7 Full Sun Annual Flowers

Written by Crystal
Updated: August 25, 2023
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Annual flowers that require full sun are not only beautiful, but many of them will bring a smile to your face. Just think of the wild sunflower, it’s one of the best full-sun annual flowers in the world. These towering plants have long been a source of fascination, and their popularity is only on the rise. Today, sunflowers are grown all over the world for their seeds, oil, and flowers. So, next time you see a field of sunflowers, take a moment to appreciate these amazing plants. With their cheery yellow blooms, they are sure to bring a smile to your face.

What are some other full sun annuals that will bring a splash of color and happiness to your garden? Read on to find out.

1. Marigolds

Orange yellow French marigold or Tagetes patula flower on a blurred garden background.Marigolds.

Marigolds are bright and cheery flowers that are sure to bring a smile to your face.

©iStock.com/svf74

One of the most popular flowers in the world is the Marigold. Not only are these flowers beautiful, but they are also easy to grow and care for.

Marigolds come in a wide range of colors, from bright yellow to deep orange. They are often used as border plants in gardens, and they also make excellent cut flowers. Marigolds are native to Mexico and Central America, but now they’re in gardens all over the world.

If you want to grow marigolds, it is important to choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Even though they’re full-sun annual flowers, studies show they’re not good for summer flower beds. Instead, you’ll want to plant them after the last frost of the year. They will bloom throughout the summer and into the fall. When choosing a marigold variety, be sure to select one that is appropriate for your climate zone. With a little care and attention, your marigolds will provide you with months of beautiful blooms.

2. Begonias

Full sun annual Begonia

Begonias are native to a humid subtropical and tropical climate. Some species are usually grown indoors as indoor plants.

©Fedotova Olga/Shutterstock.com

Begonias are a type of flowering plant that comes in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world and occur in both humid and dry climates. Though they are often grown as houseplants, begonias can also thrive outdoors in gardens or containers.

When choosing a begonia to grow, it is important to consider the plant’s size, flower type, and preferred growing conditions. Begonia plants vary widely in size, from small varieties that only grow a few inches tall to large varieties that can reach up to six feet in height. The flowers of begonias also come in a variety of shapes and colors, from small white blossoms to large pink blooms.

Finally, begonias prefer different types of growing conditions depending on the variety. Some begonias do well in full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Begonias also vary in their water needs, with some requiring frequent watering and others that can tolerate periods of drought. By keeping these factors in mind, anyone can choose the right begonia for their garden or home.

3. Celosia Spicata

Pink and red celosia coxcomb flowers.

Cockscomb (Celosia) is a herb from the Amaranth family.

©iStock.com/Tetiana Kolubai

Celosia spicata, or cockscomb, is an annual flower that is native to tropical Africa. It is widely cultivated in warmer climates around the world and is a popular garden plant in many parts of the United States. The most distinctive feature of celosia spicata is its colorful and bizarrely shaped inflorescences.

These flowers produce in great abundance. They attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Celosia spicata is a relatively easy plant to grow and does not require much care. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade, and it can be grown in a wide range of soils. With its showy flowers and low maintenance requirements, celosia spicata is an excellent choice for gardens of all sizes.

4. Zinnias

Zinnia, Flower, Agricultural Field, Growth, Summer

Zinnias come in a variety of colors and petal shapes.

©iStock.com/AlinaMD

If you are looking for a wide range of colors, try planting zinnias! They are a popular choice for gardens, and they are relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your zinnias healthy and vibrant:

First, make sure to plant them in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. Zinnias need at least six hours of sun each day to thrive. Second, water the plants regularly, and fertilize them every few weeks. Third, deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage new growth.

Finally, be on the lookout for pests such as aphids and spider mites, which can damage plants. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a beautiful zinnia garden all season long.

5. Moss Rose

Colorful flowerbed of hogweed or Portulaca also known as moss roses.

Moss rose is a flowering type of succulent plant.

©iStock.com/Lex20

A striking summer annual, Moss Rose (Portulaca Grandiflora) is easy to grow and care for. It is native to South America, but it is popular in gardens worldwide. Moss Rose is popular for its showy flowers, which come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, yellow, and orange.

The plant has a sprawling habit and can reach up to 12 inches in height. It is heat- and drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for hot, dry climates. Moss Rose is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much watering or fertilizer.

In fact, too much water can cause the plant to rot. It does best if you plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth and prolong the flowering season. With a little care, these full-sun annual flowers will bring color and life to your garden all summer long. Just be sure to keep the deer out of your yard!

6. Impatiens

Red and orange impatiens in a flower bed.

Impatiens come in bright colors and are fantastic plants for flower beds and borders.

©iStock.com/Joe_Potato

Annual impatiens are a type of flowering plant that thrives in full sun. Also known as busy Lizzies, these plants produce brightly colored flowers that are popular among gardeners. Annual impatiens are relatively low maintenance, and they can thrive in both containers and beds.

When selecting a location for planting, make sure to choose an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. These plants prefer well-drained soil and need water on a regular basis. To encourage flowering, annual impatiens need fertilization every two weeks. With proper care, annual impatiens will bloom from early summer until the first frost of the season.

7. Petunias

Basket of purple petunias

Petunias originally came from South America.

©Maya Afzaal/Shutterstock.com

It’s easy to see why petunias are one of the most popular annual flowers. They come in a wide range of colors and sizes, and they’re very easy to care for. Best of all, petunias thrive in full sun. If you’re looking for a plant that will add a splash of color to your garden without requiring a lot of work, petunias are an excellent choice.

Petunias are typically planted in the spring, and they will bloom all summer long. Deadheading regularly will help to encourage continued blooming. Petunias prefer well-drained soil, and they should be watered deeply but infrequently. Too much water can cause the roots to rot, so it’s important not to overwater. Fertilizing every few weeks will help keep your petunias healthy and blooming all season long.

Summary of 7 Full Sun Annual Flowers

#Full-Sun Flower
1Marigolds
2Begonias
3Celosia Spicata
4Zinnias
5Moss Rose
6Impatiens
7Petunias

The photo featured at the top of this post is © EQRoy/Shutterstock.com


Sources

  1. Green Education Foundation, Available here: http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/greenthumbchallengesub/start-up-kit/grow-plant-your-garden/545-planting-flowers-annuals.html
  2. Missouri Botanical Garden, Available here: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/Portals/0/Gardening/Gardening%20Help/Factsheets/Annuals3.pdf
  3. Master Gardener of North Virginia, Available here: https://mgnv.org/public-education/five-things-you-may-not-know-aboutannuals/
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About the Author

Crystal is a dedicated writer at A-Z Animals, focusing on topics related to mammals, insects, and travel. With over a decade of experience in the world of research and writing, she also fulfills the role of a skilled video and audio engineer. Residing in sunny Florida, alligators are Crystal's favorite animal.

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