How To Grow Annuals And Biennials

In the world of gardening there’s certainly a lot of jargon and new language to pick up. For new, enthusiastic gardeners this can be slightly off putting and can also make gardening quite the challenge in the first few years. As you grow accustomed to new practices, ways of speaking and lingo you’ve simply never had to use before, gardening can seem a bit bewildering. However, once you put a trowel to soil and grow into your gardening gloves, everything will soon become clear. 

Two words that are commonly used in gardening are annuals and biennials. And to the average person this may just sound like two words describe different flowering periods but there’s certainly more to it than that. It’s important for any gardener to learn about not just species of plants but the different types of plants too and their varying life cycles. Keep reading to uncover what these two words mean and how these types of plants differ. 

What is an annual 

An annual is a plant that will go through its entire life cycle in one year. Meaning it will germinate, grow, flower, set seed, and die in the total of one year. Annuals, while they don’t have a long lifespan, are a popular choice for guaranteed colour and vibrancy. They help to create beautiful displays and are most commonly used in bedding. What’s more they are often a cost-effective option for gardeners and are very easy to grow. 

How to plant annuals 

Typically, when planting an annual you should choose a sunny spot. Most varieties need full sun although some do not mind partial shade. There are a range of annuals to choose from, in particular hardy annuals which can be planted in Autumn since they are capable of surviving the frost. These annuals will provide healthy blooms for you from early spring and into summer. 

Tender annuals, on the other hand, require extra attention and are typically sown indoors in the springtime. However some which are able to flower within a matter of weeks can be sown outdoors as late as early summer. Still providing plenty of time to enjoy their blooms until the first frost. 

What is a biennial 

A biennial is similar to an annual but, as the name suggests, the lifecycle of these plants spans two years instead of one. A biennial will spend the first year of its life growing while the second year will see their first flowering period. 

How to plant biennials 

Biennials are not too dissimilar in the way they liked to grow, however they thrive best when planted a little later than annuals, usually in the summer. This gives them plenty of time to establish their roots over winter, providing enough time for a long flowering period the following spring and summer. 

If you purchase a biennial as a young plant rather than a seed, they can be planted in spring. 

Much like annuals, biennials like a fairly sunny spot and can be planted in most of your beds, containers and even your hanging baskets. 

Examples of Annuals:

• Flowers: Marigolds, zinnias, petunias, cosmos, sunflowers, nasturtiums  
• Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, lettuce, beans, peas

Examples of Biennials:

• Flowers: Foxgloves, sweet williams, forget-me-nots, wallflowers  
• Vegetables: Carrots, beets, onions
    

Perennials 

Another important type of plant to know is a perennial, which is often referred to when buying and selling plants. A perennial is a plant that can live and grow for more than two years. And with each season they will often get bigger, stronger and produce more blooms. 

Understanding the difference between these types of plants allows you the opportunity to explore a range of plants and also create a garden full of variety. With some flowers blooming every year, while introducing new, colourful annuals to beds and watching biennials develop over the course of their lives. 

Top gardening tip! 

All is not lost once your annuals and biennials have reached the end of their lives. You can in fact collect their seeds, just as they finish flowering which you sow in the following year, either in spring or early summer to continue enjoying your annuals and biennials, without having to buy from new. This is a great way to practise your gardening skills but to also create a self-sufficient garden. 

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.