15 Beautiful Annuals You Can Grow Indoors

If you're like many gardeners this time of year, you may already be thinking about the annuals you want to plant in the spring for beautiful flowers all summer long. But did you know there are some beautiful annuals you can plant indoors to brighten up your home even before spring has sprung? If you are tired of winter and ready for some spring color, you can plant dainty pansies in a pot on your desk to cheer you up. If you're looking for vibrantly colored blooms, you can plant some fuchsias or petunias in an indoor hanging basket. In fact, many popular annuals are not only great for outdoor gardens, but can do wonders for your indoor space as well. Similarly to when planting outdoors, all it takes to get these annuals to thrive indoors is to be aware of their lighting, temperature, and watering needs.

There is actually quite a selection of stunning annuals you can grow as houseplants. If you want something that blooms with bold purple flowers, you can choose a petunia. If you're looking for an annual that blooms with vibrant red flowers — geraniums, nasturtiums, or begonias will do the job. Of course, not all the annuals on our list are flowers, but instead have beautiful leaf veining or structure with amazing visual appeal. But no matter your preference, there is likely a plant on this list that will be perfect for adding amazing greenery or beautiful blossoms to your home.

The polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is one of the annuals on our list that may not have beautiful blooms, but it sure has gorgeous variegation. Interestingly, this plant started out as a popular houseplant and over time became more popular in outdoor planters. It does well in bright, filtered sun, temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and consistent moisture. It does best with consistent watering whenever the top of the soil feels dry. The polka dot plant would make a wonderful conversation piece in any home.

The coleus plant (Plectranthus scutellarioides) comes in a variety of lovely colors from bright green, magenta, and shades of brown. They are relatively easy to grow indoors because they don't need a lot of light, thrive in typical room temperatures, and only need watering when their soil is dry about an inch below the surface. They will make a beautiful potted plant in a corner that needs a little greenery. If you are looking for a low-maintenance annual for a houseplant, the coleus is a perfect option.

Geraniums (Pelargonium) make lovely indoor potted plants. With their brightly colored flowers, they are sure to bring beauty to any windowsill. Geraniums, when given the proper care, can bloom repeatedly throughout the year. Their pots need good drainage, and when watering, make sure to soak until water trickles out of the drainage holes. You can allow the soil to dry out between waterings. These annuals prefer plenty of direct sunlight and will thrive in a south-facing window. Make sure they stay at room temperature and are away from drafts or air-ducts.

The wax begonia (Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum) is considered an annual as well as a tender perennial in some locations. It blooms consistently indoors if given the proper lighting and care. It has flowers in varying shades of pink, red, and white with waxy green leaves. Begonias make adorable potted plants and would do well on a windowsill. Like the geranium, this annual prefers a lot of direct sunlight. It's also important to keep your wax begonia's soil consistently moist but not soaked.

Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) are another wonderful annual plant that produce beautiful, bright-colored flowers. They require a well-draining container to prevent them from getting waterlogged. They need good lighting and do well in a south-facing window with filtered sunlight. It's important not to let the soil in your impatiens' pot dry out and keep it consistently moist. If you need to, you can mist the plant to keep it from getting too dry.

Fuchsias are one of the pickier plants on our list, but with the proper care, they can thrive indoors. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight and temperatures on the cooler side — no warmer than 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler at night. They also require moist but not soaked soil. Fuchsias benefit from regular feeding with an appropriate fertilizer (always be sure to follow feeding instructions on packaging). If cared for properly, these plants will provide gorgeous flowers to brighten up your home.

Browallia (Browallia speciosa), also known as the amethyst flower, is another tender perennial you can grow as an annual. Beloved for their bright blue blooms, this plant does well as a houseplant either in a hanging planter or pot. Browallia prefers cooler temperatures, filtered light or shade, and thorough watering, but it is best to allow the soil to dry out between deep waterings to prevent disease. They are a beautiful choice for adding a touch of striking blue to your home's aesthetic.

Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum) is another lovely blooming annual that, if brought indoors, needs a little extra care. If you're up for the challenge, you will be rewarded with blossoms of pom-pom-like flower clusters that come in purple, blue, pink, or white. Ageratum needs lots of direct sun; at least six hours a day. This annual also does well in ambient room temperature (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit). It should be planted in a pot with good drainage and soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) plants are often utilized as a companion plant for vegetable gardens, but they can also be used as potted plants indoors. One of the added benefits of having these edible flowers indoors is that they can be easily accessed for culinary uses. Choose a dwarf or bush-type to grow indoors as typical nasturtiums are climbing and might get too big. Although they need lots of sunlight, nasturtiums thrive in normal room temperatures and will suffer if near a heat source. Be sure to water at least once a week and don't let the soil dry out.

Petunias (Petunia x hybrida) are often considered the go-to garden flowers, but if given the proper care, they can also be indoor plants. These annuals need a lot of sunshine and warmth to flourish as a houseplant. If you need to, you can supplement their light with grow lights. They benefit from regular watering — whenever you notice the surface of their soil drying out, give them a drink. If given the proper amount of light, these cheerfully colored flowers will provide you with tons of brightly-colored blooms.

The pansy (Viola x wittrockiana) is another annual that is normally a staple in flower gardens but can be a houseplant. However, they are a little more finicky when brought indoors. Pansies prefer a cooler room temperature, with 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit being best. If you have a room you keep on the cooler side that still gets a good amount of bright indirect sun, that would be an ideal location. To thrive, they need well-draining soil that is consistently moist but not soaked.

Caladiums not only make lovely outdoor plants but also make wonderful indoor plants. This annual is prized for its large, colorful leaves. Caladium plants prefer filtered, indirect light throughout the day and warm room temperatures, so keep your plants away from drafts or air ducts. These annuals need moisture to thrive, so water weekly when the top of the soil has dried. They also do best with increased humidity, so mist with water if needed to ensure your caladiums stay healthy.

Ornamental peppers (Capsicum annuum) can make cheerful indoor potted plants with the proper care. As with any pepper plant, this variety likes to be warm and get plenty of time in direct sunlight. Their fruit can come in a variety of colors and would look adorable in a windowsill. Some people even like to use them for decoration around the holidays. Keep their soil moist but not waterlogged for optimal growth. While their fruit is edible, be cautious as it can be extremely spicy.

While celosia (Celosia argentea) plants are also an annual more commonly found in the garden, they can be successfully grown indoors. These beautiful plants produce feathery blooms of many different colors and would brighten any room in your home. But they do require a little special care. Celosia plants do best with many hours of direct sun — a spot near a sunny window is best. They also like the room to be nice and warm at 70 degrees Fahrenheit or slightly warmer. Water regularly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and make sure they have a well-draining pot.

Although the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is an annual that doesn't produce blooms, it is still beautiful in its own way. With its gorgeous cascading leaves, it makes the perfect hanging houseplant. These plants do best in filtered or indirect light and require high humidity, making them a perfect option to add a little greenery to the bathroom. Boston ferns like their soil to be consistently moist but not waterlogged.