Plants for Pots in Arizona

Arizona's varied climate, which includes dry desert regions such as Phoenix as well as the more common seasonal changes of Flagstaff, can present challenges for container gardeners. For effective gardening, choose plants that are suitable for containers, and ensure that all plants receive adequate sunlight and water. Use pots of sufficient size with adequate drainage to encourage proper root growth and development of the plants you choose.

Cacti are native to the desert regions of Arizona. In the warmer Arizona climates, cacti can be grown in pots outdoors throughout the year. Cacti require full sun to partial shade and need to be watered when the soil dries out. Cacti are very low maintenance although they may develop growth problems such as sunburn, pointy heads and wilting. They are also prone to certain pests, including longhorn beetles and red spider mites. Ideal cacti varieties for container gardening include aloe, crassula, and agave.

Herbs can be grown in pots throughout the state of Arizona, including mint. In fact, since it is considered invasive, many gardeners choose to plant mint in a container, even if they have adequate garden space. Varieties of mint include spearmint, chocolate mint and peppermint. Other herbs that grow well in Arizona include dill, oregano, rosemary and basil. In Arizona's low desert, supplement soil with organic material, soil sulphur or gypsum. Make sure to keep herbs out of the harsh summer afternoon sun.

You don't need an acre to have a vegetable garden in Arizona as there are a variety of vegetables that can be grown in containers. According to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, you should grow vegetables that take up little space. Carrots, radishes and lettuce, or crops that bear fruit over a period of time, such as tomatoes and peppers, are ideal for containers. Vegetables should be planted at the same time that they would be in a regular garden, and usually require at least five hours of full sun per day.