Our Favorite Annuals For Spring Containers

Spring containers are a wonderful way to incorporate color into your garden without dedicating large areas of garden beds. Containers are versatile, easy to maintain, and perfect for gardeners with limited space. They can be placed in key areas around your home to maximize impact or moved around as needed to follow the sun.

Many annual flowers are perfect for container growing, performing just as well (if not better) in pots than they do in garden beds. They’re easy to grow from seed directly in containers, with some preferring this method to transplanting. Starting them in early spring will yield containers overflowing with beautiful blooms by late spring and continuing into summer.

These annual flowers are my favorites for spring containers, thriving in pots while looking stunning all season long.

‘Allure Pastel Blend’ Sweet Alyssum

Sweet alyssum produces tiny, clustered flowers that cascade beautifully over container edges. The ‘Allure Pastel blend’ offers soft colors from white to lavender and pink, creating a gentle, romantic look for spring containers.

These tough plants handle drought and heat surprisingly well once established, making them perfect for containers that might occasionally be forgotten during watering rounds. Their compact size (rarely growing taller than 4-6 inches) means they won’t overshadow other plants in combination containers. Plus, their sweet honey fragrance is strongest when placed near seating areas or entryways where you can enjoy their scent.

Fill containers with well-draining potting mix and sow seeds directly on the surface, as they need light to germinate. Barely cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep consistently moist until germination. Once established, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. For continuous blooming, trim back spent flowers occasionally to encourage new growth.

Alaska Variegated Nasturtium

‘Alaska Variegated’ nasturtium offers a double visual punch with its unique white-splashed foliage and bright orange, yellow, or red blooms. The variegated leaves alone make this variety worth growing, providing interest even before the flowers appear.

These nasturtiums are perfect annuals for spring containers due to their cascading habit that softens pot edges. They’re also wonderfully low-maintenance, thriving in less fertile soil (making them one of the few flowers that actually perform better with neglect). As an added bonus, both the flowers and leaves are edible with a peppery taste, making them great for containers near kitchen doors.

Plant nasturtium seeds directly in containers 1 to 2 weeks after your last frost date. Sow seeds about ½ inch deep and space them 3 inches apart. They don’t transplant well, so direct sowing is best. Use a soil mix with average to poor fertility – too much nitrogen will produce lush foliage but fewer blooms. Water moderately and place containers in full sun to partial shade.

‘Peony Double Blend’ Poppy

‘Peony Double Blend‘ poppies offer magnificent, ruffled blooms that resemble their namesake perennials but grow easily from seed as annuals. Their fluffy, double petals come in shades of pink, red, and white, creating a dramatic focal point in any container arrangement.

While not commonly thought of as annual spring container plants, these poppies actually perform quite well in deeper pots that accommodate their tap roots. Their tall, slender stems (reaching 24-30 inches) make them excellent centerpieces in larger containers, surrounded by lower-growing companions. The architectural seed pods that follow flowering add additional interest to containers even after blooms fade.

Sow seeds directly in containers in early spring, about 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date, as they germinate best in cool conditions. Barely cover the tiny seeds with soil, as they need light to germinate. Thin seedlings to about 6-8 inches apart once they develop true leaves. Place containers in full sun and water moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.

‘American Legion’ Poppy

The ‘American Legion‘ poppy is a classic red poppy with a distinctive black center, known for its association with remembrance traditions. These single-petaled annual blooms have a delicate, paper-like quality that adds a touch of nostalgia to spring containers.

In containers, these poppies create a bright burst of color that contrasts beautifully with cool blues and purples. Their moderate height (15-18 inches) makes them suitable for medium-sized containers where they won’t become too top-heavy. They’re also fantastic for attracting pollinators to your patio or balcony gardens.

Direct sow these seeds in containers in early spring when temperatures are still cool. Sprinkle seeds on the soil surface and press gently – don’t cover them as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination. Place containers in full sun for best flowering. These poppies are perfect for gardeners who want dramatic blooms with minimal effort, as they require little care once established.

‘Perfume Delight’ Sweet Pea

‘Perfume Delight’ sweet peas live up to their name with an intoxicating fragrance that makes them perfect for containers near outdoor living spaces. This blend offers a mix of colors from deep purple and burgundy to soft pinks and whites on long stems ideal for cutting.

These climbing annuals are spring container favorites because they can be trained up trellises or other supports to create vertical interest without taking up much floor space. Their tendrils naturally grab onto supports, making them easy to train. For best results, place containers where sweet peas can get morning sun but afternoon shade in warmer climates.

Sow sweet pea seeds directly in deep containers about 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Nick each seed with a nail file and soak overnight before planting 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart. Provide support structures at planting time to avoid disturbing roots later. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Regular cutting of blooms encourages more flowers and extends the blooming season.

‘Beaujolais’ Sweet Pea

‘Beaujolais‘ sweet peas offer a rich, wine-purple color that adds sophistication and depth to container plantings. These stunning flowers provide a dramatic color rarely found in spring annuals, perfect for gardeners looking to create containers with a unique color palette.

Like other sweet peas, ‘Beaujolais’ performs excellently in spring containers when provided with proper support. Their climbing nature (reaching 5-6 feet) allows you to create stunning vertical displays in even small-space gardens. The deep purple blooms are also exceptional for cutting, bringing their rich color and sweet fragrance indoors.

Plant ‘Beaujolais’ sweet peas just as you would other varieties, in deep containers with rich, well-draining soil. Sow seeds 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date after nicking and soaking them. Provide a trellis, obelisk, or other support for climbing. Sweet peas prefer cooler temperatures, so place containers where they’ll receive protection from intense afternoon heat. Regular deadheading will prolong the blooming period.

‘Royal Blend’ Sweet Pea

‘Royal Blend‘ sweet peas offer a majestic mix of colors, including deep blues, purples, pinks, and whites for a truly regal container display. This blend combines the best attributes of sweet peas – strong stems, large flowers, and incredible fragrance – in a variety of harmonious colors.

These sweet peas make superb container plants when you want to create a focal point. Their height and spread (typically 5-6 feet tall with proper support) create a dramatic vertical element that draws the eye upward. Try placing containers flanking an entrance or along a balcony railing where their fragrance can be appreciated up close.

Sow ‘Royal Blend’ in deep containers (at least 12 inches) filled with rich, well-draining soil mixed with compost. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart after nicking and soaking them. Provide sturdy support at planting time. Place containers in a location that receives full morning sun but afternoon shade in warmer regions. Keep soil consistently moist and feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to encourage abundant blooming.

Orange California Poppy

Orange California poppies bring the vibrant color of the American West to spring containers with their brilliant orange, silky blooms. As drought-tolerant natives, they’re incredibly resilient and perfect for gardeners who want low-maintenance container displays.

These poppies are well-suited to containers because they don’t require deep soil and actually perform better in less fertile conditions. Their finely cut, bluish-green foliage adds textural interest even when not in bloom. Their moderate height (12-15 inches) works well in mid-sized containers, and they’ll reseed themselves if allowed, providing flowers year after year.

Direct sow California poppy seeds in containers filled with well-draining soil. These seeds need light to germinate, so press them gently into the soil surface without covering. Sow about 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date, as they prefer cooler temperatures for germination. Place containers in full sun and water sparingly once established – overwatering is their biggest enemy in containers.

Mission Bells California Poppy

‘Mission Bells’ California poppies offer a softer, more varied color palette than their classic orange cousins. This annual mix includes cream, pink, and salmon shades that create a gentle, harmonious display perfect for spring containers.

Like standard California poppies, ‘Mission Bells’ thrives in containers with their compact growth habit and drought tolerance. Their delicate colors make them excellent for pairing with blues and purples in container combinations. They’re also fantastic for attracting beneficial insects to container gardens on patios and balconies.

Sow seeds directly in containers filled with well-draining, sandy soil mix. Barely press seeds into the soil surface without covering them, as they need light to germinate. Place containers in full sun and water moderately until established, then reduce watering. These poppies close their blooms in the evening and on cloudy days, so place containers where you can enjoy their beauty during sunny daytime hours.

Shades of Blue Larkspur

‘Shades of Blue‘ larkspur brings vertical drama to spring containers with tall spikes of blue, purple, and lavender flowers. These cottage garden classics create architectural interest and a sense of height that’s often missing from container plantings.

In containers, larkspur adds a structural element that works beautifully as a centerpiece or backdrop for lower-growing annuals. Their tall stems (reaching 24-36 inches) create impressive vertical displays, while their blue tones complement nearly any color scheme. They also make excellent cut flowers, allowing you to bring some of your container garden indoors.

Sow larkspur seeds directly in containers in early spring, about 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. They require darkness to germinate, so cover seeds with ¼ inch of soil. Use deep containers (at least 12 inches) filled with rich, well-draining soil to support their height. Place containers in full sun to light shade and provide support for taller stems if necessary. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Magic Carpet Blend Snapdragon

‘Magic Carpet‘ blend snapdragons create a tapestry of color in spring containers with their mix of pink, yellow, orange, and red blooms. These charming flowers, with their unique snapdragon shape that children love to pinch open, bring playful elegance to container gardens.

Snapdragons are excellent container plants due to their compact growth habit (this variety reaches about 6-10 inches tall) and long blooming period. They perform particularly well in cooler spring temperatures, making them perfect for early-season containers when many other annuals would struggle. Their sweet fragrance is an added bonus for containers placed near seating areas.

Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost date, as they’re slow to germinate and develop. Press seeds gently onto the soil surface without covering, as they need light to germinate. Once seedlings have several true leaves, transplant them into containers filled with rich, well-draining soil. Space plants about 6 inches apart. Place containers in full sun to partial shade and water regularly, keeping soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Pacific Beauty Blend Calendula

‘Pacific Beauty‘ blend calendulas bring sunshine to spring containers with their daisy-like blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and apricot. These cheerful flowers have been garden favorites for centuries, valued for both their ornamental and medicinal properties.

These calendulas are container-friendly due to their compact height (12-24 inches) and bushy habit that fills pots beautifully without becoming leggy. They’re also incredibly easy to grow, making them perfect for beginners. As an added benefit, their edible petals can be used to add color to salads or as a natural food coloring – convenient when grown in containers near the kitchen.

Sow calendula seeds directly in containers about 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and space them about 6 inches apart. They germinate quickly in cool soil and prefer temperatures between 60-70°F. Place containers in full sun to partial shade. Water moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout spring and into summer.

Fairy Bouquet Linaria

‘Fairy Bouquet‘ linaria creates miniature snapdragon-like blooms in a rainbow of pastel colors perfect for delicate spring container displays. These charming plants have a light, airy quality that adds whimsy to container gardens.

Their compact size (8-10 inches tall) makes them ideal for the fronts of container arrangements or in shallow bowls where they can spill slightly over the edges. They pair beautifully with other spring annuals and have a long blooming period that extends the seasonal display. Linaria also attracts beneficial pollinators to container gardens, bringing life to patios and balconies.

Direct sow linaria seeds in containers about 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. These tiny seeds need light to germinate, so press them gently onto the soil surface without covering. Thin seedlings to about 6 inches apart once they develop true leaves. Place containers in full sun to partial shade and water moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. These easy-care plants require little maintenance beyond occasional deadheading.

Miss Jekyll Blend Love-in-a-Mist

‘Miss Jekyll‘ blend love-in-a-mist offers unique, star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, and white surrounded by feathery foliage. After flowering, they develop distinctive seed pods that add architectural interest to container displays well into summer.

These plants have a delicate, ethereal quality perfect for spring containers. Their moderate height (15-20 inches) and airy structure create an elegant presence without overwhelming other container plants. The intricate blooms and seed pods also make excellent additions to cut flower arrangements from your container garden.

Sow love-in-a-mist seeds directly in containers about 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and space them about 6 inches apart. They germinate best in cool soil, making them perfect for early spring sowing. Place containers in full sun and water moderately. These annuals actually prefer slightly dry conditions once established, making them forgiving if you occasionally forget to water your containers.

Midnight Blend Impatiens

‘Midnight Blend‘ impatiens create rich color in spring containers with their deep purple, burgundy, and violet blooms. This dramatic color palette offers sophisticated elegance for shaded container gardens where many other annuals struggle to perform.

These impatiens are container superstars because they thrive in the shadier conditions often found on patios and balconies. Their mounding growth habit (reaching 10-12 inches) fills pots nicely, and they bloom continuously from spring until frost with minimal care. They’re also excellent self-cleaners, dropping spent flowers naturally without deadheading.

Start impatiens seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost date, as they’re slow to develop initially. Sow seeds on the soil surface without covering and keep warm (around 75°F) until germination. Once seedlings have several true leaves, transplant them into containers filled with rich, well-draining soil. Space plants 8-10 inches apart. Place containers in partial to full shade and water regularly, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Scarlet Flax

Scarlet flax brings brilliant red blooms on slender stems to spring containers, creating movement and vibrant color. These bright flowers dance in the slightest breeze, adding dynamic energy to container plantings.

In containers, scarlet flax creates a light, airy feeling with its delicate stems and satiny red blooms. Their height (18-24 inches) provides vertical interest without becoming too substantial or heavy-looking. They’re also incredibly easy to grow, germinating and blooming quickly from seed.

Direct sow scarlet flax seeds in containers 1 to 2 weeks before your last frost date. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and space them about 4-6 inches apart. They germinate quickly in cool soil and prefer leaner soil conditions – no need for extra fertilizer. Place containers in full sun and water moderately. Once established, they’re quite drought-tolerant, making them perfect for containers that might receive less regular attention.

Bluebonnet

Bluebonnets bring the charm of Texas wildflowers to spring containers with their distinctive blue blooms and silver-green foliage. These lupine relatives create a striking display that peaks in early spring when many other flowers are just getting started.

These native wildflowers adapt well to container culture as long as they have sufficient depth for their taproot (use containers at least 12 inches deep). Their compact growth habit (8-12 inches tall) and clumping nature make them perfect for medium to large containers. They’re also nitrogen-fixers, improving the soil in your containers for later plantings.

For best results, sow bluebonnet seeds in fall for spring blooms, as they benefit from a period of cold stratification. If starting in spring, nick seeds slightly with a file and soak overnight before planting ½ inch deep. Use well-draining soil with moderate fertility. Place containers in full sun and water moderately until established, then reduce watering. Bluebonnets are drought-tolerant once established, making them low-maintenance container plants for busy gardeners.