Characteristics of Annuals
Annual plants, as the name implies, only last on growing season and need to be replanted each year. This type of plant germinates, flowers and sets seed all in one growing season. There are warm-season and cool-season annuals varieties. The cool-season types develop roots and foliage in during the mild temperatures of early spring and fall, while warm-season annuals grow best in summer. Cool-season annuals can withstand a fairly heavy frost, while and warm-season annuals cannot and must be planted after all danger of frost has passed.
Care of Annuals
Annuals require moist, but not soggy soils after planting or sowing. They also require feeding with water-soluble fertilizer. In areas with cold winters, feed the annuals after blooming begins and in warm climates, feed the annuals after blooming begins and again late in the summer, because warmer climates have a longer growing period. Annuals often require deadheading to encourage more blooms. You can pinch or cut off spent flowers, making sure to remove no more than one-third of the plant.