Written By Lara Wadsworth

Container gardens are an easy, affordable way to add vibrant color and beauty to patios, balconies, entryways, or windowsills. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned green thumb, these annual flowers are perfect for creating interest in pots, hanging baskets, and other small spaces. I’ve even included a few options that do well in partial shade! The best part is that all of these flowers can be grown from seed, saving you money at the nursery!

Before we discuss the flower options, I must mention True Leaf Market’s Bloom Master kits. I grew their nasturtium kit for the first time this past year, and it blew me away. If you already have a container in mind for these flowers, that's great, but if you’re interested in trying a hanging basket this year, I highly recommend it!

Best Annual Flowers For Containers (That You Can Grow From Seed)

1. Zinnias

Sun: Full Sun

Why they work: Zinnias have long-lasting blooms, are drought-tolerant, and are great for pollinators.

Varieties to try: Thumbelina Mix, Profusion Mix

Zinnias are the ultimate low-maintenance bloomers. Depending on what style you want, I recommend either Thumbelina Mix or Profusion Mix. Thumbelina grows much shorter, while Profusion is taller but has a reputation for being hardy. I love zinnias because they have an incredibly long blooming season that lasts into fall in most areas. Zinnias can be grown successfully in a wide range of climates and are even known for being drought-tolerant!

2. Petunias

Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Why they work: Petunias provide beautiful trailing blooms for container edges, come in an array of colors, and thrive with minimal care–even in partial shade.

Varieties to try: Double Cascade Series, Prism Sunshine, Easy Wave Series

Petunias are easily one of the most common annual flowers people grow in containers. And there’s a reason! Petunias easily trail over the sides of pots and come in nearly every color imaginable, from soft pastels to rich, deep shades. There’s a petunia for everyone! I recommend Double Cascade for a dramatic look or Prism Sunshine for a light, sunny feel. Because petunia seeds are so small, they are best started indoors and later transplanted. We recommend using a Petunia Seed Starting Kit to make the entire process simple and easy!

3. Marigolds

Sun: Full Sun

Why they work: Marigolds are tough, low-maintenance, pest-repelling powerhouses that bloom all season and are great for interplanting containers.

Varieties to try: Hawaii, Bolero, Sparky Mix

One of my personal favorite annual flowers, Marigolds, are cheerful, hardy, and practically pest-proof. They are a container garden MVP. Their sunny yellow and orange blooms also help keep certain pests away, making them a great companion plant. I recommend Bolero if you need to keep them compact or Hawaii if you want tall, outstanding double blooms! My Hawaii marigolds were definitely the star of my garden last year and I intend on doing something similar this year.

4. Nasturtiums

Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Why they work: Nasturtiums are edible, fast-growing, and trail over hanging baskets and container edges–plus, they thrive poor soils and partial shade.

Varieties to try: Jewel Mix, Alaska Mix, Emperess of India

What is the best edible, easy-to-grow, and container-friendly flower? Say it with me—nasturtiums! These edible flowers are as tasty as they are beautiful! Nasturtiums spill over the edges of containers with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, and their peppery leaves add a special zing to salads. In my personal opinion, they are particularly beautiful in hanging baskets. I recommend Jewel if you want the classic look or Alaska if you want something more unique.

5. Cosmos

Sun: Full Sun

Why they work: Cosmos grow well with minimal effort, tolerates dry soil, and attracts pollinators with their airy blooms.

Varieties to try: Cosmic Mix, Candystripe

With delicate, daisy-like flowers and feathery foliage, Cosmos bring a whimsy touch to any space. These flowers are easy to grow and will even thrive in poor soils! I recommend Cosmic Mix for increased pest resistance or Candystripe for something cheerful and unique. The cherry on top is that Cosmos are highly attractive to pollinators like butterflies!

6. Celosia

Sun: Full Sun

Why they work: Celosia is a heat-loving, colorful blooms with a unique texture that adds interest to container gardens.

Varieties to try: Texas Plume Mix, Prestige Scarlet, New Look (AAS Winner)

Celosia is a unique flower with a feathery appearance that adds a layer of texture to any container garden. With a compact habit, these blooms are perfect for any container size. Try dressing it up with some smooth foliage or taller blooms. Plus, they are heat and drought tolerant once established.

7. Impatiens

Sun: Partial Shade to Full Shade

Why they work: Impatiens are unmatched in deep shade and fill containers with bold, continuous blooms–even in low-light.

Varieties to try: Accent Series, Dazzler Series

The other hero of the shady garden is Impatiens. Impatiens produce tons of color, even in low-light areas. They are perfect for shady hanging baskets, window boxes, or any other patio or porch container. While seeds should be started indoors ahead of time, they are undeniably worth the wait because they are one of the few annual flowers that thrive in full shade. I recommend the Accent Series or Dazzler Series!

8. Calendula

Sun: Full Sun

Why they work: Calendula adds a splash of sunny color, has edible petals, and is valued as an herb–all while thriving in pots and containers.

Varieties to try: Solar Flashback Mix, Fancy Mix, Bon Bon Series

Calendula's sunny orange and yellow blooms scream summertime! It's the best medicinal and edible annual flower you can grow in containers! I recommend Solar Flashback Mix for something out of the ordinary or Fancy Mix if you want to keep it classic. I also really love the Bon Bon Series because the flowers are as dense as a double marigold! All of them thrive in containers and are sure to keep you smiling all summer long.

9. Sweet Alyssum

Sun: Full Sun

Why they work: Alyssum is fragrant, pollinator-friendly, and spills over pots with delicate blooms that suppress weeds and attract beneficial insects.

Varieties to try: Carpet of Snow, Wonderland Series

Sweet alyssum is the perfect filler flower that simultaneously adds vibrance to a container arrangement. Available in classic white or colors like purple, pink, yellow, and red, there is something for everyone. They are also known for attracting beneficial insects to keep pests at bay. I recommend Carpet of Snow if you want the original Alyssum or the Wonderland Series if you need to add more color to your container.

10. Dwarf Sunflowers

Sun: Full Sun

Why they work: Dwarf sunflower varieties add a bright splash of vibrant yellows while performing well in small spaces.

Varieties to try: Balcony Beauty, Teddy Bear

Sunflowers are THE garden flower. While most varieties require deep soil for the developing taproots, dwarf varieties like Balcony Beauty and Teddy Bear thrive in traditional containers that are 12-16 inches deep. Add some warmth to your patio and balcony spaces with these popular container garden selections.

Tips for Container Gardening

Water Retention: As you plan your container garden this year, keep these classic annual flowers in mind–and don’t forget your soil! Choose a high-quality potting mix that drains well and retains moisture. For hanging baskets or sun-exposed pots that dry out quickly, I recommend Minute Soil+ Max Water Retention Mix–it’s a game changer for keeping plants hydrated.

Fertilizing Regularly: Containers are notorious for not providing enough nutrients to plants without a bit of help. An all-purpose plant food fertilizer like a 10-10-10 blend would be perfect, but I also love the Espoma Plant-tone fertilizer or Mighty Plant Organic Growth Plant Food for organic gardens.

Whether you have a hot, sunny balcony or a shady side porch, a mix of annual flowers can brighten and enhance the space. And growing them from seed? It's fun, budget-friendly, and oh-so-rewarding. Happy growing!

Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

I am a native of Southwestern Michigan, where I also reside, and I love all things plants! I got a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture and found the first work-from-home job I could get. Now, I spend my days writing for TLM, playing with my dog, eating delicious food with my husband, and plotting my next landscape or gardening move. I believe everyone should get down and dirty in the soil now and then. Happy Gardening!