Grow Your Garden: Plant Duration

ANNUALS Most are planted in the spring, bloom in the summer, and die in the fall. Some plants that act as annuals in the north may be grown as perennials in southern climates. This type of plant is not cold-hardy and will not survive winter temps in hardiness zones 4b through 6b. Only annuals that reseed themselves will grow a second year unless all others must be replanted. Annuals take a year to complete their life cycle.

BIENNIALS Usually planted in the spring, they will be vegetative in the summer and dormant in the fall they will remain in this state through the winter. When exposed to cold temperatures some biennials can be induced to flowering in the fall and winter. Biennials take two years to complete their life cycle they will bloom the second summer before dying in the fall.

PERENNIALS Will usually complete at least three life cycles and typically bloom every year during one season (spring, summer, or fall). Planting may be done at any time of the year when soil conditions permit it. The spring or fall season are generally considered to be the best time to plant perennials.