These 15 Best Plants You Can Grow in a 12-inch Container are important as this is a standard pot size that everyone usually has.
Container gardening is a bit different from traditional gardening, requiring a bit more attention. But the results can be incredibly satisfying. We’ve compiled some plants that you might consider growing in containers that are just a foot wide.
Plants You Can Grow in 12 Inches Containers
1. Beets
Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris
Growing beets is space-efficient due to shallow roots, perfect for container gardening. This root vegetable thrives in well-drained soil and can be harvested young for tender and flavorful roots. Don’t miss out on these!
2. Eggplant
Botanical Name: Solanum melongena
For growing any eggplant variety in a container, a 5-gallon pot, which is roughly equal to 12 inches, is best to begin. With proper support and regular watering, you can get a bountiful harvest of these glossy vegetables.
3. Peppers
Botanical Name: Capsicum spp.
Peppers are another option that you can grow in containers. To get an abundant harvest, ensure that you use rich soil. If you’re using a 12 inches pot, don’t grow more than one plant.
4. Basil
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Not only vegetables, you can also grow herbs in a standard sized pot. Whether its sweet basil, Thai basil or holy basil, you can grow all of them in containers.
5. Rosemary
Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
When it comes to rosemary, start in a pot that is just one size bigger than your young rosemary plant and then repot it into a bigger 12 inches container.
To make sure that this must-have herb provides you with a year-round harvest, protect it from overwatering and make sure that the planter you’ve got has a drainage hole at the bottom.
6. Marigold
Botanical Name: Tagetes spp.
If you are looking to plant marigold flowers in pots, then marigold varieties like ‘French vanilla,’ ‘African sun’ and ‘ Durango’ are just perfect. To keep this natural pest control blooming for a long time, make sure to deadhead the spent flowers and prune them occasionally to maintain their shape.
7. Geraniums
Botanical Name: Pelargonium spp.
Known for their bright flowers, Geraniums are a perfect option if you are looking for an easy-to-care container flower. Make sure they are positioned at the same depth as they were in previous pot, you can plant up to two geraniums in such a big container.
8. Coleus
Botanical Name: Plectranthus scutellarioides
For your foliage collection, you can consider growing a couple of coleus in the 12-inch pot, ensuring they are spaced adequately to allow for growth. They may require some protection from extreme sunlight and occasional fertilization, so keep an eye on their growth–it will tell you what they need.
9. Hibiscus
Look for dwarf or compact types of Hibiscus cultivars. You can find them in all sorts of colors, like red, pink, white, and even yellow. Once you’ve got it, keep it in a sunny spot. About 6 hours at least a day is fine. Also, give it a good drink whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
10. Citrus Tree
Dwarf varieties like Meyer lemons are great for a foot wide pots. Persian lime, which is compact and heavy fruiters, is also a good option. If you want oranges, then go with Calamondin oranges.
11. Blueberries
A 12-inch pot will work for a dwarf blueberry bush as well. Pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours a day for growing them. They also crave acidic soil, so don’t use your regular potting mix. And remember, add a bit of mulch. It’ll grow beautifully.
12. Fountain Grass
Ornamental grasses like fountain grass is also a good option for a 12 inches pot. Try ‘Hameln’ or ‘Cassian’–they stay short at around 18-24 inches tall, love sunshine and well-draining soil, and are pretty low maintenance.
13. Lavender
You should definitely grab your 12-inch pot and fill it with Lavender. Look for varieties that stay compact, around 12-15 inches tall, would be perfect for your pot. Water them only when the soil feels dry to the touch, as lavender plants don’t like soggy feet.
14. Hostas
If you’re a fan of foliage plants–try one of these hosta varieties known for their variegations. Plus, if your hosta outgrows the pot, divide it to multiply and grow in new pots.
15. Roses
Miniature and small climbing roses are perfect in these pots. Why? Because they won’t get too big for the pot and will keep giving you flowers for a long time.
