Photograph by Britt Willoughby Dyer for Gardenista
Looking to plant annuals, but don't know where to start? Here are 10 lessons we've learned to help you fall in love with these (often misunderstood) plants.
Photo by Jim Powell
1. There's a good reason annuals have a short life span.
Photo by Jim Powell
Annuals use most of their energy to produce flowers and seeds, instead of their root systems.
2. Every garden can benefit from annuals.
Photo by Justine Hand
3. There are annuals that are actually perennials.
Photo by Jim Powell
4. And there are some that act like perennials.
Photo by Mimi Giboin
Some annuals will cleverly reseed themselves in order to come back next season.
5. You'll want to stay clear of "bully" annuals.
Photo by Michelle Slatalla
Certain annuals can excessively self-seed, displacing native plants.
6. Pollinators may prefer perennials.
Photo by Jim Powell
7. You can grow some annuals from seed.
Photo by Kendra Wilson
8. For best results, you'll need to plant them right away.
Photo by Sara Barrett
Plant annuals as soon as possible after purchasing.
9. Annuals are hungry (and thirsty).
Photo by Mike Sutton via Flickr
Feed your annuals each month with a water-soluble organic fertilizer.
10. And they need primping, too.
Photo courtesy of Floret Farm
To ensure a continuous bloom, annuals should be deadheaded right after they fade.
Photo courtesy of Floret Farm