On this page, starting with a wood plant calculator for trees or shrubs. And afterwords have some tables with general guidelines for a variety of annuals and perennials.
Pot Size Calculator
Here is a breakdown of the most common pot sizes in liters and their typical uses:
| Pot Size (liters) | Common Uses |
|---|---|
| 0.5 - 1 liter | Small herbs, succulents, seedlings, and starter plants. Ideal for indoor gardening and small spaces. |
| 4 liters | Young shrubs, small perennials, and vegetables. Suitable for nursery plants before they are transplanted to larger pots or gardens. |
| 7.5 liters | Medium-sized herbs, flowers, and small shrubs. Often used for indoor and outdoor container gardening. |
| 11 liters | Larger perennials, small bushes, and flowering plants. Suitable for patio or balcony containers. |
| 15 liters | Small trees, larger shrubs, and extensive root systems. Commonly used for ornamental plants and larger container gardens. |
| 19 liters | Larger trees and shrubs, providing ample space for root growth. Used in landscaping and for significant decorative plants. |
| 26.5 liters | Small to medium-sized trees and large shrubs. Often used in public gardens and large residential landscapes. |
| 38 liters | Medium-sized trees and very large shrubs. Provides significant root space for healthy growth. |
| 57 liters | Larger trees and extensive landscaping projects. Suitable for plants requiring substantial root space. |
| 75.5 liters | Very large trees and major landscaping installations. Ideal for permanent plantings in large gardens and parks. |
| 94.5 liters | Oversized trees and extensive root systems. Commonly used for mature trees in public spaces and large estates. |
| 113.5 liters | The largest pots for the biggest trees and shrubs. Suitable for significant landscaping projects and botanical gardens. |
These pot sizes and their uses are based on common nursery practices and typical container gardening requirements. The exact volume needed can vary depending on the specific plant species, growth stage, and environmental conditions.
Here is a table detailing the recommended pot sizes for common annuals, vegetables, and perennials:
Annuals
| Plant | Recommended Pot Size (liters) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Petunias | 1-2 liters | Ideal for hanging baskets or small pots. |
| Marigolds | 2-3 liters | Suitable for borders and container gardens. |
| Zinnias | 3-5 liters | Ensure proper drainage; excellent for mixed containers. |
| Impatiens | 2-3 liters | Perfect for shaded areas in container gardens. |
| Geraniums | 3-5 liters | Versatile, suitable for pots and hanging baskets. |
Vegetables
| Vegetable | Recommended Pot Size (liters) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 10-20 liters | Determinate varieties need less space, indeterminate varieties need larger pots. |
| Bell Peppers | 7-10 liters | Provide support for taller varieties. |
| Lettuce | 5-7 liters | Suitable for leaf and head varieties; ensure good drainage. |
| Carrots | 7-10 liters | Deep containers required for root development. |
| Cucumbers | 15-20 liters | Vining varieties need support; bush types require less space. |
| Beans | 5-7 liters | Pole beans need supports; bush beans require less space. |
| Radishes | 3-5 liters | Quick-growing and ideal for small pots or window boxes. |
| Herbs (e.g., basil, parsley) | 1-3 liters | Individual pots or grouped in larger containers. |
Perennials
| Perennial | Recommended Pot Size (liters) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hostas | 7-15 liters | Prefer large, wide containers due to their spreading habit. |
| Lavender | 10-15 liters | Requires well-draining soil; suitable for patio containers. |
| Daylilies | 7-10 liters | Ideal for container gardens; prefers sunny locations. |
| Echinacea | 7-10 liters | Great for pollinators; needs deep containers for root development. |
| Sedums | 3-5 liters | Low maintenance; perfect for rock gardens and mixed containers. |
| Chrysanthemums | 5-10 liters | Often grown as annuals in containers; provide good drainage. |
Summary
These recommendations provide a starting point for gardeners looking to grow common annuals, vegetables, and perennials in containers. Adjustments may be needed based on specific plant varieties, local climate conditions, and individual growing habits. Ensuring proper drainage and using high-quality potting soil will further support plant health and productivity.
Plant Root Depth, Soil Volume, Potting Mix, and pH
| Plant Species | Max Root Depth (cm) | Min Soil Volume (liters) | Max Soil Volume (liters) | Recommended Soil Volume (liters) | Potting Mix | Low pH | High pH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agapostemon virescens | 60 | 5 | 15 | 10 | Water Retentive | 6 | 7.5 |
| Althaea officinalis | 60 | 10 | 20 | 15 | Water Retentive | 6 | 7.5 |
| Apios americana | 90 | 15 | 30 | 25 | Water Retentive | 6 | 7 |
| Asimina triloba | 150 | 30 | 50 | 40 | Water Retentive | 5.5 | 7 |
| Calendula officinalis | 30 | 3 | 10 | 5 | Fast Draining | 6 | 7 |
| Carya illinoinensis | 300 | 50 | 300 | 150 | Water Retentive | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| Castanea mollissima | 200 | 40 | 80 | 60 | Water Retentive | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| Chlorophytum comosum | 30 | 3 | 10 | 5 | Water Retentive | 6 | 6.5 |
| Corylus americana | 200 | 30 | 60 | 45 | Water Retentive | 5.5 | 7.5 |
| Corylus americana var. rubra | 200 | 30 | 60 | 45 | Water Retentive | 5.5 | 7.5 |
| Cucurbita pepo var. pepo | 60 | 20 | 40 | 30 | Water Retentive | 6 | 7.5 |
| Desmanthus illinoensis | 90 | 10 | 20 | 15 | Fast Draining | 6 | 7.5 |
| Diospyros virginiana | 150 | 40 | 80 | 60 | Water Retentive | 6 | 7.5 |
| Echinacea purpurea | 60 | 10 | 20 | 15 | Fast Draining | 6 | 7 |
| Gleditsia triacanthos | 300 | 50 | 250 | 175 | Water Retentive | 6 | 7.5 |
| Helianthus tuberosum | 90 | 15 | 30 | 25 | Fast Draining | 6 | 7.5 |
| Hesperis matronalis | 60 | 5 | 15 | 10 | Water Retentive | 6 | 7.5 |
| Juglans ailantifolia | 300 | 50 | 300 | 200 | Water Retentive | 6 | 7.5 |
| Lycium chinense | 100 | 20 | 40 | 30 | Fast Draining | 6.5 | 7 |
| Maclura pomifera | 200 | 40 | 80 | 60 | Fast Draining | 6 | 7 |
| Morus alba x rubra | 300 | 50 | 100 | 75 | Water Retentive | 6 | 7 |
| Passiflora molissima | 150 | 30 | 50 | 40 | Water Retentive | 6 | 7.5 |
| Phaseolus coccineus | 90 | 10 | 20 | 15 | Fast Draining | 6 | 7.5 |
| Pinus koraiensis | 300 | 50 | 300 | 200 | Fast Draining | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| Prunus salicina | 200 | 40 | 80 | 60 | Water Retentive | 5.5 | 7.5 |
| Prunus tenella | 150 | 30 | 50 | 40 | Fast Draining | 5.5 | 7.5 |
| Quercus alba | 300 | 75 | 300 | 200 | Water Retentive | 6 | 7.5 |
| Salix viminalis | 200 | 40 | 80 | 60 | Water Retentive | 5.5 | 7 |
| Salvia officinalis | 60 | 10 | 20 | 15 | Fast Draining | 6 | 7 |
| Solanum curtilobum | 60 | 10 | 20 | 15 | Water Retentive | 5 | 6.5 |
| Solanum lycopersicum | 60 | 15 | 30 | 25 | Water Retentive | 6 | 6.8 |
| Solanum tuberosum | 60 | 15 | 30 | 25 | Water Retentive | 5 | 6 |
| Thymus serpyllum | 30 | 5 | 10 | 7 | Fast Draining | 6 | 8 |
| Zea mays | 150 | 20 | 50 | 35 | Water Retentive | 5.5 | 7 |