We all admire the vibrant flowers on display at almost any garden center, maybe you’ve even been tempted to purchase a few. The first time, no matter what you did, your beautiful plants died within the year. You tried again, and the same thing happened. It is possible you purchased an annual. Let’s explore the three main plant life-cycles—annual, biennial, and perennial—and learn which to choose to best serve your garden.
Life-cycle: Annuals
Annuals complete their entire life-cycle in one growing season. They offer bursts of color but need to be replanted each season. They typically bloom toward the end of their life-cycle. Keep in mind, these plants are hardwired to grow during a specific season, make sure the plants you are purchasing are meant to be grown at the time you’re planting them! For example, you do not want to plant a warm season annual, like coleus, in the cooler months because the colder temperatures will kill off the plant. Warm season annuals like to germinate in early spring, grow, and die in the fall. Meanwhile, cool season annuals, like cilantro, germinate in the fall, grow, and die in late spring or early summer.

Life-cycle: Biennials
Biennials take two seasons to complete their life-cycle. In the first season, they focus on growing foliage and don’t flower. In the second season, they bloom, produce seeds, and then die. Plants like foxgloves and parsley fall into this category.

Life-cycle: Perennials
Perennials grow in every season and can come back year after year with proper care. These types of plants need some time to become established, during which they will need more care. Once they become adjusted to the growing conditions, they typically require less maintenance than annuals and can regrow year after year. Florida violets and firebush are both native perennials to Central Florida. They’re ideal options for creating a lasting, low-maintenance garden.

Summary
Understanding these life-cycles will help you make the best choice for a garden that fits your needs. So, when you’re at the garden center, consider what you want from your plants. Do you want them to return every year, or are you okay with replanting each season? Keep in mind to match the growing conditions of your garden to the plant. Factors like sunlight, water, and pH should all be considered when selecting a plant.
Have a question?
If you have any questions about gardening in Central Florida, please contact UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County at 352-518-0156. For more information on UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County Community Gardens, and how you can join one, visit http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco/. Supervising Agent: Dr. Whitney Elmore.
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Topics of Interest
- Starting at the Bottom: Soil and Garden Health
- Annuals (landscape plants)
- Annuals for Florida, A-Z index
- Gardening with Annuals in Florida
- Gardening with Perennials in Florida
- Hardy Hibiscus for Florida Landscapes
- Perennials Landscapes Plants