Here are 12 annuals that can tolerate full sun and will happily bloom all summer. Gardeners love these plants for their chenille-like blooms and colorful foliage. They range from a few inches to several feet tall. Plus, they all grow well from seed and can handle various conditions, including living indoors as houseplants or as perennials in the warmer U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones.
Color Varieties: Red, pink, purple, yellow, green, whiteSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-draining
Another variety is Celosia cristata, also called crested celosia or cockscomb, which has rippled flower heads that look like a rooster’s comb. Furthermore, Celosia spicata has subtle flowers that are likened to wheat spikes. Celosia flowers remain attractive for weeks, and most varieties also make great cut and dried flowers.
Color Varieties: Red, pink, purple, orange, yellow, whiteSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Rich, moderate moisture, well-draining
As the flowers fade, slender seed pods form. These plants are prodigious self-seeders, and because most are hybrids you won’t know what colors you will get next growing season. Seed can be directly sown anytime after the last frost date.
Color Varieties: White, pink, purple, red, yellow, orangeSun Exposure: Full sun to part sunSoil Needs: Rich, moderate moisture, well-draining
This is another eager self-seeder but not to the point of nuisance. Cosmos are easy to start from seed, as well. Directly sow them anytime after your last frost.
Color Varieties: Pink, purple, red, yellow, orange, whiteSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, moderate moisture, well-draining
Nierembergia is very popular in containers, but it is perfectly at home in the ground and makes a nice edging plant. It has a clumping growth habit and fills out quickly.
Color Varieties: White, purple, blueSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-draining
ntdanai / Getty Images You can start it indoors a few weeks before your last frost date or directly seed outdoors after the last frost. As the plant is growing, be sure to give it something to climb or sprawl over, such as a trellis.
Color Varieties: Red, pink, whiteSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
Lantana flowers are often bicolored or tricolored in wonderful sherbet shades. As with many annual flowers, they bloom throughout the summer. All parts of this plant are poisonous and can cause skin irritation, so handle with care.
Color Varieties: Red, orange, yellow, blue, whiteSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
Another underrated feature of marigolds is their use as companion plants. Studies show they are especially helpful in repelling a wide range of nematode pests.
Color Varieties: Red, orange, yellow, goldSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
Keep an eye on them while the plants are young and tender, as rabbits like to chew the stems. Once the stems begin to harden off, they are pretty much safe.
Color Varieties: White, yellowSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Rich, loamy, slightly acidic, well-draining
You can directly sow seed after the last frost or start your plants indoors roughly four to six weeks before bringing them outside. But do not rush them. The seedlings can stunt when exposed to cold temperatures.
Color Varieties: Orange-red with an orange-yellow centerSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average to poor, low to medium moisture, well-draining
Verbena is prone to fungal problems, such as botrytis, if it is grown in damp conditions. Although it needs moist soil to become established, drier conditions will keep a mature plant happy.
Color Varieties: White, pink, red, blue, purpleSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Tolerates a variety, well-draining
Older varieties are prone to powdery mildew in humid weather. This won’t stop them from flowering, but it does make the foliage look unattractive. Fortunately, some of the newer series, including ‘Profusion’ and ‘Zahara’, don’t have that problem.
Color Varieties: Red, pink, yellow, orange, lilac, purple, green, whiteSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Humusy, well-draining
