Annual plant

Annual plants are plants that complete their life cycle, from germination to the production of seed, within one year, and then die. The term is derived from the Latin word annus which means "year".

Life Cycle

The life cycle of an annual plant begins with seed germination. The plant then grows rapidly, often flowering and setting seed within a few weeks of germination. The parent plant dies after producing seeds, but the seeds ensure the continuation of the species.

Types of Annual Plants

There are two main types of annual plants: summer annuals and winter annuals. Summer annuals germinate during spring or early summer and mature by autumn of the same year. Winter annuals germinate during the autumn and mature during the spring or summer of the following calendar year.

Examples of Annual Plants

Some common examples of annual plants include petunias, marigolds, tomatoes, corn, wheat, and rice. These plants are often used in agriculture and gardening due to their rapid growth and productivity.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Annual plants are advantageous in agriculture because they can be grown in a single season, allowing for flexibility in crop rotation and the ability to respond to market demands. However, they require more labor and resources as they need to be replanted each year.

See Also

• Perennial plant
• Biennial plant
• Plant life cycle
• Crop rotation