Last year I shared my 15 favorite perennials (plants that come back every year) and ever since I have wanted to also share my favorite annuals (plants that only live for one season). Annuals are a great way to add some color to your landscaping. There are so many different varieties. Here are 15 annual flowers that are easy to grow!
15 Annual Flowers That Are Easy To Grow
Zinnia
Zinnia flowers are one of my all time favorites! They are colorful, very easy to grow, and there are a ton of varieties. They do well in planters and window boxes as well. They do best when sowed directly in the ground versus transplanting seedlings. Make sure to plant them after all threat of frost is gone.
Cosmos
These flowers might look fragile, but they are hardy and usually reseed themselves each year. They can even grow in poor soil. I love their feathery leaves! They can get pretty tall and make great cut flowers.
Petunia
Everyone knows about petunias! They are a great container plant and smell amazing. They are heat tolerant and like the sun, although they can tolerate some shade.
Sunflower
While you can grow varieties that are shorter, my favorite kind to grow are the ones that grow 6-8 feet tall. The flowers are the size of dinner plates and the seeds are edible too! There are a range of colors from white to yellow to orange and red. They are best planted as seed directly into the ground. They don't transplant well.
Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum and great in planters and as a border to flowerbeds. It is a low growing plant with tiny little blossoms. In some regions this can be a perennial but in most places it is a really hardy annual.
Verbena
This annual comes in white, red, purple, and pink. It is another one that does well in containers. It is heat tolerant, pest resistant, and blooms all summer.
Snapdragon
These were always a favorite of mine as a kid. I loved pinching them to make them "talk". They come in so many colors and heights. Snapdragons prefer full sun. They are a great addition to any flower bed.
Image Source: Burpee
Impatiens and Sunpatiens
Impatiens love shade so if you have a north facing flowerbed these will do great there. They need moist (not overly wet) soil. If you love the look of impatiens but want them in the sun, Sunpatients are for you!
Nasturtium
This was the first flower I ever grew. When I was little my mom gave me a packet of seeds and a little corner of your flowerbed. I think the round leaves are just as interesting and pretty as the flowers themselves! Both the leaves and the flowers are edible. They actually do better in poor soil so don't fertilize.
Lantanas
Lantanas flowers have a similar look to verbena. They have a long bloom time and come in a variety of colors. They attract hummingbirds and butterflies. They prefer warm weather so don't plant until all threat of frost is gone.
Dahlias
I just ordered some Dahlias and am so excited to plant them this year. In the past I had the not planted them (even though I am obsessed with them) because I thought that they were hard to grow. But friends who grow them told me that is not true so I'm giving it a go! There are so many varieties, colors, and sizes.
Ranunculus
Because Of where I live, I have never had success with planting these as bulbs. It's too cold here. But I have bought them as small plants from a nursery and they have done well. If you live somewhere warmer, plant them in the fall for spring blooms! They are a great cut flower.
Coleus
These next two annuals, while not necessarily a flower, are great additions to flowerbeds or planters. Coleus plants come in different varieties and colors. Their leaves are stunning! Some are suited for shade while others like sun, so no matter what, there's one right for you!
Sweet Potato Vine
This a favorite for planters and window boxes due to the trailing. It over hangs in such a beautiful way and really fills out a planter. I have seen it in flowerbeds as well. They like the heat so plant in a sunny spot.
Pansies
Who doesn't love pansies? They do well in cold weather and struggle in the heat. Plant them in the fall and enjoy them into the spring as well!
Do you have any annual flowers that are easy to grow that you would have added to the list? I'd love to hear what you think!
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Great list. I've planted some of these in the past and had good success. My problem is I don't have enough room for everything I want to plant. I planted dahlias last year for the first time and while I didn't get a lot of blooms, the ones I got were spectacular.
I love when you talk gardening! I have wanted to try ranunculus, but they seem pricey for an annual.
This is exactly what I need. A list to had to my husband who never knows what to plant year after year! I especially love the ranunculus! What a beautiful flower! I have grown these in hanging plants and been very happy with them. We have such a short growing season, we have to hit this hard and fast and enjoy every single moment!
Thanks for helping me update my plans THIS YEAR!!!!
Have fun with all your gardening! :-)
Thanks Stacy, I absolutely agree, I've got green & orange zinnias and some petunias in the garden, the green zinnias are just gorgeous, and by some fluke the green zinnias were planted beside a pale pink flowering succulent which made a very pleasing arrangement.
It is autumn here and they will be dying back soon but it is still lovely to see.
So many lovely choices. I used to LOVE gardening when I lived in Ohio. Now in Florida, I am learning all over again. So many of those lovely perennials won't grow here in the heat. I bought myself a lovely raised bed and am getting ready to plant gorgeous zinnias. Have a happy Easter and stay well!
I have some sunflowers I started from seed inside now. I am a bit worried that they won't do well after transplanting them based on what you said above Oh well, I guess it will be good lesson. I am hoping for the best.
Great list! I love Celosia! It is an annual but they are self seeding so if you wait till they turn brown you can shake the flower in a paper bag or cut the flower and let it dry out. I did this last year and I have tons of seeds, I gifted lots to family and friends too!! If you plant them in pots don’t mess with your soil over the winter. Just bring out after the last frost, water it and let the sun do the rest!