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The best annuals for beginner gardeners

by Sharon Eastman 04/10/2023

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

Sharon Eastman

Sharon is active in all areas of real estate in Park City, Deer Valley and outlying areas. She helps buyers and sellers of single family homes, condos, land, second homes, and investment properties. Her clients are fiercely loyal to her because of her reputation for integrity, her extensive knowledge of the local market, and her negotiating skills and professionalism. Her work ethic is top notch, her energy is unmatched, her intense focus is on the needs of her clients, and her commitment to deliver success exceeds expectations.