moist, but well drained soil. They should be grown in full sun or partial shade. They can be propagated by cuttings or from seed
Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus The plants should be grown in rich, moist soil, and require regular watering during the summer months
Violets Viola pedata Violets, Viola pedata, may be directly sown into the garden at anytime from spring through fall

Helpful Growing Information

Planting and Growing Annuals
Growing Plants from Seeds
Collecting, Sowing and Growing Wildflower Seeds