10 Best Full Sun Plants to Grow in Pots

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10 Best Full Sun Plants to Grow in Pots

If you're looking to add some greenery to a sunny balcony or patio, growing plants in pots can be a great solution. But when it comes to full sun conditions, not all plants are created equal. In this article, we'll share 10 of the best full sun plants to grow in pots, along with tips on how to care for them.

Benefits of Growing Full Sun Plants in Containers

There are many reasons to grow full sun plants in containers. For one, you can easily move them around to find the perfect spot for each plant. Additionally, container gardening can help you save space and avoid having to dig up your yard. And for those without yards, it's a great opportunity to add some greenery to a balcony, patio or even a windowsill.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Full Sun Plants for Pots

When selecting plants for container gardening, consider the climate in your area, the amount of sun and shade available and the size of the container. Make sure the pot has good drainage, as well-draining soil is key to keeping plants healthy.

Now that you know what to look for when choosing full sun plants for pots, let's take a closer look at 10 of our favorites!

1. Petunias

Petunias are a popular choice for container gardening, thanks to their vibrant colors and easy-to-grow nature. They come in a wide variety of colors, from classic pink and purple to bright red, yellow and orange.

Varieties of Petunias

Some popular varieties of petunias are wave petunias, which have a cascading growth pattern, and supertunias, which come in a wide range of colors and have a long bloom time.

Tips for Growing Petunias in Pots

To grow petunias in pots, make sure to choose a pot that's at least 6-8 inches deep. Plant the petunias in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Water them regularly but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth.

How to Care for Petunias

Petunias like full sun (at least six hours per day) and will appreciate a regular feeding of balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds are an easy-to-grow annual that is great for container gardens. These plants have bright cheery blooms that come in shades of orange, yellow and red.

Types of Marigolds

There are many different types of marigolds to choose from, including French marigolds, which are more compact, and African marigolds, which can grow up to three feet tall.

Growing Marigolds in Containers

To grow marigolds in containers, choose a pot that's at least eight inches deep. Use well-draining soil and plant the marigold seedlings about six inches apart. Water regularly, but be careful not to overwater.

Tips for Caring for Marigolds

Marigolds like full sun, but can also tolerate some shade. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

3. Zinnias

Zinnias are another easy-to-grow annual that is great for container gardens, with a wide range of colors and sizes.

Different Varieties of Zinnias

Some popular varieties of zinnias include dwarf zinnias, which are more compact, and the taller, larger-flowered Benary's Giants.

Growing Zinnias in Pots

To grow zinnias in pots, choose a pot that's at least six inches deep. Use well-draining soil and plant the seedlings about eight inches apart. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering.

Caring for Zinnias in Containers

Zinnias like full sun and regular feeding with balanced fertilizer.

4. Geraniums

Geraniums are a classic flower that has been loved by gardeners for generations. These plants have clusters of flowers in shades of red, pink, white, and purple.

Types of Geraniums

There are many types of geraniums to choose from, including zonal geraniums, ivy-leaved geraniums, and scented geraniums.

Tips for Growing Geraniums in Containers

To grow geraniums in containers, choose a pot that's at least eight inches deep. Use well-draining soil and plant the geraniums about eight inches apart. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering.

How to Care for Geraniums

Geraniums like full sun and regular feeding with balanced fertilizer.

5. Salvia

Salvia (also known as sage) is a beautiful plant that comes in shades of blue, purple, pink and white. These flowering plants are great for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Varieties of Salvia

Some popular varieties of salvia include the tall, spiky perennial salvia and the smaller, more compact annual salvia.

Growing Salvia in Pots

To grow salvia in pots, choose a pot that's at least six inches deep. Use well-draining soil and plant the seedlings about six inches apart. Water regularly.

Tips for Caring for Salvia in Containers

Salvia likes full sun and regular feeding with balanced fertilizer. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

6. Vinca

Vinca, also known as periwinkle or myrtle, is an easy-to-grow plant with attractive flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple.

Different Types of Vinca

There are many types of vinca, including annual vinca, which is often used as a ground cover, and Madagascar periwinkle, which has glossy leaves and can be grown as an annual or a perennial.

Growing Vinca in Pots

To grow vinca in pots, choose a pot that's at least six inches deep. Use well-draining soil and plant the seedlings about six inches apart. Water regularly.

Caring for Vinca in Containers

Vinca likes full sun and regular feeding with balanced fertilizer. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

7. Lantana

Lantana is a beautiful flowering shrub that can be grown in containers or as a hanging basket plant. The small flowers come in shades of pink, yellow, orange and red, and are great for attracting butterflies.

Types of Lantana

There are many different types of lantana, including dwarf, trailing and upright varieties.

Growing Lantana in Pots

To grow lantana in pots, choose a large, well-draining container. Use well-draining soil and plant the lantana about a foot apart. Water regularly, but be careful not to overwater.

Caring for Lantana in Containers

Lantana likes full sun and regular feeding with balanced fertilizer. Deadheading the spent flowers will encourage new blooms.

8. Portulaca

Portulaca, also known as moss rose or purslane, is a low-growing annual that produces beautiful, delicate flowers in shades of pink, yellow and white.

Varieties of Portulaca

Some popular varieties of portulaca include sundial, which has large, colorful blooms, and splendens, which has small, bright flowers.

Growing Portulaca in Pots

To grow portulaca in pots, choose a pot that's at least six inches deep. Use well-draining soil and plant the seedlings about six inches apart. Water regularly, but be careful not to overwater.

Caring for Portulaca in Containers

Portulaca likes full sun and well-draining soil. Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

9. Cosmos

Cosmos are easy-to-grow annuals that come in a wide range of colors, including pink, white, red and orange. These plants have feathery foliage and produce delicate, daisy-like flowers.

Different Varieties of Cosmos

Some popular varieties of cosmos include the Tall Cosmos, which can reach heights up to six feet tall, and the Dwarf Cosmos, which grow up to two feet tall and are great for containers.

Growing Cosmos in Pots

To grow cosmos in pots, choose a pot that's at least six inches deep. Use well-draining soil and plant seedlings about two feet apart. Water regularly, but be careful not to overwater.

Tips for Caring for Cosmos in Containers

Cosmos like full sun and regular feeding with balanced fertilizer. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.

10. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a classic garden flower that are also great for container gardening. They come in many different sizes and colors, from the familiar yellow petals and brown centers to white, pink and burgundy.

Types of Sunflowers

There are many different types of sunflowers, including dwarf varieties that grow just a few feet tall and giant sunflowers that can reach up to 12 feet or more.

Growing Sunflowers in Containers

To grow sunflowers in containers, choose a large pot (at least 18 inches in diameter) with drainage holes. Use well-draining soil and plant the sunflower seedlings about a foot apart. Water regularly.

Caring for Sunflowers in Pots

Sunflowers like full sun and regular watering. Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

We hope this article has inspired you to add some full sun plants to your container garden. With these ten plants, you'll have endless possibilities for creating beautiful arrangements and attracting beneficial insects to your yard.