what is an annual plant

An annual plant is a plant that completes its entire life cycle, from germination to the production of seeds, within one growing season, and then dies. This means that annuals grow, flower, produce seeds, and die all in one season. Annuals are usually bright and showy, used by gardeners to add bursts of bright color to their flower beds and container gardens. Some examples of true annuals include corn, wheat, rice, lettuce, peas, watermelon, beans, zinnia, and marigold. Annuals are also commonly grown for food, including virtually all domesticated grains. Some perennials and biennials are grown as annuals for convenience, particularly if they are not considered cold hardy for the local climate.