Annuals are great to change up an existing garden, as a filler for perennial gardens, or as a container for the porch or patio. Fast growing annuals let you enjoy the maturity of your plants quicker before their season dies. I like to use annuals in window-boxes so that each year the view changes. I also adore bursts of accent colors in my theme perennial gardens. These annuals are both fast growing and easy to grow according to Floridata, perfect for the beginner gardener. Experiment with color, texture, and the fineness of new plants. With annuals, if you don’t like what you see, you can just not plant them again next season. But with experimenting, you may find a new favorite in an old garden.
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
This member of the figwort family attracts hummingbirds. There are approximately 40 snapdragon species in the 3,000 figwort family members. It can grow from four inches tall to three feet tall. Leaves are green and flowers are in varying colors according to cultivar selected. They are two-lipped and tubular. Sizes for snapdragons come in dwarf, short, intermediate, and tall. They should be planted in full sun with a well-drained rich soil. They can tolerate partial shade.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Also known as the English marigold or the pot marigold, this annual is a member of the aster/daisy family of plants. It grows 12 to 30 inches tall and wide with bright green leaves and sturdy stems. Flowers are up to three inches wide and are usually cream, light yellow, orange, or bright yellow in color. They can be single or double blooms. Calendula prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade with an average well-drained soil. Propagate by seed.
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
This butterfly-loving plant is an annual and is also known as the Mexican aster. It is from the aster/daisy family of plants. It grows one to seven feet high with bright flowers and lacy leaves. Stems are long and slender. Flowers can be a variety of colors, depending on cultivars. It prefers to grow in full sun with a well-drained soil. Propagate by seed. Seedlings can be transplanted.
Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Also known as mirasol, the common sunflower is a member of the aster/daisy family of plants. It attracts butterflies and songbirds. This plant grows eight to 15 feet high with rough leaves and large solitary blooms. Flowers are yellow ray flowers with purple-brown disks. Leaves can be oval or heart-shaped. Seeds in the disk are edible. Sunflowers like to grow in well-drained non-acidic soils with full sun. They can be drought tolerant, heat tolerant, and partial shade tolerant, but are not frost tolerant. Propagate by seed.
Related Content:
Annual Flowers Great for Container Gardening
Self-Seeding Annuals
Five Easy to Grow Native Plants for the Prairie Garden
Sources:
Floridata: Snapdragon
Floridata: Calendula
Floridata: Cosmos
Floridata: Common Sunflower