Though you may not initially believe it, the balcony is one of the greatest areas to grow plants! Plants do an incredible job of livening up the space. So, even if you have limited room, don't miss out on the opportunity to have a beautiful balcony garden.
Now that you're thinking about balcony gardens, you may be wondering what you should plant. We created a list of 17 of the best plants for a balcony. Continue reading to discover more about these excellent options!
Fruits And Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables taste extra yummy knowing they came from your very own garden. The following options grow very well on a balcony. Enjoy color and taste!
1. Strawberries
Strawberries are a well-loved berry amongst the majority of people. The plant is herbaceous and low-growing with a fibrous root system. Its basal leaves are saw-toothed and hairy. The sweet red fruit, when ripe, is perfectly juicy and soft. Its Latin name is Fragaria ×ananassa.
Believe it or not, strawberries are relatively easy maintenance and simple to grow. Whatever container you pick for growing strawberries, make sure it has drainage holes.
Fill the container with well-draining, high-quality potting soil. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer and water every day. Ensure your strawberries get plenty of sunlight each day.
25 Bare Root Strawberry Plants
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2. Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomato plants produce small, bite-sized fruit. It's a good blend between juicy and meaty and can be seen in colors like red, yellow, orange, or even purple. The plant will keep producing its fruit until the first frost kills it.
Choose a planting container that holds about 5 gallons and has drainage holes on the bottom. Place the container in a spot that receives between 6 and 8 hours of sunlight each day.
Put a cage around the plant so that it has support as it grows. Use a nice, even potting soil and water the soil so that it stays moist.
3. Blueberries
The blueberry plant is a woody, perennial shrub that produces small blue or indigo berries. The plant has elliptical leaves and small clusters of white or pink blooms.
You'll enjoy both the look and produce of this plant. For container growing, it's best to grow dwarf or compact blueberry varieties that won't grow past 3 feet in height. Its Latin name is Cyanococcus.
Pick a pot that allows the plant to expand so that it won't get choked out. Ensure the pot also has drainage holes on the bottom. Use a 50-50 potting soil and compost mixture. Blueberries especially love more acidic soil. Water the plant enough to keep the soil moist.
Live Patriot Blueberry Plant
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4. Herbs
Flavorful herbs are an excellent companion for balconies. Not only do they add to the aesthetic of your balcony garden, but they're also useful for cooking.
It's nice to be able to walk outside and cut your own fresh herbs. Grow herbs like cilantro, thyme, basil, parsley, mint, sage, dill, and more.
Planting herbs in containers on a balcony makes it possible to bring them indoors in the winter to continue growing year-round. Most herbs grow best in sunny conditions and require regular waterings. Pick pots with drainage holes on the bottom. Coat the soil in a slow-release fertilizer once or twice a year.
Garden Herb Seed Collection
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5. Multi-Colored Radishes
Radishes are plants that are grown for their edible globe-shaped taproots. Sometimes known as "Easter Egg radishes," this plant produces white-fleshed interiors with exterior colors including shades of white, purple, pink, and lavender.
Radishes can be ready in as little as 3 weeks after planting! Its Latin name is Raphanus sativus.
Radishes require at least 6 hours of full sunlight each day and plenty of water. The soil should be kept consistently moist. Amend the potting soil with lots of organic compost and try to keep any clumps or rocks out of the mix.
500 Radish Seeds
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Flowers
Whether you pick annuals or perennials, flowers are a sure way to brighten up a balcony. The following flowers grow exceptionally well under the conditions present on a balcony.
1. Jasmine
The Jasmine plant displays a plethora of clusters of tiny white flowers that are tropical fragrant. It can bloom year-round, providing constant gorgeous color.
Jasmine's foliage is a deep, glossy green color, contrasting wonderfully with the white starry blooms. Its Latin name is Jasminum.
Jasmine is relatively low-maintenance. Full sun to partial shade is best and it needs well-draining, moist, nutrient-rich soil. Whenever the top 1/2 inch or so is dry, it's time to water your jasmine plant again. If you're growing the vining variety, you'll need to give it some support to climb.
1-Gallon Live Plant
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2. Marigolds
If you want a cheerful annual on your balcony, look no further than the marigold. Marigolds can grow up to 3 feet in height (there are also shorter varieties) and produce large double-flower blooms in colors of yellow, gold, and orange.
Its Latin name is Tagetes patula or Tagetes erecta.
Pick out a container with drainage holes on the bottom then fill it with a great all-around, well-draining potting soil. Marigolds can easily rot if they're left in waterlogged soil, so be mindful of your soil quality and how much you water them.
Marigolds need between 6 and 8 hours of sunlight each day. Fertilize the flowers every once in a while to guarantee they receive their needed nutrients.
Marigold Seeds
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3. Impatiens
Impatiens are bright-colored annuals with lush, glossy green foliage. They can range in both size and color.
You can purchase them in shades of white, pink, violet, and red. Some varieties reach 6 inches in height while others reach 24 inches in height.
Impatiens grow best in moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. They're rather sensitive to sunlight, so be mindful of where you place them.
They'll also need a moderate amount of water to keep them vibrant, at least once or twice a day. Fertilize the flowers every other week with a well-balanced, water-soluble solution.
4. Petunias
Petunias are a common ornamental garden plant. Their trumpet-shaped blooms come in a huge variety of sizes, colors, and even patterns. If you can dream up the color, chances are you'll find a petunia in the matching shade. Its Latin name is Petunia x atkinsiana.
Pick a container that has drainage holes on the bottom so that the soil doesn't become waterlogged.
At the time of planting, fertilize your petunias with a slow-release fertilizer, and then throughout their growing season use a liquid fertilizer every or every other week. Ensure your flowers get between 6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day.
Read more: 10 Best Petunia Fertilizers That Will Produce Fantastic Flowers
5. Pansies
Pansies are another popular choice for balcony gardens. Their color pattern gives them an almost "face-like" appearance.
The pansy plant grows to both height and width of 9 inches with many, many stems. Its dark green leaves are oval to heart-shaped. Its Latin name is Viola tricolor hortensis.
To grow pansies, use a nice blended potting soil and water them regularly. They do not perform very well without a regular water supply. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every so often to keep the plants well-fed.
Pansy Seeds
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6. Begonias
Begonias are actually an entire genus of plants, with over 1,000 species. They have gorgeous showy flowers and colorful leaves. If you're looking for an interesting group of plants for your balcony, give these a shot.
Pick a spot on your balcony that receives either partial shade or filtered light. Fill the container with well-draining soil that also has organic matter mixed in.
During the growing season, use a well-balanced fertilizer once a month to keep it fed. Ensure that the soil remains moist, too.
Begonia Varieties
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7. Verbena
Verbena is a tall plant with many clusters of tiny flowers. The clusters of flowers can be seen in shades of purple, white, pink, red, coral, and various patterns. Its Latin name is Verbena x hybrida.
Verbena is definitely a sun-loving plant, performing best when it receives around 10 hours of sunlight each day.
While it's not particular about soil type, it does need to be well-draining. Regularly water it to for the highest impact on the number of blooms. Apply a slow-release fertilizer every so often.
1-Gallon Live Plant
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Green Plants
Green plants can be just as ornamental and eye-catching as vegetables, fruits, and flowers on the balcony. Check out the gorgeous varieties below.
1. Sweet Potato Vine
The sweet potato vine is grown for its ornamental, varying-colored leaves and vining habit of growth.
The colors and patterns include chartreuse, bronze, gold, red, purple, brown, and other variegations. It has a very tropical vibe to its look. Its Latin name is Ipomoea batatas.
These plants do best with 6 hours of sunlight each day but can tolerate some shade. Use a well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. Keep the vine well-watered, ensuring the soil is moist.
2. Palm Trees
Palm trees provide the ultimate tropical vibe to your balcony. Slow-growing or low-growing varieties will be the best option for container growing on your balcony.
Use a well-draining soil that has been amended with organic matter. Trim off the dying fronds to keep the remainder of the tree healthy. They need lots of bright light for at least 6 hours each day.
3. Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses probably aren't the first plant you think of to place on your balcony, but they sure are beautiful. They add rich texture and color with their nonstop performance.
There's an immense variety when it comes to size, shape, color, and texture. The grasses have either a mounding or spreading habit of growth.
Plant ornamental grasses in a spot that receives full sunlight. The soil should be well-draining. Once the grass has been established, it's rather drought-tolerant. Until it's established, you should water it frequently.
4. Heuchera
Heuchera plants are more commonly known as coral bells. They're foliage-rich plants that form mounds when they grow. Tall stems stand erect with small, bell-shaped flowers.
While green leaves are the most common variety, coral bells can also have purple, lime green, gold, rose, or any combination.
Position these plants in a spot that received full sun to partial shade. The soil should be well-draining and neutral to slightly acidic. Try to keep the soil moist at all times.
5. Succulents
Succulents come in all kinds of shapes, colors, textures, and sizes. They're an excellent way to spruce up your outdoor aesthetic. Succulents are known for their plump, water-filled leaves, giving them their full appearance.
If you're a forgetful gardener, succulents are a very forgiving variety. They're easy to grow and don't require much maintenance.
They perform well in dry climates and well-draining soil. Watering is necessary but doesn't have to be very frequent. Ensure they receive at least 3 hours of sunlight each day.
10 Assorted Live Succulents
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Let us know in the comment section below which plant varieties you incorporate into your balcony design! Before you go, make sure to check out these other plant guides: