Biennial plants complete their life cycle in how many growing seasons?

• A. Two growing seasons
• B. One growing season
• C. Three growing seasons
• D. Perennial cycle

Answer: (A)

Biennials complete their life cycle in two growing seasons. In the first year they focus on vegetative growth—developing leaves, stems, and often storing energy in the root or crown. In the second year they use those energy reserves to produce flowers and seeds, after which the plant typically dies. This two-season pattern sets biennials apart from annuals, which finish in one growing season, and from perennials, which live for multiple years and can flower more than once. Classic examples include carrots and parsley, which grow first year and then flower in the second year.