They are inexpensive and produce an abundance of brightly colored flowers from spring to frost. Some are even winter-hardy if protected by a light mulch.
Annuals complete their growing cycle within one growing season.
Annuals are usually purchased in early spring and planted as soon as the last frost is past. Several annuals, such as pansy, snapdragon, stocks, and calendula, will withstand a light frost and can be planted earlier for establishment during cool weather. The annuals industry has grown tremendously in the last several years. Other leading annuals are geraniums from cuttings and seed, petunia, marigolds and fibrous begonias. Planting Site Annuals grow best when the soil in the planting site has been prepared beforehand to receive the transplants.