Fond of nature but do not have enough space for an elaborate garden? You might want to consider a balcony garden in this case. What’s more? You don’t have to limit yourself to foliage. By choosing the right plants and administering the right care, you can even have a full-fledged flower garden on your balcony. In this article, we have curated a list of 15 plants that can be easily grown on your balcony in summers and are perfect for a vibrant dash of colour.
See also: 10 indoor plants that don’t need sunlight
Hibiscus
Known for their large and showy blooms, hibiscus come in a variety of shades like red, pink, orange and yellow. They show up with new blooms every few days and are super easy to care for.
Marigold
Marigolds can be easily grown in containers and feature vibrant blooms in shades of yellow, orange and red. They thrive in full sunlight and well-drained soil, making them perfect for growing on balconies in pots with drain holes.
Petunia
If you are looking for bedding plants that can provide the space with a fuller look, you should consider petunias. These trumpet-shaped flowers bloom profusely throughout summer with some bright sunlight and regular watering.
Geraniums
Ideal for growing during summers, geraniums are drought tolerant plants that flaunt clusters of flowers in shades of pink, red, white and purple. They thrive best with plenty of sunlight exposure and well-drained soil. Growing them on your balconies can add some colour to the spaces without overwhelming it.
Bougainvillaea
Striking the perfect balance between flowers and foliage, bougainvillaea plants are tough and low-maintenance, featuring colourful bracts surrounding inconspicuous flowers. This unique plant adds colour to the space not with its flowers but the foliage. They can thrive admirably if the basic requirements of full sunlight and well-drained soil are met.
Basil
While not bearing very vibrant flowers, basil can be considered for balconies due to their easy growth and care requirements. This aromatic herb has flavourful leaves that are valued for their culinary and medicinal properties. So varieties of basil also bear inconspicuous, dark-coloured flowers.
Mint
Another herb that can be easily grown on the balcony, mint-is fast growing and bears fragrant leaves that are a goldmine of culinary properties. It thrives best in partial sunlight and moist soil, making it perfect for kitchen gardens as well.
Lavender
Known for their fragrant flowers and medicinal values, lavender plants are preferred in gardens for the soothing colour of the blooms. When provided with full sunlight and well-drained soil, these plants can be the perfect mood boosters with their calming fragrance and colour.
Aloe vera
Featuring thick, fleshy leaves, aloe vera is known for its gel that harbours numerous invaluable medicinal properties. This is a super resilient plant that can thrive in the harshest conditions with minimal water availability. Grow it in your balcony garden to reap the benefits of the virtues of this plant.
Spider plant
These easy-to-care-for houseplants have long arching leaves and feature small white flowers. Super resilient and hardy, they can adapt to virtually any lighting condition and can tolerate some neglect, making them a perfect choice for people who cannot devote enough time to their balcony garden.
Snake plant
Another low-maintenance plant for busy individuals, snake plant is characterised by vertically growing upright leaves displaying various shades of green. They can survive without much exposure to direct sunlight and do not require frequent watering either.
Money plant
Money plants or pothos can easily add grace to your balcony with their heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines. With indirect sunlight and regular watering, they can be easily grown indoors. Additionally, these are perfect for growing along balcony rails for a surreal and whimsical touch.
Ferns
These shade-loving plants with delicate fronds can add a touch of surreal greenery to balconies. However, it is essential to ensure that these are delicate plants that prefer well-drained yet moist soil and indirect sunlight.
Zinnia
Zinnias are the perfect annual flowers to grow on balconies. They can easily add a vibrant dash of colour to the space with their daisy-like blooms that are also rich in nectar and attract pollinators. For best results, ensure that they receive plenty of direct sunlight and well-drained soil.
Caladium
With their striking foliage patterns, these shade-loving plants can be a visually appealing addition to your balcony. Flaunting shades of green, pink and white, they thrive in moist yet well-drained soil and indirect sunlight.
FAQs
What are the best balcony plants to grow in April in India?
Hibiscus, marigold, petunia and basil are some plants that can be grown in balconies in April.
How often should I water my balcony plants in summers?
While watering requirements differ from plant to plant, they require more frequent watering in hot and dry weather.
How can I protect my plants from pests and diseases?
Maintaining hygiene, ensuring proper air circulation and watering and administering organic pest control are some ways to keep pests at bay.
Can I grow vegetables on my balcony in the summer?
Vegetables like tomatoes, leafy greens, coriander and mints can be grown in balconies during summer.
What are some low-maintenance balcony plants suitable for beginners?
Snake plants, spider plants, pothos, aloe vera and ferns are beginner-friendly and super easy to maintain
How can I ensure the soil quality for balcony plants in the summer?
Adding organic matter to soil can help improve soil structure and fertility and also enhance water retention capacity, especially important during the summer.
Should I fertilise my balcony plants?
While fertilisation is necessary, it is recommended to carry out the process in spring to support more growth.
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Riddhi Chatterji is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English literature from University of Delhi. Her meticulous attention to detail and the desire to make a learning experience out of every opportunity has allowed her to work with different forms of textual content for digital platforms, ranging from social media to news desks. When not working or studying , you can find her with her head buried in a book, discovering new music and movies, or out and about exploring the city on the metro.
