Plant Lifecycle

• A plant's lifecycle is defined by the amount of time it needs to reach maturity, produce flowers and seed. The Garden Helper explains that the start of an annual plant's lifecycle is denoted by germination, or the first sprouting of a seedling. The lifecycle of an annual plant ends when it withers and dies at the end of one growing season.
  
  

Types

• According to North Carolina State University's Department of Horticulture Science, there are five different types of annual plants. Hardy annuals grow well in cold climates and can even withstand frosty temperatures. Half-hardy annuals are more fragile; they can withstand the cold but are intolerant to frost. Cool-season annuals prefer daytime temperatures of 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (F), while warm-season annuals prefer toastier 80 to 90 degree F temperatures. Tender annual plants can thrive only in warm, humid climates and will succumb to damp, frigid temperatures.
  
  

Planting Annuals

• Annual plants prefer to be planted in nutrient-rich soil so add a small amount of peat moss and fertilizer to your soil before planting. The University of Minnesota also recommends that annuals be planted during the latter part of the afternoon or early in the evening. During this time of the day, the sun is less intense, and temperatures are usually cooler. After planting, water your annuals on a regular basis, especially when the weather is dry and humid. A deep watering session every now and then is better than a frequent "hosing over." A soaker hose placed along the annual flower bed can provide lengthy, deep watering that will keep the plants healthy and well hydrated.
  
  

Pinching

• Pinching is an important part of maintaining annual plants. In order to encourage the growth of new blooms, the old ones need to be removed. According to American Plant, pinching is best accomplished by pinching off the dead blooms by hand when they begin to wilt. You also can use pruning shears to cut off the blooms at the tip of the stems if there are too many dead blooms to pinch.
  
  

Reseeding Annuals

• Some annual plants, including snapdragons and petunias, will reseed themselves for the following season. Montana State University explains that in order for this to happen, you must allow the annuals to remain in their planted positions until their seed pods open up and the seeds fall and scatter. Afterwards, you can remove the annual plant and dispose of it of during fall cleanup.