Be Inspired Blog - Arizona
Choosing the Right Container Pot Size for Your Plants
In Arizona’s Valley of the Sun, container gardening isn’t just a convenience — it’s often the smartest way to give your plants the care they need while managing our intense heat and unique soil challenges. Whether you’re growing juicy tomatoes, colorful flowers, or a patio fruit tree, choosing the right pot size is key to healthy roots, steady growth, and plentiful blooms or harvests.
Here’s a quick guide to recommended pot sizes for popular plants in our region.
Edibles 🍅🌿
When growing vegetables and herbs in our climate, give their roots enough room to spread while keeping the soil volume large enough to retain moisture during hot days.
- Tomatoes: 16"x16" — Large enough for strong root systems and consistent watering needs.
- Eggplant: 14"x14" — Keeps roots cool while giving the plant plenty of feeding space.
- Peppers: 14"x14" — Works for bell, chili, and specialty peppers.
- Okra: 12"x12" — Compact but sturdy enough for these heat-loving plants.
- Herbs: 10"x10" — Perfect for basil, cilantro, parsley, and more.
- Strawberries: 8" deep, unlimited width — Great for long trough planters or strawberry pots.
- Squash (varieties): 20"x20" — Plenty of room for sprawling roots.
- Broccoli: 16"x16" — Deep enough to support their tall, leafy growth.
- Cauliflower: 14"x14" — Supports heavy heads and wide leaves.
- Kale: 12"x12" — Space for lush, leafy growth.
- Peas: 12"x12" — Ideal for bush or short vine varieties.
Flowers 🌸
Container-grown flowers benefit from pots that balance root room with visual impact.
- Petunia, Vinca: 10"x10" — Perfect for vibrant seasonal color.
- Geraniums: 10"x10" — Keeps roots contained while encouraging blooms.
- Salvia: 12"x12" — Supports upright, pollinator-friendly flowers.
- Gazania: 10"x10" — Room for tidy clumps of bold, sunny blooms.
- Snapdragons: 12"x12" — Plenty of space for vertical growth.
- Pentas: 12"x12" — Great for pollinator plants with steady blooms.
Shrubs 🌿
Shrubs vary widely in size, but as a rule of thumb, start with 16"x16" or larger for small to medium shrubs, and increase the pot size as the plant matures.
Examples:
- Lantana: 16"x16"
- Yellow Bells: 20"x20"
- Cape Honeysuckle: 20"x20"
- Hopseed Bush: 24"x24"
- Roses: 20"x20"
Patio Trees & Small Fruit Trees 🌳🍋
Patio trees and dwarf fruit trees need extra soil volume for stability, moisture retention, and nutrients — especially in our hot, dry climate.
- Dwarf Citrus: 24"x24"
- Dwarf Peach: 20"x20"
- Rose Patio Tree: 24"x24"
Tips for Container Gardening in the Desert:
- Choose light-colored pots to help keep roots cooler in summer.
- Use high-quality potting mix for better drainage and root health.
- Water deeply and consistently, especially during triple-digit days.
- Add mulch on top to help retain soil moisture.
With the right pot size and care, your plants will have the strong root systems they need to thrive — even in the Valley’s hottest months.
