what are annual plants

Annual plants are plants that complete their life cycle, from germination to the production of seeds, within one growing season, and then die. The length of growing seasons and period in which they occur vary depending on the plant species and the climate. Annuals are different from perennials, which persist for many growing seasons, and biennials, which require two years to complete their life cycle. Some examples of true annuals include corn, wheat, rice, lettuce, peas, watermelon, beans, zinnia, and marigold. Annuals are popular for their long flowering period, which can last until the first frost arrives. They are perfect for temporarily filling in bare spots in established gardens or refreshing containers through the season. Annuals are also used in vegetable gardens to add a splash of color, to fill in gaps when early-season crops are harvested, and to attract pollinators to increase production of edible crops. Some annuals may act like perennials, reseeding the planting bed or container for the next growing season.