We often hear of annuals and perennials in the garden but many gardeners are unfamiliar with biennials. Biennial flowers have a two year growth cycle. In the first year the will grow establish leaf and root growth but not product any flowers. In the second year, the flowers and seed will be produced and the plant will die off at the end of that year.



Many of our common flowers and herbs are biennials but are mistaken for perennials due to the fact that they are self sowing and appear to come back every year due to new plant growth. As the two year old plants are dying off, there is a fresh crop of 1 years waiting to flower and the cycle goes on and on.

Most biennials like a cold climate and need to have winter after the first year in order to produce flowers for the second year. They love a nitrogen fertilizer and should be fertilized during the first year of growth. If you have biennials in your garden, be sure to cut the plant back to the crown before winter. Protect it over winter with a covering of topsoil or mulch. If you live in an excessively cold climate you might consider digging up your biennial and over wintering it in the garage or basement - any place that will be cold with lots of air circulation.

During the second year of growth, fertilize your biennial flowers monthly with compost or manure. During the second year you should see seedling sprouting up among your plants - the little seedlings are in their first year of growth and will have blooming flowers the next year.

You may be surprised to find out that some of your favorite flowering plants such as forget-me-nots, delphinium, foxglove, hollyhock and pansies are biennials. Many herbs are also biennial including sage, carrots, evening primrose and parsley. Biennial herbs aren't usually left to flower as they are typically harvested in the first year during leaf and root development.

Biennial flowers and herbs can be a great addition to any garden, but you will have to take care to make sure the seeds do not grow wild and take over your entire landscape! Containers are perfect for biennials, especially herbs and make a nice little addition to any patio or garden area.