15 Annual Flowers That Are Easy To Grow

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.