13 best annuals for self-seeding. Description, photo

Annuals are the best plants for self-seeding. They can be sown once and enjoy their bloom every year. Moreover, often, when comparing annual and perennial plants of the same species, the former have brighter and larger inflorescences than the latter.

Annuals have several distinct advantages over perennials. For example, although plants bloom only once a year, they give all their strength to flowering and this lasts much longer. Throughout the growing season. Caring for such plants is easier and the seedlings do not require a lot of effort. This article provides examples of the best annuals for self-seeding.

However, it should be understood that not all plant species will inherit all the qualities of the mother plant for the next year. This is especially noticeable in hybrid representatives. Every year the signs will split. And the plant will take on a less elegant look.

Traits such as height, number of inflorescences and petals in them, brightness and size are more likely to persist in plants that belong to a variety or species.

This does not mean that you should completely abandon hybrid plants. It is likely that after enjoying the flowers the first year, the next year you will have a pleasant surprise. For example, a tall red hybrid snapdragon produces white and pink flowers of varying heights for the next season. Having opted for hybrids, you never know what will come up in the coming years. But let these plants surprise you.

California poppy (escholzia)

Eschsholzia produces a large number of seed boxes. If you want to prolong flowering, then remove a few so that the plant does not waste energy on them. But by no means get carried away and do not delete everything if you want to get self-seeding.

The inflorescences of the California poppy look like a poppy with satin or double petals. Sometimes they look like chiffon skirts for girls. The color can be juicy orange, yellow, hot pink and other colors. In rain or inclement weather, the flowers close. The foliage of this plant is patterned and casts a silvery tone. In general, Escholzia is a rather small bush, which consists of branched stems with large inflorescences. It reaches a height of up to 30 centimeters.

Plant care is not difficult. Escholzia prefers a lot of light and is not afraid of drought.

The best annuals for self-seeding: alyssum

Most often, this plant is planted along the sides of paths or as the foreground of a flower arrangement. It grows no higher than 20 cm in height and forms a thick blanket of various shades. Due to its appearance, it is also suitable for hanging baskets or flowerpots.

It has many varieties, thanks to which everyone will find something for themselves. Many varieties have a honey smell, while some, on the contrary, do not have it at all. These varieties are perfect for people who do not tolerate floral aromas well. The inflorescences themselves are rather medium-sized and have inflorescences from the petals of a rich set of flowers. Lilac, purple, lavender, pink, peach shades.

Alyssum has an extremely dense and rich flowering in several stages.To ensure that the second stage of flowering is no less abundant, we advise you to cut off all inflorescences after the end of the first flowering. Then, after a while, the flowering will be repeated with renewed vigor. If you want to achieve self-seeding, then you should not cut off all the inflorescences after the first wave of flowering. If sowing was early or with the help of seedlings, then leave all inflorescences to ripen after the second wave.

Iberis

Perhaps you have met a perennial relative of the Iberis on alpine hills or as a retaining wall. It has white inflorescences and small beds. But the annual is more widely known. It does not require any special care.

Iberis is a welcoming club plant with a delicate lilac or pink color. Many people will like the umbrella-shaped inflorescence of rich color. And the annual blooms much more abundantly than its perennial version. Annual Iberis prefers cool weather, so for better flowering it is worth sowing in open ground early, taking into account the fact that the peak of flowering must pass before the onset of heat.

In addition to the minimal care of the flower, you also do not have to waste time on its further reproduction. Self-seeding takes place with a lot of seeds. And in the spring you can share this wonderful plant with your neighbors without any effort.

Also, the bushes can be easily transplanted if new ascents have taken the wrong place. Bushes are small and not very branched. Separately, it is worth noting the exceptional independence and endurance of this plant. So don't be afraid to place it where nothing else grows.

The best annuals for self-seeding: cornflower

Each has a sign of a flower, by whose name a shade of blue was named. It has petals of a pure and deep color called cornflower blue.

In nature, most often these annuals for self-seeding can be found in rye fields. This flower has a special charm in the simplicity and simplicity of its forms. Which makes it one of the best annuals for self-seeding. Now there are varieties of cornflowers that give different shades from the classic. Pink, white, purple, burgundy, almost black inflorescences will not leave you indifferent.

There are also species on sale that grow to different heights. You can choose the familiar variant, which reaches an average of 50 centimeters in height. Or a more miniature version, which is half the size.

It will be enough to plant cornflowers only once. Further, they will reproduce themselves without your intervention. They are very easy to grow and can be sown directly in open ground. They bloom best in cool weather. Namely, in early June and early September. The rest of the time they do not bloom so abundantly. But even in the heat, you will observe inflorescences throughout the summer season.

The best annuals for self-seeding: purslane

Now let's give an example of a light-loving plant. Purslane feels great in sunny places deprived of moisture. It is an annual ground cover. Low maintenance costs.

The inflorescences have a bright color, and in the absence of the sun they close in fancy umbrellas. In addition, purslane is a succulent plant. This means it has fleshy leaves in which it collects moisture. This is what helps him bloom even in drought.

In the people, for its appearance, it acquired the nickname oily grass. Grows into a dense carpet when sown closely. Thick leaves cast an emerald hue in the sun, which makes the plant presentable even without inflorescences.

Tip: When sowing for the first time, it is better to use seedlings or start sowing seeds indoors. In all subsequent years, your participation in breeding will not be required.
Depending on the warmth of the weather conditions, purslane may "postpone" flowering until mid-June. However, do not worry about this. The plant has a very high growth rate. Even with late flowering, the inflorescences will not come down until the beginning of autumn.

Calendula

Marigold marigold is an annual with sun-colored flowers and sticky stems and leaves. Calendula blooms throughout the summer until mid-autumn without interruption. Seedlings are not afraid of the cold, like an adult plant. It has gained great popularity among gardeners for its properties. The plant is able to repel pests and some diseases from vegetables and greens. For this reason, calendula can be found on the sides of the beds.

Also, calendula will serve in another important matter. Science has long known about its medicinal properties. Dried inflorescences are sold in pharmacies, but it is much more useful to make blanks yourself.

In addition, calendula marigolds can serve as a decoration for salads and desserts - it is an edible plant. Now there are varieties that have large densely double inflorescences that resemble chrysanthemums in appearance. Among the possible shades, there are soft apricot, bright yellow.

Delphinium

Also known as the cultivated form of the field relative, larkspur. The annual delphinium has large double flowers with pointed tips. Such flowers make it as similar as possible to a perennial delphinium. For this reason, an annual will be a good substitute.

The varieties are distinguished by a variety of colors. Purple, pink, white, lilac and many others. The greenery stands out for its beauty and a slight resemblance to dill due to the deep dissection of the foliage.

Having picked the right variety, you can get flowers on tall, sturdy stems that reach over 100 centimeters in height. There are also undersized versions with stems not exceeding 30 centimeters.

The inflorescences line up into spectacular candles. High varieties will look great as a hedge. Lower ones can be an addition to a flower arrangement or an independent flower bed. Also, the delphinium stands in a vase for a long time as a bouquet.

The annual delphinium is cold-resistant, so it should be planted before winter. This will bloom for all summer months. It's okay if you wait until spring. The flowering time will shift to a later one. From mid-summer to early autumn.

Kosmeya

Cosmeia can be found in many front gardens. And for a reason. It is a very unpretentious summer plant. The flowers resemble chamomile, but the color of the petals ranges from white to deep burgundy.

Moreover, every year the variety of varieties of this plant only increases. At the moment, even terry shades have been added to the palette. And the variety of blooms was enriched with options similar to asters and scabiosa.

Unusual for cosmos specimens stand out from the general set of shades. Such as bright yellows and oranges. However, whatever color of seedlings you choose, it will undoubtedly attract a large number of butterflies and bees.

Usually kosmeya is a rather tall plant. But there are also more compact options. Flowering is very abundant and lasts throughout the summer.
Sowing can be done outdoors in mid-May.

Rudbeckia

The flower itself is quite popular among gardeners. However, this mainly concerns perennial forms. Its one-year variation is almost indistinguishable in appearance. But it does not give hibernating rhizomes.

Like most of these plants, in comparison with perennials, annual rudbeckia has more abundant flowering with enlarged flowers and an extended palette. The flower does an excellent job of self-seeding. Therefore, you do not have to spend time on this every year. Rudbeckia is an unpretentious solar plant.

Koreopis

In appearance, the small flowers resemble chamomile. But at the same time, the petals have a variegated two-tone color. Closer to the center, the petals are most often maroon in color. And closer to the tips they acquire a yellow, pink or white tint. Koreopis will liven up and decorate any garden and will attract a large number of butterflies.

The flowers are smaller than those of the perennial version.But it blooms much longer and more colorful. During the summer period, faded flowers should be cut off. Except for the latter, if you want to observe them in your garden next year. It is very important to take into account that during the winter birds will want to eat heads with seeds. Therefore, it is important to correctly calculate the number of inflorescences set aside.

Nigella

If you want to grow your own popular spice and medicinal product, which is widespread in the countries of the East, then you should take a closer look at such a plant as nigella oriental or, as it is also called, black cumin. If not, then there is Nigella Damascus for you, which is grown in flower beds. It has catchy double flowers that look like a star, with delicate petals and hooks in the center.

Shades can be pale blue, purple, pink, purple, or several together. It is also worth paying attention to the foliage of the plant. It is very eye-catching, delicate and lace-like. Blooms for a short time. Therefore, it is necessary to have time to enjoy this wonderful sight. If you plant the seeds every month, then as a result, you will get blooming nigella all summer.

For the rest of the care, the plant is undemanding. It tolerates cold, heat and short-term moisture deficiency. Seed pods can be a decoration for winter bouquets.

Euphorbia edged

Among the people and among gardeners, this plant is better known under the name "bride". The flower acquired its nickname because of its snow-white color and general magnificent appearance. Why only a general view? The inflorescences themselves are rather small and inconspicuous.

All the aesthetic appeal of the flower is given by its leaves. Wide with a bright white halo around the perimeter. They border the inflorescences, creating the illusion of white-green petals.

For many species of milkweed, sowing is suitable before winter or at the end of spring they are planted in open ground. Flowering begins in mid-summer and continues until the plant becomes cold. Euphorbia loves sunny places without the threat of stagnant water. In general, the plant is quite unpretentious and tenacious.

Morning glory tricolor

It is one of the best self-seeding annuals among lianas. This variety is also often called "loach" or "gramophone". Vines have deep purple flowers that look like funnels or umbrellas. There are varieties with other colors. But they do not have such self-replicating qualities.

The bindweed comes in handy for busy gardeners who want every corner of their property to be green and beautifully decorated. For example, a veranda. Vines will quickly release long stems with large, dense leaves, covering whatever surface you give them.

If you opt for the "tricolor morning glory", which looks more colorful, it is better to plant the seeds directly in the ground. This will give you the fastest growing stems.

Annuals for self-seeding: tips for growing

Prepare appropriate conditions for self-seeding annuals. Find a place for them where they will reproduce themselves from year to year. Make sure there is no standing water in the area in the spring. For plants that require sunlight, it is advisable to find a suitable clearing.

From time to time, you will find your annuals in unexpected places where it was not planned. Insects, animals and the wind just do their job well. It's not a problem. You can always transplant a fugitive to his relatives.

Annuals for self-seeding are not always a suitable choice if you are not sure that you do not want to change or move the flower garden to the next year. And for mixborders, annuals are a real find. The varieties will be mixed with the neighboring varieties and each year the flower garden will look different without someone else's interference.

One of the advantages of annuals for self-seeding is the ability to prolong flowering by cutting off already faded ones. However, it can also be harmful. If you continue to cut the seed heads, very few of them may remain.Or they don't have enough time to ripen and sow.

To avoid such a situation, make it a rule to leave annuals to ripen from the beginning, maximum from mid-August. If the seed heads are completely dry, then everything is in order, as they ripen and prepare for self-seeding.

No need to remove old foliage in the fall. Leave the tops until spring, when the snow melts. Water abundantly where the last year's flower garden was. Do not rely on rainfall, even if it is heavy. Since the seeds simply “crumbled” to the ground, no one buried them, and they remained on the surface. In such a situation, they can dry out very easily, which will lead to poor-quality sowing.

Adhere to these easy rules and new shoots will not keep you waiting long.

The best annuals for self-seeding, photo