Summers in Minnesota can be sunny and hot, which can take a toll on outdoor plants. Here are some tips for creating beautiful, sun-loving window boxes.
Choosing the Right Plants
When selecting plants for your sunny Minnesota window boxes, consider these heat-tolerant and vibrant options for the best visual appeal.
- Petunias: These versatile flowers come in a wide range of colors and are highly adaptable to various conditions.
- Geraniums: Known for their vibrant blooms and drought tolerance, geraniums are a classic choice for sunny window boxes.
- Marigolds: These cheerful flowers are not only beautiful, but also deter pests like nematodes.
- Portulaca: These low-growing, succulent-like plants thrive in hot, dry conditions and come in a variety of colors. A great option to trail over the edge of your boxes with no maintenance.
- Verbena: With its cascading growth habit and colorful blooms, verbena is a fantastic choice for adding a touch of elegance to your window boxes. Don’t forget to deadhead it to keep it blooming all summer long!
- Sweet Potato Vine: A vigorous trailing vine, sweet potato vine comes in a few different colors, giving you different leafy options to pair with your other floral selections.

Designing Your Window Box
Once you have selected an assortment of plants, the next step is to design the window box. Have some fun with it as you try different approaches, but be sure to Plan and Prepare before you Plant.
- Plan your layout: Consider the width and length of your window box. For a balanced look, plant taller plants towards the back and shorter ones in the front. Staggering plants in a zig-zag pattern is a nice touch. And make sure not to overcrowd your plants! Remember, each plant comes with a tag that has recommended spacing listed on it.
- Prepare the soil: Use a high-quality potting mix that drains well. Make sure your window box also has adequate drainage! We recommend replacing window box soil each year due to nutrient depletion.
- Plant strategically: Plant your chosen plants, spacing them appropriately. Water and fertilize thoroughly after planting.
Window Box Maintenance
Window boxes don't last forever in Minnesota. To keep your window box fresh and healthy from spring to fall, don't just "set it and forget it." You'll be pleased with the beauty and longevity of your window box if you give it some love through the seasons.
- Water wisely: Water your window box regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. It’s important to check your plants daily and sometimes even twice daily. You want moist soil, but never saturated soil. Avoid overwatering.
- Fertilize regularly: Feed your plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a week. We recommend Jack’s Fertilizer which can be picked up at any of our Garden Center locations.
- Deadhead regularly: Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous new growth and flowering.