The Life Cycle Of Plants: Annual, Biennial, And Perennial

The life cycle of plants is something important to consider when starting your home garden. Knowing your plant's life cycle will help you know it's harvest, flowering, and pollinating time. The life cycle of plants is categorized as annuals, biennials, or perennials.

Annuals, in general, have a short life cycle. They are plants that need to produce seed every year in order to continue their existence. Examples of annual plants include peas and leafy vegetables.

Plants that require more than one season to complete their life cycles are referred to as biennials. This means that a first-year plant will begin its life cycle with the vegetative structures, such as leaves and stems, while a second-year plant will show off its reproductive parts such as flowers, fruits and seeds. Examples of biennials include carrots, cauliflower, and beets.

Perennials are plants that require more than two years to reach maturity and do not die back after bearing fruits each season. Examples of perennials include artichokes, sweet potatoes, and asparagus.

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