The best annuals for beginner gardeners

by Denise Mason 04/02/2025

When it comes to flowering plants, gardeners have the choice of annuals or perennials. Annual plants have a single-year life cycle and must be replanted again if you want them to return. Perennials, however, will grow again year after year - sometimes decades in the right conditions.

While perennials might seem like the go-to for low maintenance flowers, there are plenty of annuals perfect for a beginner gardener to introduce into their garden. Here are some suggestions for beginner-friendly annuals:

Cosmos

Cosmos are hardy annual flowers that you can plant directly into outdoor soil. They don’t require very much water to grow and multiply - in fact, cosmos tend to thrive in warmer, drier conditions. While technically an annual, cosmos self-seed, meaning they’ll come back in future seasons automatically.

Pansies

Pansies are a staple in window boxes, hanging baskets and garden beds wherever there’s a suitable climate. Pansies are some of the best annual flowers for cool climates, even surviving below-freezing temperatures despite their delicate petals. These annuals are best planted in early spring in a location where they can enjoy the morning sun.

Marigolds

Marigolds are extremely popular flowering annuals that can bloom all summer long with minimal effort. The beautiful blooms come in a spectrum of yellows, oranges and reds, making them perfect for autumn gardens when planted later in the summer. Allow the soil to dry out a bit before watering again, and avoid getting the colorful flowers wet, as they are sensitive to rot.

Planting annuals can be extremely rewarding, even with minimal effort. While some flowering annuals perform best with regular deadheading, you can enjoy these bold blooms at any gardening skill level.

About the Author
Author

Denise Mason

Hi! I'm Denise Mason. WELCOME to my Website! Being a full-time REALTOR® gives me the opportunity to assist in achieving your wants, desires, needs, and priorities in selling or finding a home. My goal is to take care of my real estate clients by providing an exceptional, no drama experience that you not only deserve but should demand in the hectic and competitive marketplace of today. I work closely with you throughout your entire real estate transaction. I work to be your family REALTOR® for life. Success begins and ends with good communication. I love what I do and do what I love! I am positive, enthusiastic and truly enjoy people and the real estate business. My commitment to you, my client extends far beyond a single transaction. My goal is to communicate, educate and exceed expectations! As the daughter, wife, and mother of active duty and retired service members, I've had numerous relocation experiences; renting, buying and selling a home. I grew up in Arlington County, VA and lived there for more than 20 years. Upon my husband's retirement from the Army we could think of no better place to call home than Virginia, the place of our childhood. I have been a Prince William County resident since 1997. We have raised and educated three children in the Prince William County School system. My family is my pride and priority which makes me no different than you or any other individual who wants a safe and comfortable environment for yourself, family and friends. I look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals. Call me at 703-283-0969 or email me so we can meet over tea or coffee & I can get to work for you!