What is the lifespan of annuals?
An annual, such as a zinnia, completes its life cycle in one year. Annuals are said to go from seed to seed in one year or growing season. During this period, they grow, mature, bloom, produce seeds and die. With the threat of late-season frosts significantly diminished, gardeners can confidently introduce delicate summer annuals without the risk of frost damage. Late April and early May usually introduce warmer soil temperatures, creating an ideal environment for robust root development and rapid seed germination.Hardy Annuals They are often, but not always, planted outside from seed a few weeks before the final frost, but sometimes they are started indoors in warmer conditions, hardened off for a good adjustment, and planted outside during spring.
What is the lifespan of a marigold?
They are annual plants, which means that they live for only one year. The most popular varieties include the French and African marigolds. Marigolds usually grow to a height of about 1 to 5 feet (0. Marigolds typically do not multiply on their own like some perennial plants. However, they produce seeds that can self-sow if allowed to drop and germinate in the surrounding soil.Marigolds are typically grown as annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one season and do not come back each year. However, in warm climates, such as USDA zones 9-11, they may reseed and return the following year. Most gardeners replant them annually.Marigolds germinate quickly, sprouting within a few days and blooming in about 8 weeks, making them easy to grow from seed.Marigold flowers typically last 2 to 3 weeks before they start to wither and go to seed. However, the overall lifespan of the marigold plant can range from 3 to 4 months, depending on environmental conditions and care.Plant marigolds outside after all danger of frost has passed. Depending on your region, this is usually between early May and early June.
Are dahlias annuals or perennials?
What are dahlias? Originally from Central America and Mexico, dahlias are tender perennials, which means they can live for many years, but do need protection from freezing temperatures. They grow from underground tubers, with the top growth dying back in winter and re-sprouting in spring. Dahlias are perennial, growing back from the same tuberous root system year after year. However, they are only cold hardy in zones 8-11, and are generally only left in the ground to overwinter in climates where there is no winter freeze.Dahlias need fertile, moist but well-drained soil, and full sun to partial shade. These plants are most often grown as annuals as their tuberous roots can be injured at temperatures below 25 degrees F. Despite their tropical origins, dahlias may languish during the heat of summer.Dahlias are planted from a tuberous root. These roots should be planted outside in spring 1-2 weeks before the last frost date (or start earlier indoors in pots) in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun.
Are marigolds perennials?
Depending on their environment and whether they are grown as an outdoor or indoor plant, Marigolds can be annuals or perennials. The plants give off a strong aroma when crushed and marigold flowers are bitter with a spicy, herbal flavor. Lobelia is a genus of 365 species of annuals and perennials, many of them native to North America. The perennial varieties are wetland plants that bloom from summer to early fall, attracting pollinators.Is lobelia a sun or shade plant? This versatile plant can be grown in full sun or partial shade. Too much shade will result in fewer flowers. Protect plants from hot afternoon sun in warmer climates, and provide more light in northern locations.They are grown as bedding plants in spring, similar to marigolds, impatiens and petunias. Although they are perennial in a warmer climate, most gardeners treat them as annual flowers.Lobelia is treated as an annual in most regions, though it may come back from year to year in warmer climates. There are perennial lobelias such as cardinal flower.
Are petunias perennials?
As tender perennials, petunias will survive for multiple years if conditions are right. However, the winters are too chilly in many areas, causing the petunias to die in autumn. Gardeners in frost-free zones may be able to overwinter tender perennials outside and enjoy them again. Petunias will last and bloom all summer long and into fall, until the first frost However, they are technically tender perennials, you can bring them indoors and keep them through the winter as houseplants in a sunny window where they’ll get at least 6 hours of sunlight.Petunias need at least 5 or 6 hours of good sunlight; they’ll perform even better when located in full sun all day. The more shade they receive, the fewer flowers they’ll produce. Impatiens are a better choice for blooming in shady places.In ideal conditions, petunias can come back each year. But frost will kill these plants. Some gardeners have success overwintering petunia plants indoors. But most simply plant new petunias each spring.