Biennials are plants that do not bloom until their second season.  They grow strong plants in the first season, then bloom, self-seed, and die in the second season.  They are self-perpetuating plants, some of which are spectacular when blooming. 

My first encounter with biennials was years ago when I went to an office during a work-related excursion.  The lady behind the front desk had a huge vase filled with the prettiest flowers I think I have ever seen.  As I waited for my appointment, we talked about those flowers.  She said that she had thrown some seeds someone gave her in the ground, and that the first year there were no flowers, but there was a huge clump of foliage.  She didn't know what the name of the plant was, so when I got home, I looked through all my materials and finally came up with a name.  Foxglove.  What a plant!  If you've never grown any biennials, try this one.  You won't be disappointed. 

The thing that people don't like about biennials is that they take so long to flower.  But, as stated above, they are self-perpetuating, and with luck after a few years you will always have the gorgeous blooms as the plants mature at different rates.  They are well worth the wait, believe me. 

Please see the links at the top left for biennial flower types and their profiles.  I will be adding to these and working on other aspects of gardening with biennials constantly, so do Bookmark this site and come back often.

As a note, in some cases, individual biennials may also grow as perennials, especially in the south.  In cases where this is well-known, I have listed them in multiple categories so they won't be overlooked.  This is a large website, and it is very difficult to cross-reference everything and still have room for the subject matter.  I have done my best, but don't forget about the backspace buttons if you find yourself in an unintended category.

More information on biennials is available in the Gardening QA Section.  Click here to see what other gardeners are asking.