Balcony gardens are the perfect way to add a touch of greenery to your living space, especially if you’re short on yard space. Whether you crave lush foliage, colorful flowers, or edible herbs, fast-growing plants can instantly transform your balcony into a vibrant retreat. These plants grow quickly, thrive in containers, and are relatively low-maintenance perfect for first-time gardeners or busy plant lovers. Here are 10 fast-growing balcony plants that will breathe new life into your outdoor space in no time.
1. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

If you’re after delicate blooms and a sweet fragrance, Sweet Alyssum is a fantastic choice. This fast-growing annual produces clusters of tiny white, pink, or purple flowers and grows quickly from seed to flower within a month. It’s perfect for hanging baskets, balcony rail planters, or as a border in larger pots. Sweet Alyssum thrives in full sun to partial shade and offers a cascading effect, softening balcony edges while attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
2. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

Known for their bright, cheerful flowers and edible leaves, Nasturtiums are one of the easiest fast-growers for balconies. They germinate in just 7-10 days and produce blooms within six weeks. Nasturtiums flourish in containers and hanging pots, trailing over balcony railings with vibrant red, orange, and yellow flowers. Bonus: the leaves and flowers have a peppery taste and can be added to salads. They require minimal care just plenty of sunlight and regular watering.
3. Mint (Mentha spp.)

Mint is an essential for any balcony garden. Fast-growing and highly aromatic, this hardy herb spreads quickly in pots and is perfect for adding freshness to your drinks and dishes. Mint prefers partial sun and moist soil, making it ideal for balconies that get morning sun and afternoon shade. Keep it in its own container, as it tends to spread aggressively. With regular pruning, you’ll have a lush, bushy mint plant ready for harvest in just a few weeks.
4. Petunias (Petunia spp.)

Few flowers grow as quickly and as brilliantly as Petunias. These annuals bloom in an array of colors and can go from seedling to vibrant flowers within eight weeks. They’re perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and balcony planters. Petunias love sunny spots and require well-drained soil. Regular deadheading keeps them blooming all season long. Their lively, trailing blooms instantly brighten any balcony, creating a cheerful and inviting outdoor space.
5. Radishes (Raphanus sativus)

For a fast-growing edible plant, Radishes are unbeatable. These root vegetables germinate within a week and can be harvested in as little as 30 days. They’re perfect for shallow containers on sunny balconies. In addition to the peppery, crisp roots, the leafy green tops are also edible. Radishes add a productive, practical element to your balcony garden and are a great way for beginner gardeners to see quick, satisfying results.
6. Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)

If you’re after a fast-climbing vine with stunning blooms, Morning Glories are a perfect pick. These vigorous growers can shoot up several feet in just a few weeks and quickly cover balcony trellises, railings, or vertical supports. With trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, Morning Glories open in the morning sunlight, adding charm to your space. Plant them in full sun and enjoy continuous blooms throughout the warm months.
7. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Another aromatic and useful plant for balconies is Basil. Fast-growing and easy to care for, basil seeds sprout within a week and mature leaves can be harvested in about a month. It thrives in sunny, warm spots and makes a wonderful addition to your kitchen garden. Regular pinching promotes bushy growth, and fresh basil leaves are perfect for pesto, pasta, and salads. Basil also pairs well with tomatoes, both in cooking and in container gardens.
8. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Marigolds are classic, fast-growing balcony flowers known for their bright orange, gold, and yellow hues. From seed to bloom, they can mature in as little as 45 days. These sun-loving plants thrive in containers and window boxes, offering vibrant color and a natural pest-repellent effect. Their distinct fragrance deters aphids and mosquitoes, making them both beautiful and practical. Marigolds are hardy, low-maintenance, and ideal for sunny balconies that need a burst of bold color.
9. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)

For a leafy green you can harvest within a month, try Spinach. This fast-growing, cool-season plant thrives in containers and partial shade, making it perfect for urban balconies. It germinates quickly and produces tender, nutrient-rich leaves that can be used in salads, smoothies, and stir-fries. Spinach prefers consistently moist soil and benefits from regular harvesting, which encourages new leaves to sprout. Grow it in shallow pots or window boxes for a quick, healthy harvest.
10. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)

Add a vibrant pop of color to your balcony with Zinnias. These hardy annuals sprout quickly from seed, with blooms appearing within six to eight weeks. Available in shades of red, pink, yellow, orange, and white, zinnias thrive in sunny spots and well-drained soil. They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding lively movement to your outdoor space. Zinnias are drought-tolerant, easy to grow, and make excellent cut flowers to brighten your home indoors as well.