Beginner-friendly flowering annuals

by Jennifer Abner 11/21/2022

When it comes to flowering plants, gardeners have the choice of annuals or perennials. Annual plants have a single-year life cycle and must be replanted again if you want them to return. Perennials, however, will grow again year after year - sometimes decades in the right conditions.

While perennials might seem like the go-to for low maintenance flowers, there are plenty of annuals perfect for a beginner gardener to introduce into their garden. Here are some suggestions for beginner-friendly annuals:

Cosmos

Cosmos are hardy annual flowers that you can plant directly into outdoor soil. They don’t require very much water to grow and multiply - in fact, cosmos tend to thrive in warmer, drier conditions. While technically an annual, cosmos self-seed, meaning they’ll come back in future seasons automatically.

Pansies

Pansies are a staple in window boxes, hanging baskets and garden beds wherever there’s a suitable climate. Pansies are some of the best annual flowers for cool climates, even surviving below-freezing temperatures despite their delicate petals. These annuals are best planted in early spring in a location where they can enjoy the morning sun.

Marigolds

Marigolds are extremely popular flowering annuals that can bloom all summer long with minimal effort. The beautiful blooms come in a spectrum of yellows, oranges and reds, making them perfect for autumn gardens when planted later in the summer. Allow the soil to dry out a bit before watering again, and avoid getting the colorful flowers wet, as they are sensitive to rot.

Planting annuals can be extremely rewarding, even with minimal effort. While some flowering annuals perform best with regular deadheading, you can enjoy these bold blooms at any gardening skill level.

About the Author
Author

Jennifer Abner

Hi, I'm Jennifer Abner and I'd love to assist you. I'll support and guide you through the buying, selling, and relocation experience with candid advice, creative thinking, and a can-do, get-things-done spirit. My attention to detail and follow-through make the process flow smoothly for you. When I make a commitment, you know it will get done! With an easy-going manner and sense of humor, you will find that I make home buying and selling a pleasure. I strive to make people feel at ease.