Grow Flowers in Pots and Planters

Whether we tend a large yard and garden, or have limited space on a porch or balcony garden or patio, or grow flowers in a window box or planter, we all welcome a colorful container of healthy flowers in full bloom. Follow these tips as a guide to growing flowers in pots, planters and containers this summer.

Growing Flowers in Flower Pots: Container & Planter Basics

Use a big container. Bigger is better. A larger pot or container holds moisture longer and also provides more space for the plants’ roots. The healthier the root system, the healthier your flowers will be. The container must have a drainage hole in the bottom to allow excess water to escape.

Use fresh, top quality soil mix or potting mix formulated for container plants. Most of these are soil-less, meaning they are based on milled sphagnum peat moss or bark combined with sand, perlite or vermiculite. Some mixes contain a slow release fertilizer; some contain water holding crystals to lengthen the time between waterings.

Selecting Flowers to Grow in Pots and Containers

Select flowers and plants suited to the light conditions where the container will be placed – use flowers that like sun for a sunny place, use shade-lovers for a shady place.

Annuals (What’s an Annual? What’s a Perennial?) are usually the best choices for containers if you live in an area with freezing temperatures during the winter. Plant the flowers fairly close together to give the pot a full look sooner. If you are planting in early spring, protect from frost.

Some typical sun loving annual flowers suited to containers would include marigold, petunia, lantana, and salvia. Some shade loving or shade tolerant flowers would include impatiens, begonias, flowering tobacco and caladiums.

Flower Design Ideas for Seasonal Color Display

Think about what color or mood you want your container to convey. Arrange your plants together before planting to make sure you like the look. For professional looking results, consider following a color theme. For instance:

• All one color such as all blue flowers or all white flowers for a monochrome look.
• Pastel flowers – soft colors are most effective in gentle light, shade or morning-only sun
• Vivid bold colors – strong colors look best and will not wash out in bright sun

Go formal or informal. For a formal look, fill your container with a single large plant, or fill the pot by massing one single plant variety. For an informal look, mix heights and flower colors.

Consider coordinating your container and/or your flowers with your house or trim color for a custom look. Or, use a bold container and coordinate your flowers to it. Or, group several containers together to make a big impression.

Routine Container Care: Water, Feed, Groom Flowers in Pots

Water as needed to keep the soil slightly moist like a wrung out sponge. How often to water will depend on the weather – if it is hot or cool, if it is dry or rainy, if it is calm or windy; and on the relative size of your plants compared to the container.

Fertilize your flowers regularly to keep them blooming all summer. Follow directions on the fertilizer product label. Container plants can also benefit from an occasional top dressing of good quality compost.

Groom the plants often. Deadhead — remove faded flowers promptly. Trim away discolored foliage or broken stems. Keep an eye out for pest or disease problems. These can be more easily controlled if caught early.

Follow these tips for growing success. With careful selection and regular care, your annual flowers should thrive in their container, pot or planter and look great all summer!

You might also like Tips on Hanging Baskets, Pots, and Planters

More Flower Gardens Articles Flower Gardens Blog