Spring Hanging Basket Care Guide

Summer is in full swing, and it's the perfect time to enjoy the vibrant blooms of your hanging baskets. These colorful displays can transform any porch, patio, or garden space, adding a touch of beauty and nature to your home. However, as temperatures rise, maintaining the health and beauty of your hanging baskets requires a bit of extra care. In this guide, we'll provide you with essential tips for nurturing popular summer hanging basket plants, such as Bacopa, Bracteantha, Calibrachoa, Citronella, Impatiens, Petunias, Fuchsia, Begonias, Geraniums, Gazanias, Pansies, Portulaca, Scaevola, Snapdragons, Verbena, Torenia, and Solenia Begonias. With the right approach, your hanging baskets can remain lush and blooming all summer long.
  • Sunlight: Most spring hanging basket plants, including Petunias, Calibrachoa, and Verbena, require at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to thrive. Ideally, aim for 8 hours of sun​.
  • Watering: Hanging baskets dry out more quickly than ground plants. Water thoroughly until water drains out from the bottom of the basket. Check daily and water more frequently during hot or windy days.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining, light, and fluffy potting mix to prevent soil compaction and ensure adequate aeration for roots.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release fertilizer at planting time and supplement with a water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to maintain nutrient levels​.

Specific Plant Care

Bacopa

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to part shade.

Watering: Requires consistent moisture. Ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.

Pests: Watch out for aphids and treat them with soapy water or insecticidal soap if necessary.

 

Bracteantha (Strawflower)

Sunlight: Needs full sun.

Watering: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

Maintenance: Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms.

             

Calibrachoa (Million Bells): 

Sunlight: Requires at least 6 hours of sun daily.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilizing: Use a slightly acidic, well-draining potting mix and feed with a balanced fertilizer.

 

Citronella

Sunlight: Prefers full sun.

Watering: Water regularly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Use: Often grown for its mosquito-repelling properties.

 

Impatiens

Sunlight: Thrives in part shade to full shade.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.

Pests: Watch for downy mildew and treat with fungicides if needed.

 

Petunias

Sunlight: Needs full sun.

Watering: Water deeply and regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Fertilizing: Petunias are heavy feeders, so regular fertilization is necessary​.

 

Fuchsia

Sunlight: Prefers partial to full shade.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Maintenance: Pinch off spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

 

Begonias

Sunlight: Grows well in part shade.

Watering: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Pests: Watch for powdery mildew and treat with fungicides if necessary.

 

Geraniums

Sunlight: Needs full sun to part shade.

Watering: Water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

 

Gazanias

Sunlight: Requires full sun.

Watering: Drought-tolerant; water sparingly once established.

Maintenance: Deadhead to promote continuous blooming.

 

Pansy

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.

Maintenance: Pinch off spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

 

Portulaca (Moss Rose)

Sunlight: Needs full sun.

Watering: Drought-tolerant; water sparingly.

Maintenance: Deadhead to promote more blooms.

 

Scaevola (Fan Flower)

Sunlight: Thrives in full sun.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained.

Maintenance: Little to no deadheading required.

 

Snapdragon

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to part shade.

Watering: Water regularly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Maintenance: Deadhead to prolong blooming.

 

Verbena

Sunlight: Requires full sun.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained.

Fertilizing: Regular feeding encourages continuous blooms​.

 

Torenia (Wishbone Flower)

Sunlight: Grows well in partial shade.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.

Maintenance: Deadhead to encourage new blooms.

        

Caring for your hanging baskets during the summer can be a delightful and rewarding part of your gardening routine. By providing the right amount of sunlight, consistent watering, suitable soil, and proper fertilization, you can ensure that your plants thrive even in the hottest months. Additionally, addressing the specific needs of each plant type and staying vigilant about pests and deadheading will keep your baskets looking their best. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, these tips will help you maintain stunning hanging baskets that bring joy and beauty to your home throughout the summer. Happy gardening!

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.