What type of plant completes its life cycle in a single growing season?

An annual plant is one that completes its entire life cycle, from seed germination to flowering and seed production, within a single growing season. This means that it typically germinates in the spring, grows and matures over the summer, and then dies after producing seeds by the fall.

The significance of annuals in gardening and agriculture is immense, as they often provide blooms and harvests in a relatively short timeframe. They are particularly valued for their vibrant flowers and quick turnover, which allows gardeners to change plantings seasonally.

In contrast, perennials are plants that live for more than two years, and biennials complete their life cycle over two growing seasons. Bonsai, while a method of growing plants in miniature form, does not specifically refer to a lifecycle timeframe as an annual does. This highlights how the term "annual" distinctly defines a plant's lifecycle by its single-season completion, making it the appropriate choice for this question.