Biennials are plants that, under normal weather cycles, complete their full life cycle within two growing seasons and then dies.

First growing season…

seed is planted >

plant matures >

Goes dormant through winter

Second growing season

matures and flowers >

flowers mature and produce seeds >

plant dies

During the first year they produce a root system and foliage. They store nutrients in their roots during the dormant winter months and will produce seeds in the second year. Because of their sensitive taproots, biennials should be direct sown to avoid damage during transplanting.

It is possible for biennials to produce seeds the first year, due to environmental fluctuations. Also, because many times they ‘self seed’ they can be mistaken for perennials.

Examples of
Vegetables

  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Onions
  • Parsnips
  • Turnips

Example of
Herbs

  • Parsley
  • Stevia
  • Sage
  • Angelica
  • Caraway
  • Evening Primrose

Example of
Flowers

  • Foxgloves
  • Hollyhock
  • Black-eyed Susan
  • Hollyhock
  • Pansy
  • Evening Primrose