Planters on the Balcony: Which Depth for Which Plant
Anyone wishing to plant their balcony soon faces the question of how deep a planter actually needs to be. Containers that are too shallow prevent roots from growing properly, while those that are too deep waste space and soil unnecessarily. The correct depth depends on which plants you wish to cultivate and how extensive their root system is. This guide shows you which dimensions make sense for which plants.
Shallow-Rooted Plants: 15 to 25 cm Usually Sufficient
Many balcony flowers and herbs manage with relatively little depth. Petunias, geraniums, pansies or begonias have shallow roots and require planters with 15 to 20 cm depth. Most culinary herbs such as basil, parsley or chives also thrive at this height. For salads and smaller ornamental grasses, 20 to 25 cm are likewise sufficient. Ensure that the planter has drainage holes so that excess water can drain away.
Medium-Depth Rooters: 30 to 40 cm for Perennials and Vegetables
Perennials, lavender, rosemary or smaller vegetable varieties such as peppers, chillies and bush beans require more space. Here you should choose containers with 30 to 40 cm depth. Bush tomatoes also manage with 35 cm, whilst cordon tomatoes require at least 40 cm. Perennial plants intended for overwintering also benefit from this additional volume, as the roots are better protected from frost. With Flower Pots of this size, a stable layering of drainage and substrate can be created.
Deep-Rooted Plants and Woody Plants: From 50 cm Upwards
Roses, hydrangeas, bamboo or small fruit trees such as columnar apples and citrus trees require planters with at least 50 cm depth, preferably 60 to 80 cm. Their taproots or extensively branched root systems need space to store nutrients and water. Larger ornamental grasses such as pampas grass or Chinese silver grass should also be placed in correspondingly deep containers. With such plants, also consider the weight: a 60 cm deep planter with soil quickly weighs 30 to 50 kg.
Material and Shape Influence Root Development
Besides depth, the material also plays a role. Terracotta and clay are breathable but dry out more quickly. Plastic retains moisture longer but can heat up the roots in hot weather. Ensure that the diameter of the planter matches the depth: a container that is too narrow and deep impedes lateral root spread. As a rule of thumb, the diameter should be at least two thirds of the depth.
Practical Guidelines for Balcony Planning
For selecting the appropriate planter depth, you can refer to the following guidelines:
- Annual summer flowers and herbs: 15 to 20 cm
- Perennials, lavender, vegetables: 30 to 40 cm
- Roses, hydrangeas, small woody plants: 50 to 80 cm
- Mediterranean container plants such as oleander or citrus: at least 50 cm
If you are uncertain, choose a somewhat deeper container when in doubt. Excess depth can be compensated for with a drainage layer of expanded clay, whereas insufficient space permanently inhibits growth.
Do Not Forget Repotting
Even with the correct initial depth, many plants outgrow their planter over time. A larger container becomes necessary at the latest when roots grow out of the drainage holes at the bottom or the soil dries out very quickly. Plan for repotting every two to three years for perennial plants. The wide selection of Flower Pots offers the right size for every growth phase.
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