I'd like recommendations for flowering plants for cutting that can be grown in containers. I'm in socal so it rarely gets below 50 here and some plants can flower all year. I love alstroemeria but I've never seen them grown in containers. I love having flowers in the house but can't regularly buy them. Any success stories would be appreciated. Thank you.

You can grow most annuals in containers for cutting and/or enjoyment outside. Among the considerations are 1. containers dry out faster and have to be watered more often 2. size of plant and how many per container 3. Good potting soil and 4. fertilizer to keep your blooms keep coming, giving the plants the nutrients they need.
You also want to pay attention to the "date to maturity" if you're planting from seed. For instance, zinnias usually bloom 60 days after transplant and go right thru fall....depending on where you are, you may have a shorter or longer growing season

This year, for example, I wintersowed zinnias but rather than put them in the garden, I wanted them "up close and personal" on my deck in large planter (I have a number of large pots on my deck and plant annuals to enjoy). I probably put too many seedlings in the pot because they are over 3' tall and had to be watered sometimes twice a day (we had severe drought). Next year I'll grow zinnias, but will make sure I choose a variety that is shorter. I wintersow ALOT of things and plant many on my deck including celosia, petunias, salvia, coleus. Coleus is a staple on my deck because there are so many pretty colors and they love the shade side.

Some other of the easier flowers to grow for cutting are:
1. Sunflowers
2. Rudbeckia
3. Zinnias
4. Marigolds
5. Cosmos
6. Calendula
7. Strawflowers
8. Daisies


Some have a shorter bloom period and some like rudbeckia and some cosmos varieties dont bloom til mid summer where I am

Thank you, Val. I don't grow from seed; just plants from a garden store, then pot up. I will keep your list with me.

Some LONG LASTING foliage that grows in containers, but can be cut and looks great with with flowers in your vases:
1) ornamental sweet potato- green or black vines
2) coleus of all colors

Thank you, Ken. I used to grow Coleus but I never knew it was good in vases. I would probably just put it by itself, it is so pretty. I'm now planning on getting more!

gamehensm said: I love alstroemeria but I've never seen them grown in containers.

Most people growing Alstroemeria at my area, grows them in pots. They indeed made a good cut flower for growing in container. and blooms all year long here at my place. There are many varieties specially breed for growing in containers with dwarf and more compact growth. There are too many blooms can be grown in pots annuals or perennials, although the quantity might or might not be sufficient.
Sorry for blurr photo, it was rainy out side when I took it.

Wow, thank you, Tofi. I think I will give it a go! I'll let you know how I do.

Alstroemerias do best in 14" or larger pots. Expect some dormancy/non-blooming in the winter. They rest but stay green. For any cut flowers, big pots are best.

I grow all my alstroemerias in the ground, this is my favorite one, it blooms nearly year round.

So beautiful!

Most bulbs do well in pots too. Even Gladiolas do well if the pot is big enough. You can layer several types in 1 container for saving space. Put the latest growing variety on the bottom and the earlier ones on top.