Botanically, an annual plant is a
plant that usually germinates,
flowers and dies in one
year. True annuals will only live longer than a year if they are prevented from setting seed. Some seedless plants can also be considered annuals even though they do not flower.In gardening, annual often refers to a plant grown outdoors in the spring and summer and surviving just for one growing season. Many food plants are, or are grown as, annuals, including most domesticated
grains. Some
perennials and
biennials are grown in gardens as annuals for convenience, particularly if they are not considered
cold hardy for the local climate.
Carrot,
celery and
parsley are true biennials that are usually grown as annual crops for their edible roots, petioles and leaves, respectively.
Tomato,
sweet potato and
bell pepper are tender perennials usually grown as annuals.
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