From September the balcony box lights up in autumn colors. Orange, yellow and red, but also purple and pink give the autumnal arrangement that certain something. We explain how you can combine the different plants effectively and plant a balcony box for autumn.
Planting balcony boxes in autumn: the basic rules
There are a few things you should keep in mind when planting in the fall. We list the basic rules that you should keep in mind when designing your balcony boxes.
1. Select plants that have similar soil requirements. The location doesn't play such a big role in autumn. The sun is no longer as strong and the...most fall plantscan thrive in both full sun and partial shade.
2. Buy young plants with flower buds. The fall season is full of surprises. So you can never guarantee how long the weather will stay warm. In this case, it is better to invest in young plants because they are usually close to flowering. Buy plants with flower buds rather than open flowers. The flower buds will open after planting and the flowers will decorate the balcony box for longer.
3. Plants whose leaves are drooping or discolored are usually suffering from transport stress or have.
4. A successful arrangement for the autumn flower box is made up of foliage perennials, one or more autumn flowers and one or more useful plants. Choose varieties that have a maximum height of 80 cm. Ornamental grasses have no place in the balcony box - most species grow too tall.
5. Choose flowers and perennials that harmonize with each other in color. Choose flowers of the main color - for example, orange, yellow or purple, and combine them with other plants. Crops such as beetroot pick up the main color, while ground cover plants such as Mühlenbeckia give the arrangement fullness. Ornamental peppers set accents with their delicate pods.
6. Experiment with shapes and heights: the more varied the flower box is, the better! Experiment with colors and shapes and bring variety to the balcony box!
Autumn planting for balcony boxes: which crops?
Ornamental cabbage:Most varieties are hardy. The ornamental cabbage is oneedible plant, but has a milder taste compared to other types of cabbage. The ornamental cabbage is a perfect accent in the balcony box.
Lamb's lettuce:Lamb's lettuce cannot thrive in permanent frost, but the plants grow quickly in autumn and taste delicious.
Herbs:Herbs like thyme and parsley are hardy. But chives, sage and even rosemary will also thrive in a sunny spot on the balcony, protected from the wind.
Mangold:Chard is a healthy crop popular for its high iron content and fresh taste. It also has a high decorative value in the balcony box.
Rote Beth:The beetroot does not tolerate permanent frost and needs winter protection. In autumn, until around the end of October, it feels at home in the balcony box and brings a splash of color to the arrangement with its green leaves with red veins.
Ornamental peppers:The ornamental pepper will keep its fruit until permanent frost sets in. The plant is not hardy in the balcony box, so you have to transplant it in late autumn and bring it into its winter quarters. Otherwise the plant will die.
Plant your flower box in autumn: an overview of the ornamental plants
Student flowers:The marigold is not only very beautiful, but also gives off a scent that keeps pests away from the crops in the box.
Autumn crocus:The autumn crocus adorns in September andOctober the balcony box. The flower is planted in groups and can set accents next to ornamental foliage perennials or useful plants.
Autumn daisy:It is a charming gap filler in the balcony box. It's best to group the flowers together so they can show off better.
Autumn anemones:The autumn anemone is one of the most beautiful autumn flowers. The blooming flowers also provide a splendor in the balcony box.
Bartblume:The bearded flower is not just an eye-catcher in the balcony box, it provides food for pollinating insects in autumn.
Small-flowered purple bell:In autumn, the decorative foliage perennial feels at home in both full sun and partial shade.
Mühlenbeckie (black-fruited wire bush):The hardy Mühlenbeckie comes from Australia. In this country, the perennial is primarily used as a lawn replacement. But it also cuts a fine figure in pots and flower boxes.
Coral bush– not hardy, but can decorate the balcony box in September and October before permanent frost sets in.
Autumn planting for the flower box: possible arrangements
The ornamental and useful plants already listed can be combined with each other as desired. Here are some examples of successful arrangements that will add an autumn touch to the window box.
1. Palm cabbage, chrysanthemums, red cabbage and black-fruited wire bush.
2. Swiss chard and purple bells
3. Coneflower, ivy, kale and lamb's lettuce
4. Ornamental peppers, collards, rapeseed, chard, honeydew melon sage and pennywort
5. Coleus, fuchsias, busy lilies and triangular lucky clovers
Planting balcony boxes in autumn: Useful tips
You have already chosen the plants for your autumn balcony box, now you have to plant them. Proceed as follows:
- Not every balcony box is suitable for autumn planting. Clay and metal are not very suitable for autumn; it is best to use a flower box made of plastic or wood.
- Good drainage is very important: So make sure that the balcony box has holes for excess irrigation water.
- Adjust the fertilizer doses. The autumn flowers and plants do not need fertilizer to grow and bloom quickly and luxuriantly.
- If you planted the balcony box in the summer, replace the potting soil in the fall before planting.
