5 Plants You Can Grow in Containers Before Spring—Even If It's Still Cold

Jump-start spring with a beautiful container garden of these cold-hardy plants.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Growing plants in containers is a great way to get a jump-start on gardening before the spring season arrives. Whether you want to add a dose of cheerful color to your front porch or deck, the key is choosing varieties that can thrive in cooler weather. Beyond the usual spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils, and hardy flowers like pansies and violas, there are plenty of other options that you might not consider—including edible plants.

Why it matters

Planting cold-hardy plants in containers allows gardeners to enjoy the beauty of spring blooms and fresh herbs even before the last frost has passed, bringing a touch of greenery and color to outdoor spaces during the transitional season.

The details

Victoria Crenshaw, owner of Birmingham, Alabama-based Fleurish Gardens, recommends selecting containers with good drainage to prevent root rot from overwatering. The article suggests five plants that can thrive in containers during the cooler months: snapdragons, herbs like basil and mint, cyclamen, leafy greens, and primrose.

  • After the last frost has passed

The players

Victoria Crenshaw

Owner of Birmingham, Alabama-based Fleurish Gardens.

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The takeaway

Gardeners can get a head start on spring by planting cold-hardy plants like snapdragons, herbs, cyclamen, leafy greens, and primrose in containers, allowing them to enjoy the beauty and freshness of these plants even before the traditional gardening season begins.