What Plants Are Best to Grow on Balconies?

Vegetables

• Growing vegetables on a balcony allows people who have limited mobility or do not have a yard or community garden to grow vegetables. Simply attach the window box to the balcony railing, select vegetable varieties suited to container culture and, in no time at all, you will be harvesting a wide array of fresh vegetables. It is best to use one window box for each type of vegetable. Easy vegetables to start with include lettuce, radish, miniature carrots, cherry tomatoes and peppers.

Herbs

• A wide variety of herbs do quite well in containers on balconies. The best part is you can move the containers of fresh herbs indoors for the winter if you live in a cold climate. They will need a sunny window or grow lights to continue to produce all winter long. Basil, rosemary, sage, oregano, lemon balm and lemongrass are ideal for growing in a container garden. Some herbs get quite bushy over time, so be sure to leave adequate space between each plant.

Annuals And Perennials

• Flowering annuals and perennials are a great way to add color and scent to the balcony garden. The best plants to grow on shaded balconies include torenia, impatiens, hosta and lungwort. Plants that will thrive on balconies that receive six hours or more of sun per day include petunia, verbena, lantana, coneflower, miniature roses and yarrow. Select plants that have small root systems and have a compact growth habit.

Houseplants

• Finally, don’t forget to move your houseplants outdoors once all danger of frost is past. If you live in a tropical climate, you can grow these plants, also known as tropical plants, on the balcony year-round. Remember to consider the mature height of the plant when selecting them. Small palm trees, philodendrons, orchids, desert rose, passion flower and cactus will thrive in containers and will benefit from the fresh air and natural light they will receive when grown on a balcony.