Ever wonder what it means when plants are labeled as perennial, annual, or biennial? It’s important to know the difference when planting a vegetable garden, herb garden, or a flower bed. In short it’s all about how long the plant will grow.
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Lesson Learned
After spending lots of time and money landscaping our first house, I realized I’d have to replant it all next year. That is not exactly what I had in mind when I planted everything. Turns out, not all plants come back year after year. So the next spring, I did better research before shopping. I planted flowers that would come back year after year in the beds and the ones that would need replaced each year in the pots. It worked out so much better that way. For more gar
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Is it a Perennial, Annual, or Biennial?
Annual
Annual means that the plant will only last for a single year. Many of the vegetable plants and flowers fall into this category. But that doesn’t mean the plants are done. They will produce seeds, so that the species may live on the following year.
Annual flowers are perfect for pots. They will bring a quick pop of color to the yard, without committing long term. I prefer to plant them in pots, because I don’t mind having to replant them each year.
Most vegetable plants are also annuals. These are the ones that get a place in my raised garden beds. I don’t like having to work around having some plants stay and some go each year. I’d rather replant the entire bed each year.
Biennial
Biennials live for two years. The first year they get established. This is when they will grow good roots and leaves. The second year they will produce flowers or fruit and seeds. Carrots, kale, and parsley are all common biennials. That doesn’t mean it takes two years before you harvest anything from these plants. In fact, you should be eating from them the first year. If you leave them for the full two years, then you’ll be able to collect some seeds. They should be able to weather the cold a bit better than an annual plant.
Perennial
The last type of plant is a perennial. These may live for three years or maybe even more. During their first couple of years they will put energy into putting in strong roots. That means you may need to wait a few years to see a bloom or filled out plant. These are what I like to plant in the flower beds.
The thing about putting only perennials in the flower beds is that you will have to be patient. Your beds will take a few years to look full and vibrant. The payoff comes in not having to replant the beds each year, unless that’s your thing. Personally, I’d rather plant once and be done, so that I can focus on the garden each spring.
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Caring for a Perennial, Annual, or Biennial
Annual Care
Annuals are the most needy. You will need to check the soil daily. If it is dry, give it a thorough watering. They’ll need about an inch per week, but it could be more during hot or dry weather. If they are wilted you’ve waited too long.
If you trim back an annual plant during the middle of the summer, they will look less scraggly in the fall. Some annuals will get so tall that they will need help standing up. A stake may be necessary to keep them upright.
Biennial Care
Biennials need water daily for the first two weeks. In the spring, they will only need water once a week. Then during the heat of summer three times a week may be necessary. The trick is to keep the soil moist, but not soaked. If it gets soggy it may cause the roots to rot.
It is also important to trim the top off of biennial plants if you want them to be more full. You will do this during the growing season, so don’t take off too much. Just a trim.
If you trim the flower from the biennial as soon as it blooms, it will keep it from bolting as quickly the second year. It encourages the plant to put its energy into something else.
Perennial Care
After planting make sure to water a perennial every day for the first couple of weeks. Then it is ok to water only two or three times per week. By waiting for the soil to dry out you will encourage the roots to dig down deep.
It is also important to trim the top off of perennial plants if you want them to be more full. You will do this during the growing season, so don’t take off too much. Just a trim.
The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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