An annual is a type of plant that completes its entire life cycle, from seed germination to bloom, in the course of a year. Common annuals include begonias, marigolds, pansies, petunias, and zinnias (pictured).

Once the plant has produced its next generation of seeds, it will die. However, you can prolong the blooming cycle by removing the flowers as they wilt, and the plant will produce seeds, which you can use to plant more annuals.

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