There are two must-haves for Mother’s Day: a day where she does absolutely zero cooking or cleaning, and some sort of flowers to mark the occasion. This year, instead of buying an overpriced store-bought bouquet that will probably die within the week, why not give her a long-lasting source of flowers that she can enjoy all growing season? Nothing brightens up a summer’s day more than some colorful flowers, but not everyone has a lot of space for an elaborate flower garden. Still, many flower varieties grow well in pots, which makes it easy for anyone to enjoy flowers just about anywhere there’s enough sunshine. Brighten the porch, patio, or balcony with some of these easy-to-grow flowers in containers.
Petunias
Petunias are one of the most popular container flowers. They come in many colors and varieties and will bloom all summer long. We offer a Dwarf Petunia Seed Mix with a trailing habit that will produce blooms in shades of red, purple, blue, and white making them especially nice in hanging baskets.
Petunias are an annual flower with trumpet-shaped blooms that hummingbirds and bees love. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Keep them well-watered and pinch off dead blossoms to encourage continuous blooming.
Zinnias
Zinnias are another warm-season annual flower that will grow well in containers. They come in a rainbow of colors and heights. There are three types of zinnia blooms: single, double, and semi-double blooms. Our California Giants Zinnias are a double-bloom variety that comes in a mix of cheerful colors that will add some beauty and life to any space. They will grow quickly from seed sown after the last frost. Plant your zinnias in well-drained soil and place them in a sunny location. Butterflies and other pollinators love zinnia blooms and they make lovely cut flowers because of their long stems.
Cosmos
Cosmos are a tender perennial flower that looks lovely in pots. If you are in a warmer climate, cosmos will return year after year. Originating in Mexico, cosmos are easy to grow and adaptable to many soil conditions, so they’re a great choice for anyone who is not very confident about their ability to grow flowers. They are heat and drought-tolerant and make a lovely, long-lasting cut flower. Our Bright Lights Cosmos have semi-double blossoms in shades of red, orange, and yellow. They’re quite attractive to pollinators, too!
Marigolds
Marigolds are essential for anyone who loves flowers! This annual flower is heat-tolerant and grows great in containers all season long, from spring until the first frost. Marigolds have the added benefit of deterring pests, so place some around outdoor living areas to help keep bugs away. Marigolds should get at least 6 hours of full sun, and be planted in fertile, well-drained soil. Soil should be kept moist, but these bright flowers can tolerate some heat and dry conditions. While they don’t need dead-heading as much as something like petunias, removing dead blooms will encourage new growth. Remember to save your seeds for next year!
Salvia Faricinea (Victoria Blue Sage)
There are many types of sage, but Victoria Blue Sage (Salvia faricinea) or Mealycup Sage is one of our favorites. This wildflower produces lovely blue blooms, has an upright growth habit, and is easy to care for in pots. This salvia is a North American native perennial that prefers full sun. Unlike other types of sage, Victoria Blue sage has shiny elongated leaves. This is a favorite of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
How to Successfully Grow Flowers in Pots
- Container - Choose a container that is appropriate in size for the mature plant. A good rule of thumb is to use a container that is at least twice the size of the root ball of the full-grown plant. The container should have drainage holes in the bottom.
- Soil - Use good soil designed for use in pots or containers. Typical soil does not generally drain well enough, nor does it have the nutrients a potted plant needs.
- Watering - Water your containers regularly. Soil should be kept moist, but not wet. Pay close attention during hot weather since pots can dry out quickly.
- Fertilizer - Most container plants will need fertilizing every two to four weeks. Use a good quality liquid fertilizer appropriate for your flowers.
You don’t need a large yard or garden to enjoy the beauty and benefits of flowers. Grow flowers in pots and put them anywhere in a sunny spot. They’ll add some life to any space and attract beautiful pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.
