13 Easy To Grow Balcony Flowers
Discover the perfect blooms for your space and begin your balcony garden now.
Problem:
Spring’s in full swing, and the urge to fill your outdoor space with color is stronger than ever. But if you’re like many, limited space might be holding you back—maybe it’s just a small balcony, a tight corner, or no yard to speak of, making that dream of a garden feel impossible.
What You Will Learn:
In this post, we’re tackling that challenge with 13 easy to grow flowers that thrive in pots and small spaces. From marigolds to verbena, these blooms offer beauty and practicality—perfect for any season. Whether you’re a gardening pro or just starting out, you’ll find a clear list of plants, easy care tips, smart solutions and inspiration for your garden.
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are a standout pick for any balcony, bursting with sunny orange and yellow tones. Bonus: their natural pest-repellent powers help shield your other plants! Water them consistently, and pinch off faded blooms to spark new growth. Use a 6-8 inch pot with drainage holes and well-drained soil. Place them in full sun for the best color.
2. Begonias
Begonias: All-Season Color and Texture
Begonias bring vivid shades and lush textures to your space, thriving in sun or shade. They’re a versatile gem for any balcony spot. Keep their soil moist (not drenched) and remove spent flowers to coax out more blooms. Plant in a 10-inch pot with rich, loamy soil. Bring them indoors near a bright window during colder months.
3. Geraniums
Geraniums deliver a splash of brilliance with little upkeep—perfect for busy gardeners. They adore sunlight and need just a weekly drink. For top-notch blooms, pluck off dead flowers and maintain slightly moist soil. Use a 12-inch pot with added perlite for drainage. Move them indoors in winter to reuse next year.
4. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums aren’t just eye candy—their peppery blooms jazz up salads too! These vivid flowers love sunny corners and spill beautifully from pots. Water them often and trim faded blooms to keep them fresh. Plant in a wide, shallow 8-10 inch pot. Sow seeds directly in spring for quick growth.
5. Lobelia
Lobelia’s delicate blue cascades add a dreamy touch to your balcony’s edges. These charmers also attract pollinators like butterflies. Water them regularly and deadhead spent blooms for a longer show. Use a 10-inch hanging pot with peat-rich soil. Mist them in hot weather to maintain moisture.
6. Petunias
Petunias light up your balcony with shades from soft pastels to bold purples. Sun-loving and forgiving, they’re ideal for novice gardeners. Water them as needed and snip off old blooms to keep the party going. Plant in a 12-inch pot with compost mixed in. Feed them liquid fertilizer monthly for more flowers.
7. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum’s tiny flowers weave a fragrant blanket across containers, drawing bees and butterflies. For success, use well-drained soil and water during dry spells—its honey-like scent is worth it! Fill a 6-inch pot or window box with light soil. Trim them back midseason to encourage new blooms.
8. Fuchsias
Place them in partial shade, keep the soil damp, and watch them steal the show (and maybe attract a hummingbird or two!). Use a 10-12 inch basket with peat moss added. Pinch young tips early for fuller growth.
9. Impatiens
Impatiens brighten dim balconies with pops of color in every hue. They’re a cheerful fix for low-light spots. Keep their soil moist and remove faded blooms to encourage a steady flush of flowers. Use a 10-inch pot with rich soil and good drainage. Replant each spring for fresh color.
10. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas offer fluffy, show-stopping blooms—think pinks, blues, or whites—for a bold balcony statement. They need bigger pots and plenty of water, especially in heat. Prune after flowering for next year’s encore. Plant in a 14-16 inch pot with acidic soil. Mulch the top to keep roots cool and moist.
11. Pansies
Pansies beam like tiny smiles in a rainbow of colors, blooming from spring to fall. Tuck them in sunny spots, water often (but don’t soak), and they’ll keep your balcony lively. Use an 8-inch pot with light soil. Plant them in clusters for a fuller display.
12. Sunflower
Sunflowers bring height and sunshine to your space—opt for dwarf varieties if your balcony’s cozy. They crave direct light, so give them a sunny perch, water regularly, and add fertilizer for extra oomph. Use a 12-inch pot for dwarf types. Stake them if your balcony gets windy.
13. Verbena
Trailing Verbena’s vivid clusters cascade beautifully, dressing up railings or baskets. Sunlight keeps them happy—deadhead spent blooms and maintain moist soil for a nonstop display. Plant in a 10-inch pot or railing box. Water deeply in summer for steady growth.
FAQ
Q: How much sun do these flowers need?
A: Sunflowers, petunias, and marigolds need full sun (6+ hours), while impatiens and fuchsias prefer shade or partial shade. Check each flower’s needs for best results.
Q: Can I grow these in small pots?
A: Yes, sweet alyssum and pansies do well in 6-8 inch pots, but hydrangeas and sunflowers need 12-16 inch pots for their roots.
Q: What if my balcony is windy?
A: Stake taller plants like sunflowers, and use heavier pots or railing boxes for stability—trailing verbena and lobelia handle wind well.
Q: How often should I water?
A: Most need water when the top inch of soil feels dry—daily for fuchsias in heat, weekly for geraniums. Adjust based on weather.
Q: Do I need special soil?
A: Basic potting soil works for most, but add perlite for geraniums, peat for fuchsias, or compost for petunias if you can.
Key Takeaways
- Variety for All Spaces: From sun-loving sunflowers to shade-friendly impatiens, there’s a flower for every balcony condition.
- Pot Sizes Matter: Use 6-16 inch pots depending on the plant—small for alyssum, larger for hydrangeas.
- Water Wisely: Most need consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering—check soil drainage.
- Deadheading Helps: Pinch off spent blooms on marigolds, petunias, and others to encourage more flowers.
- Year-Round Options: Bring begonias or geraniums indoors to extend their season beyond summer.
With these 13 flowers, your balcony can burst with life and color, no matter the size or season. Pick a few, grab some pots, and start growing —it’s easier than you think! Tell us how it goes or drop a photo of your blooming space in the comments—we’d love to see your progress.
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I had no idea that these flowers were so easy to grow in a small space. I always thought that Begonias for instance needed lots of space and sun to thrive. I was also surprised to see sunflowers on the list, as these can grow really big.
Such an easy way to spruce up your balcony. You have given me some food for thought. I think I am going to start with Nasturtiums as I can use them in my salads and they are so pretty.
Hi Michel
Thanks for getting in touch. There are different kinds of begonias. They can grow from rhizomes, tubers, and other kinds grow more upright. They tolerate different sun levels. As for the sunflower, it is true that we usually think of it as growing in the field and producing many tasty seeds. There are more than 70 kinds of sunflower and some of them are dwarf varieties that grow to about 2-3 feet. Some of these varieties do not even look like the classic. sunflower. They may be a different color (orange, pink) or look more like a daisy than a sunflower. Nasturtium is a lovely flower, easy to grow, it decorates nicely salads and deserts and it is also a pest deterrent in the garden. Good choice! Let me know if you have other questions.
I have worked with many of these plants on many garden projects to bring that color pop. As for a balcony, these plants are amazing and can really set the type of atmosphere that is both inviting and relaxing. I have installed flowering plants on many balconies that helped bring that transformation, that was just stunning.
I like to squeeze a flower or two next to vegetables or herbs. This way I get the best of both worlds.Thanks for getting in touch!
Growing flowers on a balcony is a great way to bring to life a small space. A simple railing planter or a neatly arranged collection of pots are there is needed. Low-maintenance flowers like petunias and marigolds provide stunning bursts of color and thrive in compact environments with proper care, making them a great choice for balconies.
There are flowers suited for all conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and I find this aspect fascinating. Some flowers are also edible, which is great when we deal with space constraints.
Sometimes I killed my plants because there were sudden changes in weather conditions that caught me unprepared. Do you have any tips to deal with this?
Hi Laura
Thanks for getting in touch. Weather changes can be challenging to deal with. There are things that you can try, starting with the choice of plants. If the weather is too hot, then you can try draught tolerant plants for example. It is important to observe the microclimate on your balcony and determine how much sun there is, is it windy, does it get a lot of water. If there is too much wind, you could use a wind barrier. If there is too hot, then provide a bit of shade should help. For cold weather, plant covers are something to try. Do not overwater your plants. In hot weather it is better to water early morning or in the evening. Let me know if you have other questions!