What types of plants grow from seed and develop roots and leaves during the first year, then mature and die during the second year?

Biennials are plants that complete their life cycle over two growing seasons. During the first year, they germinate from seed, grow leaves, and establish a root system, but they do not produce flowers or seeds. Instead, they remain in a vegetative state, storing energy in their roots. In the second year, these plants flower, produce seeds, and then die shortly thereafter. This distinct two-stage life cycle is what differentiates biennials from annuals, which grow, flower, set seeds, and die within a single growing season, and perennials, which live for multiple years, often flowering annually without dying after seed production. The term ‘annual perennials’ is less common and does not accurately describe a category of plants recognized by botany. Therefore, biennials are the correct answer, as they specifically grow from seed, develop in the first year, and complete their cycle in the second year.