Annual Flowers You Can Grow: A Colorful Guide for Every Garden

(Editor's Note: Originally published July 8, 2008. Comments welcome; authors may not respond promptly.)

Alyssum (Lobularia) – Low, compact plants with white or purple flower clusters. Wonderful spilling over pathways and pot edges. Cut back after first flush for a second bloom.

Basil (Ocimum) – Colorful, fragrant leaves complement flower beds and serve double duty in the kitchen. Showy seed heads add winter interest.

Castor Bean (Ricinus) – Bold, tropical foliage for dramatic height. Pinch buds for bushier growth; leave one flower cluster for seeds. In frost-free areas, becomes a tree-like shrub.

Cleome – Dramatic, airy "spider flowers" that self-seed yearly. Long seedpods add contrast. Plant seeds directly where wanted—they dislike transplanting.

Cornflower (Centaurea) – Classic blue blooms in tall and dwarf forms. Heat-loving with gray-green foliage. Great for kids' gardening projects.

Cosmos – Wild, self-sowing, tall-stemmed flowers high above the garden. Excellent for cutting. Stake taller types or plant at the back.

Four O'clock (Mirabilis) – Trumpet-shaped flowers open late afternoon, stay open all night. Perennial in some zones, annual in others. Dark green foliage, bright blooms.

Larkspur (Consolida) – Blue, purple, and white spires in early spring. Fern-like foliage. Self-seeds in mild climates. Great for cut arrangements.

Love-Lies-Bleeding (Amaranthus) – Stunning long, hanging tassels in rustic colors. Best in back borders. Vigorous early summer grower.

Marigold (Tagetes) – The most user-friendly annual. Heights from inches to feet. Blooms in shade, thrives in sun. Deadhead for continuous flowers.

Nicotiana – Tubular flowers attract butterflies. Grows in sun or shade, freely self-seeds. Once established, keeps coming back.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – Beyond classic yellow: reds, browns, oranges, whites. Tall varieties provide summer shade. Deadhead to prevent volunteer overload.

Zinnia – Simple, brilliant color all summer. Butterfly magnets. Self-sow in warm climates. Easy in any soil with full sun.