What are cool hardy annuals?
The plants you plant in fall. Plant at an odd time for brilliant blooms in Spring.
Hardy annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season and can tolerate cool temperatures, often surviving light frosts.
They're great for very early spring or fall gardens in Zone 8.
Here are some examples:
Larkspur (Consolida)
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)
Pansies and Violas
Bachelor's Buttons (Centaurea cyanus)
Poppies (Papaver species)
These plants are typically sown in the garden before the last frost or started indoors.
Prefer cooler temperatures for germination and growth
Often bloom earlier than tender annuals
Why plant cool season flowers?
Plants are stronger and more robust
Plants are healthier and have strong root systems
Gives us something to do in the cooler months