What are biennials?

Biennials are defined as plants that complete their life cycle over the course of two growing seasons. In the first year, these plants typically germinate and grow foliage but do not produce flowers or seeds. It is in the second year that they mature, flower, and produce seeds before dying. This life cycle characteristic is what distinguishes biennials from other types of plants, such as annuals, which complete their life cycle in one season, and perennials, which live for multiple years and can flower year after year.

Understanding the life cycle of biennials is crucial in fields like agriculture and horticulture, where they might be managed for specific harvests or controlled within ecosystems. This definition aligns well with the correct choice, emphasizing the specific lifespan of biennials as being longer than a year but not exceeding two years.