Which flowering plants are suitable for growing on a home balcony in autumn?

In the blink of an eye, the autumn solar term has arrived again, and the weather is starting to turn cool. For balcony gardening enthusiasts, this is the best time to buy and grow flowers. Below are several recommendations for beautiful flowers that easily fill out a pot.

Chrysanthemum

Autumn is the season when chrysanthemums bloom in full glory. If you get chrysanthemum seedlings in August or September, they can easily bloom into a full pot. With the improvement of cultivation techniques, there are now more and more varieties and colors on the flower market. Besides the common white and yellow chrysanthemums, there are also marigolds (Tagetes erecta) and pompon chrysanthemums, which when kept at home symbolize health and longevity, and reunion and happiness.

In terms of care, chrysanthemums particularly love water and sunlight. During regular care, while providing light, pay attention to watering frequency, follow the principle of “water when dry, stop when wet” as the guideline, and as long as there is no standing water at the bottom of the pot, you can basically grow them well. During the growing season, apply a light fertilizer 2 to 3 times per month.

Amaryllis

For beginners who are new to growing flowers and want to see blooms as quickly as possible, amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is certainly the choice. After it blooms, the petals overlap as they open, and the flower colors are mainly pale tones, with combinations of light purple, light green, and light pink. The overall plant shape is elegant and generous, truly a sight you never tire of.

In terms of care, amaryllis grows at a temperature of around 18°C-25°C. Buy bulbs in September or October, then bury them one-third into garden soil. No fertilizer is needed, just water and sunlight, and you can see flowers in about 40 days. And it is not a one-time plant; after the flowers fade, replenish fertilizer well to nourish the bulb, and it can bloom again the following year.

Lily

Lilies are winter flowers, so planting them from August to September means you can harvest a big bunch of fresh flowers in winter. At the same time, after blooming, lilies give off a faint, unique fragrance. Even if your lighting conditions are not great, they can still bloom in a semi-shaded environment, so it is highly recommended for beginner gardeners to try.

In daily care, lilies take about 2 months from bulb to flowering, and during the process you need to apply a light fertilizer once every 7 to 10 days (the temperature must not exceed 25°C). Before the flowering period, you should also increase the use of phosphorus fertilizer; following these steps can extend the flowering period.