Winter annual plants are plants that germinate in early winter and bloom by late winter or early spring. Winter annuals die after flowering and setting seeds. The seeds, in turn, wait again for the soil to cool for germination. Winter annuals grow low to the ground and use the snow cover for shelter from cold, then making use of warm temperatures to grow when the snow melts.
A number of different winter annuals are available.
Calendula: Also known as pot marigolds, they come in different colors.
Pansy: This annual has a beautiful mild fragrance and is found in many varieties.
Sweet Pea: Available in bright colors of red, pink, blue, violet, white, coral and cream, Sweet Pea thrives in cold weather and blooms during the short days of winter.
Bachelor Button (Cornflower): Ideal winter plants, Cornflower comes in pink red, white and blue and requires little care.
Larkspur: This tall feathery flower needs plenty of water and regular fertilization.
Snapdragon: A tall vertical plant, Snapdragon comes in two heights: 10 inches and 3 to 5 feet.
Dianthus: Ideal winter plants in the South, Dianthis requires sun as a well-drained and fertilized area for growth.
Lavender: Thanks to its lovely scent Lavender is a popular choice for making potpourri. It should be trimmed each spring and kept well fertilized.
Ornamental Cabbage and Kale: Known as ornamentals, these plants are not edible. They produce beautiful colors of pink and purple and the color deepens as the temperatures drop.
Viola: These flowers have a slight fragrance and come in many colors. Keep them well watered and fertilized.
Winter annuals are also considered important to our ecological system. They prevent soil erosion during winter and early spring by providing a vegetative cover. With winter annuals you can enjoy the spring in winter.
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