Annuals

The best annuals for your garden depend on your climate, soil conditions, and the aesthetic you want to achieve, but there are several standout choices that are beloved for their vibrant colors, long blooming periods, and ease of care. Here’s a list of some of the top annuals to grow:

1. Petunias

  • Why they’re great: Petunias are classic garden favorites because they come in a wide range of colors and flower shapes, from vibrant purples and pinks to whites and reds. They bloom profusely all season long, from spring to fall.
  • Best for: Hanging baskets, borders, and containers.
  • Sunlight: Full sun.

2. Marigolds

  • Why they’re great: Marigolds are hardy, low-maintenance, and have cheerful, bright yellow, orange, or red flowers. They also repel certain pests, making them a great companion plant in vegetable gardens.
  • Best for: Flower beds, borders, and companion planting.
  • Sunlight: Full sun.

3. Zinnias

  • Why they’re great: Zinnias are easy to grow, heat-tolerant, and come in a variety of bold, vibrant colors, including pink, red, yellow, and orange. They also attract butterflies and make great cut flowers.
  • Best for: Flower beds, cut flower gardens, and containers.
  • Sunlight: Full sun.

4. Impatiens

  • Why they’re great: Impatiens are perfect for shady areas where many other flowers won’t thrive. They offer vibrant colors like red, pink, white, and purple, with glossy green foliage.
  • Best for: Shade gardens, hanging baskets, and containers.
  • Sunlight: Partial to full shade.

5. Coleus

  • Why they’re great: While Coleus is primarily grown for its striking foliage rather than its flowers, its colorful, variegated leaves come in a variety of reds, purples, pinks, and greens. It thrives in both sun and shade, making it versatile.
  • Best for: Shade gardens, containers, and as accent plants in flower beds.
  • Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun.

6. Sunflowers

  • Why they’re great: Sunflowers are iconic for their large, cheerful blooms and towering height. They’re easy to grow, attract pollinators like bees and birds, and add a bold focal point to any garden.
  • Best for: Flower beds, cutting gardens, and as a backdrop in larger garden spaces.
  • Sunlight: Full sun.

7. Snapdragons

  • Why they’re great: Snapdragons have distinctive, colorful flowers that come in almost every shade imaginable. They can handle cooler temperatures and bloom from spring through fall.
  • Best for: Borders, flower beds, and containers.
  • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.

8. Begonias

  • Why they’re great: Begonias are perfect for shady spots and bring a lot of color with their vibrant blooms, which can be red, pink, orange, or white. Their attractive, glossy foliage adds visual interest.
  • Best for: Containers, hanging baskets, and shade gardens.
  • Sunlight: Partial to full shade.

9. Geraniums (Pelargoniums)

  • Why they’re great: Geraniums are a favorite for their rich colors and the ease with which they grow in containers, hanging baskets, and flower beds. They can tolerate dry conditions and bloom continuously in warm weather.
  • Best for: Containers, hanging baskets, and borders.
  • Sunlight: Full sun.

10. Nasturtiums

  • Why they’re great: Nasturtiums offer bright, edible flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. They’re low-maintenance, great for poor soil, and attract pollinators while also being deer- and rabbit-resistant.
  • Best for: Ground covers, hanging baskets, and vegetable gardens.
  • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.

11. Alyssum

  • Why they’re great: Known for its sweet fragrance and small, delicate flowers in shades of white, purple, or pink, alyssum makes a beautiful ground cover or border plant. It also attracts pollinators.
  • Best for: Edging, ground cover, and containers.
  • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.

12. Sweet Peas

  • Why they’re great: Sweet peas are known for their fragrant, colorful flowers, which come in a variety of pastels and bold hues. They’re perfect for adding vertical interest to your garden when grown on trellises or fences.
  • Best for: Vertical gardening, cutting gardens, and trellises.
  • Sunlight: Full sun.

13. Calibrachoa (Million Bells)

  • Why they’re great: Calibrachoa resembles tiny petunias but with a more compact growth habit. They come in a wide range of colors and bloom profusely, making them ideal for hanging baskets and containers.
  • Best for: Hanging baskets, containers, and window boxes.
  • Sunlight: Full sun.

14. Cosmos

  • Why they’re great: Cosmos are easy-to-grow, with delicate, daisy-like flowers in pink, white, or red. They attract pollinators and are great for adding a wildflower aesthetic to your garden.
  • Best for: Wildflower gardens, cutting gardens, and borders.
  • Sunlight: Full sun.

15. Lobelia

  • Why they’re great: Lobelia produces delicate, trailing flowers in shades of blue, purple, white, or pink, making it perfect for hanging baskets and container gardens.
  • Best for: Hanging baskets, containers, and border plants.
  • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.

Considerations:

  • Climate & Growing Zone: Some annuals may thrive better in certain climates, so consider your USDA hardiness zone when choosing plants.
  • Water & Soil: Most annuals prefer well-drained soil and consistent watering. Some, like marigolds and zinnias, are more drought-tolerant, while others, like impatiens and begonias, prefer moist, shady environments.
  • Maintenance: Some annuals, like petunias, require deadheading to maintain bloom production, while others, like marigolds, can be left to grow with minimal upkeep.

These annuals can help create a colorful, dynamic garden that changes throughout the season, giving you plenty of variety and beauty.