Human life depends on the longevity of plants. All we see around us is the environment that represents one the true gift of nature. There are many lessons to learn from in nature, particularly aspects about the world of plants and features of man’s work and skill. Flowers surround us in almost every important event of our life such as weddings, anniversaries, celebrations, and the graduation of an educational institution. They often represent the “color patch” that gives charm to the world we live in, especially in summer. Annual flowers offer a spectacular aspect in your garden. Let’s enjoy reading more information about:
* What are annual flowers
* Types of annual flowers
What Are Annual Flowers
Due to the large number of genera and species of decorative plants, it is necessary to group them according with common characteristics. Besides the botanical classification, after which the decorative plants can be placed in different units of the plant kingdom. In specialized works they are also grouped according to other criteria which are more useful in floriculture practices. Below are examples of how they are grouped together.
* Classification by biological cycle
* Classification by decorative properties
* Classification by place and mode of use
* Classification in decorative assembly.
Grouping plants based on close characters, in a logical chain, allows easier orientation in the diversity of the plant world. The fundamental biological unit that underlies the systematics is the species- a group of individuals with certain morphological, anatomical and physiological common characteristics. Within the species, there are smaller units, name, variety, and form; in horticultural practice, the term variety is commonly used. After their lifetime, decorative plants can be grouped into annuals, biennials, and perennials.
Annual plants develop during and after vegetation fruiting disappears- hibernating in the form of seeds. Such plants are Papaver and Silene. There are species where the life cycle ends in the year of sowing or spring sowing, meaning they usually blooming in summer until late autumn. After they have produced the seed, they die.
Many of our annual plants can be sown directly at the final destination. The annual plants benefit from a richness of shades and colors of the flowers, sizes, shapes, and fragrance. Caring for annual flowers is not so difficult. In the spring, before the last frost, the seeds are sown in the soil at about 4 to 5 inches depth. After this, depending on the variety, they must be watered during their development; especially when the plants are young and buds about to flower.
In general, these flowers love the sun and develop in the hot summer, but at the same time they also enjoy water and well-drained soil. They do not require much fertilizer. Here are some examples of outdoor cultivated flower species: Amaranthus, Antirrhinum (lion’s mouth), Atriplex, Begonia, Calendula, Centaur, Petunia, Salvia, Tagetes, Zinnia, Delphinium, Nicotiana, Papaver, Portulaca, and Verbena.
Types of Annual Flowers
Begonia was named in honor of Michel Begon, a passionate plant collector and former governor of French Haiti. His friend Charles Plumier was an important French botanist, and the name was later taken over by Carl Linnaeus, who is now considered the father of modern taxonomy.
It is part of the family Begoniaceae that includes over 900 species. Begonias can be annual or perennial and are loved for their long flowering period, which ranges from a few weeks to several months. The colors of the flowers range from white and pink, to mate yellow and orange. They can remind us of roses or anemones. To enjoy as many flowers as possible, it is necessary to regularly remove them if they become too crowded.
Salvia is not only is it a spectacular plant with exquisite purple flowers, but it is also considered sacred in Antiquity. complex rituals were organized for its collection. Salvia is also an excellent medicine, not just an important spice in the kitchen.
An old Chinese proverb says that “who has sage in the house does not let old age get closer.” Due to its high vitamin content, salvia is considered a miracle plant with healing properties. It contains a complex of vitamins, including vitamins A, B, C and minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and sodium. Salvia is a bountiful source of nutrients useful to the body.
Nasturtium are edible flowers that can be grown in your garden. They are also used as decorative plants, health herbs, and ingredients in the kitchen. Their flowering period runs from June to October. All parts of the plant such as the seeds, flowers, and leaves are edible. The leaves have a refreshing aroma, slightly spicy, and can be used in salads, soups, and sauces.
The flowers are used to decorate the vegetables, cakes, salads, and more. Unripe fruits and fruits can be pickled and used instead of capers. They can last up to one year. Also, ripe seeds can be ground and used as a substitute for black pepper. The spices can be used in the preparation of aromatic cheeses, salads, tortillas, or the decoration of any hot dishes. The flowers and leaves can be used to flavor the vinegar and season the sauces. Glazed flowers also serve as decoration for cakes.
Violas are annual, biennial or perennial plants that develop in the form of rosettes and can reach heights from 12 to 20 inches. They are grown as garden flowers and can be planted directly in soil, pots, or gardens. They are beautifully colored with white, purple, orange, and burgundy flowers that make this flower very beloved. Viola often grows alone or in combination with other flowers in order to decorate gardens, green spaces, circles, borders, alleys, or balconies.
All in all, without being exhaustive, this article presents some annual flowers that are known for their beauty and some of them for their therapeutic effects. The annual garden flowers are extremely varied and are renowned for their spectacular flowers and can beautify your garden differently each year.