Annual flowers are blooming plants that last a single season, flower quickly, and, if pruned regularly, will usually last for the entire season. These plants will need to be started each year as their life cycle is only one year, and will not return the next.http://www.flowers-cs.com/annual.html Some of the more commonly known annual plants are the daisy, marigold, petunia, begonia, zinnia, cosmos, and the four o’ clock. There are, however, hundreds of annual plants and flowers which are too numerous to mention. The common name for a plant in one area may not be the common name in another area, so using the scientific or botanical name for the plant you want will insure that you receive the correct one, especially if you are ordering the plant from a catalog.http://theseedsite.co.uk/common.html

Most annual plants and flowers do not survive in extreme cold but do well in the springtime, after the threat of frost, and on into the autumn before the cold sets in again. http://gardening.about.com/od/annuals/Annual_Flowers_Adding_NonStop_Color_to_the_Garden.htm However there are winter annuals which begin growing in the fall and die in the spring after producing seeds for the next winter season. An example of winter annuals are the sweet pea, pansy, larkspur, and the bachelors button.

Annuals come in a rainbow of colors from white to a deep, deep purple. These plants not only do well in the garden but also in a flower pot or a flower box. To add a touch of fragrance to your garden try planting scented geraniums or flowering tobacco.http://plantsbulbs.suite101.com/article.cfm/fragrant_annual_plants

Most annual flowers prefer direct sunlight, at least 6 to 8 hours per day, and soil with good drainage. If the soil is made of clay, mix it with some compost to accommodate your plants. The range for the soil ph should be between 6.0 and 7.4, most annuals should grow fairly well within that range. Even if the soil is alkaline or acid you should be able to find an annual that will survive in this type of soil.http://www.gardenguides.com/113-annuals-garden-basics-flower-annual.html

Annuals can be planted in all kinds of places such as at the base of trees, as fillers in a large garden, or as a border along the driveway or sidewalk. They also do well in containers like hanging baskets and flower boxes. These flowers can be cut and brought into the house and when put into a vase of water will last about five days. Cutting the flowers encourages more growth, hence, more flowers.http://gardening.about.com/od/roses/a/CuttingGarden_3.htm

Planting in the late afternoon is best for your flowers. Choosing the right spot and adding some compost to the soil will encourage good growth also. Flowers need just the right amount of nutrients, sunlight, moisture, air circulation and drainage to thrive.http://www.thegardenhelper.com/plantingsite.html Try not to disturb the roots to much as you are planting the flowers and water generously after they are in the groundhttp://www.gardenguides.com/113-annuals-garden-basics-flower-annual.html

Most annuals require some care such as weeding and watering. Weeding will keep the garden looking great and eliminates places for insects, (which may destroy the flower), to hide. Keeping the plants well watered will ensure that they stay healthy, however do not over-water. Most annuals survive on about an inch of water per week. Prune the flowers by removing (pinching off) the faded flowers, (this is called deadheading). This will encourage new growth and keep the garden looking its best.http://www.gardenguides.com/113-annuals-garden-basics-flower-annual.html