Grow these Edible Plants for Hanging Baskets, if you’re either short of space or want to make your edible garden more interesting.
This list of Edible Plants for Hanging Baskets has everything–flowers, fruits, vegetables, and salad greens that you can grow vertically.
Discover the trailing perennials for hanging baskets in this post
Edible Plants for Hanging Baskets
Herbs:
1. Basil
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Basil, being the number one herb (at least for me 😉), is a delightful choice for a hanging basket. This versatile herb adds a burst of flavor to your dishes. Ensure it gets plenty of sunlight, and give it a regular pruning by harvesting the leaves for bushier growth.
2. Parsley
Botanical Name: Petroselinum crispum
Both flat-leaf and curly parsley do well in hanging baskets. Make sure it gets ample sunlight and follow a consistent watering schedule to promote healthy growth.
Learn how to grow parsley in pots with the help of this post
3. Mint
Botanical Name: Mentha
Mint is a fantastic choice for hanging baskets. As it’s a vigorous grower, and you can contain it in a small space this way. Don’t forget to introduce yourself to the most fragrant mint varieties here.
4. Creeping Thyme
Botanical Name: Thymus praecox
Creeping thyme is a small perennial herb that covers the ground and is often planted for its ornamental appearance. It will add beauty with its stems spilling down from your hanging basket.
5. Marjoram
Botanical Name: Origanum majorana
Growing marjoram in hanging baskets is a great idea. Its mildly fragrant leaves and delicate flowers not only add charm but also provide a fresh harvest for your cooking.
6. Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula
Lavender in hanging baskets infuses your space with a delightful fragrance. Its calming scent and elegant purple flowers make it an attractive addition.
How to Grow Lavender Plants | Lavender Plant Care
7. Creeping Rosemary
Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis prostratus
Creeping Rosemary, with trailing habit, looks perfect in hanging baskets. For the best growth, provide 5-6 hours of direct sunlight.
8. Cuban Oregano
Botanical Name: Coleus amboinicus
Cuban Oregano leaves smell like carom seeds when crushed; this perennial herb grows best in warm weather and can be an exotic addition to your edible hanging basket garden.
Discover herbs for hanging baskets in this post
Fruits
9. Cherry Tomatoes
Best Hanging Varieties: Tumbling Tom, Basket Boy Red, Suncherry Premium, Gardener’s Delight, Sakura, and Sun Baby
Cherry tomatoes can be grown in hanging baskets, providing you with a convenient source of fresh, tangy delights for salads and snacking. Learn more about tomato growing needs in hanging baskets here.
Find more tomato varieties for hanging baskets here
10. Strawberries
Best Hanging Varieties: Tristar, Tribute, Mara des Bois, Evie, and Albion
Hanging baskets allow you to grow strawberries, a clever idea for urban gardeners. Go for everbearing or day-neutral varieties instead of June-bearing types.
Explore berries to grow in hanging baskets in this post
11. Blueberry
Best Hanging Variety: Midnight Cascade Blueberry
Many people have fond summer memories of sweet and tangy blueberries. You might be surprised to learn that you can grow them in hanging baskets with ease!
Discover fruits you can grow in hanging baskets in this post here
Edible Flowers that Can Be Used for Garnishes and in Salads
12. Nasturtium
Botanical Name: Tropaeolum majus
Nasturtium is a beautiful mustard-scented plant with colorful flowers that are full of minerals and vitamins. This easy-to-care-for herb is a great pick for hanging baskets.
Explore edible flowers for cakes in this article
13. Calendula
Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis
Calendula in hanging baskets adds a vibrant touch to your garden. These cheerful, edible flowers are not only visually appealing but also perfect for garnishes and herbal teas.
Discover edible flowers that improve health in this post here
14. Viola (Pansies)
Botanical Name: Viola
These cool-season flowers not only add charm but are also edible, making them ideal for garnishes and salads. Ensure pansies receive adequate sunlight for a stunning display.
Check out edible flowers for cocktails in this post
15. Marigold
Botanical Name: Tagetes
Growing marigolds in hanging baskets is great to add a colorful display to a small patio and balcony. Ensure well-draining soil and plenty of sun.
Look at the hanging basket flowers here
Leafy Greens
16. Asian Greens (Pak Choi, Mizuna, Mibuna)
You can grow various Asian greens in a hanging basket as long as you water and feed them right. These leafy veggies can thrive throughout the year, even in winter!
17. Lettuce
Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa
Small lettuce varieties are great for hanging baskets. To prevent bolting in hot weather, position the basket where it gets partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
18. Spinach
Botanical Name: Spinacia oleracea
You can grow regular spinach hanging basket in a cool, shaded spot. Perpetual spinach is an excellent option because it won’t bolt in hot weather and will give you a regular harvest!
19. Swiss Chard
Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris L.
Swiss chard’s colorful stalks and nutritious leaves make it an attractive and edible addition to your hanging garden. Ensure it receives enough sunlight.
Learn growing Swiss chard in pots here
Vegetables
20. Cape Gooseberries
Botanical Name: Physalis peruviana
Cape Gooseberries are veggies you can easily plant in hanging baskets. Grow them upside down or like tomatoes, and they’ll spill over the sides of the pot.
21. Eggplant
Botanical Name: Solanum melongena
If you want to grow eggplants in your hanging garden, go for smaller varieties like “Patio Baby” – they require less space and can even grow upside down. These grow only 2-3 inches in size.
Learn to grow eggplants in pots in this post
22. Peas
Botanical Name: Pisum sativum
Growing peas in hanging baskets is a smart choice because it saves space and keeps them away from ground pests. It’s a tasty green for a small space like a balcony!
23. Zucchini
Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo
You can grow a single zucchini plant in a large hanging basket. These plants are heavy feeders, so make sure you fertilize them timely for the best growth.
Zucchini vs. Cucumber: All the Differences
24. Bush Beans
Botanical Name: Phaseolus coccineus
Compact bush bean varieties like “Mascotte” are perfect for baskets. These beans produce tender pods and thrive in full sunlight. Regular harvesting encourages more growth.
25. Cucumbers
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus
Cucumber can be a great addition to hanging baskets; go with varieties like Patio Pickle and Summer Dance. Dwarf bush varieties grow well and stay compact.
Discover vegetables you can grow in hanging baskets here
Edible Plants for Hanging Baskets – FAQs
1. Can I Mix Different Types of Edible Plants in One Basket?
Yes, you can, but make sure the plants you combine have growing requirements and keep the basket size bigger. Usually, you can do this with herbs!
2. Do I Need to Repot My Edible Plant Hanging Basket?
Repotting is generally not required for seasonal plants that you will replace each year. However, for perennial plants, you may need to repot every couple of years to ensure they have enough space to grow.
3. What Are the Best Locations to Hang Edible Plant Baskets?
A location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight is ideal. Make sure the spot is also well-ventilated but protected from harsh winds that can dry out the plants and break your hanging pots.
