Biennial Flowers & Biennial Plants

Biennial flowers are sometimes thought to be perennials because some varieties are self sowing and therefore, appear to come back year after year. This is in fact new plants coming up every year as the old ones die off.

These plants like climates with a cold winter and need a cold spell after the first year in order to flower the second year. These plants thrive when fertilized with a nitrogen fertilizer in the first year. Before winter, cut back the plant to the crown and cover with topsoil or mulch to protect it during winter. If your winters are extremely harsh, you may have to dig it up and overwinter it indoors in a cold area with lots of air circulation.

During their second year, biennial flowers will do well with some compost or manure and monthly feedings. During this year, you may see a lot of seedlings sprout up - if conditions are right they will take hold and bloom the next year! Some self sowing plants include forget-me-not, pansy and money plant.

Some of our favorite herbs are actually biennial plants including the carrot, sage, evening primrose and parsley. These plants are usually harvested in the first year when they are developing their leaves and roots, but if left for a second year would flower .

Some biennial flowers include – Delphinium, Foxglove, Hollyhock, Queen Anne's Lace and Verbena. These wonderful flowers can be a nice addition to your garden, but you will have to take care to make sure the seeds do not grow willy nilly. A container garden, especially for the herbs makes a nice addition that is easier to control.