As a longtime gardener with a passion for unique plants I’m always seeking out new varieties to enliven my garden. And few flowers capture the imagination quite like the “flower rocket”! These cool vertical planters allow you to grow flowers, herbs and vines in a tower shape that truly resembles a rocket ready to blast off.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about these whimsical plant towers. From picking the ideal site to planting and caring for your flower rocket, read on to launch your horticultural hobby to new heights!
What is a Flower Rocket?
A flower rocket consists of a long cylindrical planter, often made of plastic or metal mesh, with holes or pockets for inserting plants all along its height. The tower shape and vertical planting orientation give the appearance of a rocket ship when fully planted. Flower rockets are available from many retailers in sizes ranging from 2 to 6 feet tall.
These unique vertical planters allow hobby gardeners to grow a mix of different flowers, foliage, herbs, and vines in a compact footprint. The column shape makes them perfect for porches, patios, and small yard spaces. And their eye-catching form always attracts attention!
Selecting the Best Site for Your Flower Rocket
When deciding where to install your flower rocket, keep these considerations in mind:
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Choose a sunny spot if possible. Most flowering plants require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
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Seek protection from wind, which can damage delicate vines and flowers.
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Pick a level, stable surface. Flower rockets can become top-heavy when loaded with plants.
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Allow ample space around the tower. You’ll need access for planting and maintenance.
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Situate near a hose or spigot for convenient watering.
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Place in a high-visibility area. A flower rocket deserves to be shown off!
Selecting the right location will give your plants the growing conditions they need to thrive in their unique vertical garden.
Assembling and Preparing Your Flower Rocket
Once you’ve picked the perfect spot, it’s time to set up your flower rocket. Follow these tips:
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Assemble the pieces of the tower frame according to the product instructions. Make sure all parts are securely connected.
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Fill the planter about halfway with a lightweight potting mix. Don’t pack it down too firmly.
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Water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom, moistening the entire soil column.
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Optional: Add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil per label directions.
Your rocket is now ready for blast off! The assembly process is quick and easy.
Choosing the Best Plants for Flower Rockets
The fun part is picking which plants to include in your vertical garden! Consider these factors when making your selections:
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Choose a mix of thrilling heights. Plant trailing vines at the top, medium flowers in the middle, and small plants near the base.
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Opt for sun-lovers if your rocket gets full sun, selecting heat-tolerant varieties. Go for shade-friendly choices for partly shaded towers.
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Mix flowering annuals and perennials for seasonal color. Combine flowers, foliage, herbs, and cascading trailing plants.
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Pick compact, mounding varieties that won’t overgrow their planting pockets. Avoid large, spreading plants.
With the right combination of heights, colors, and textures your flower rocket will be stunning!
Planting and Arranging Plants in Your Tower
Once you’ve amassed your plants, it’s time for the fun part – planting them up your flower rocket! Follow these tips:
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Loosen the roots of each plant and tease apart any bound roots before planting.
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Add more potting mix to each vertical planting pocket, watering again after.
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Pop your plants into the pockets, filling in all around with additional soil as needed.
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Alternate different flower colors, foliage textures, and plant heights as you work upwards.
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Plant trailing vines, ivy, or pothos at the top to spill over the sides.
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Step back occasionally to check for an appealing overall look and make any adjustments.
Take your time planting, and be creative – arranging your tower is half the fun!
Caring for Your Flower Rocket Garden
While flower rockets don’t require much maintenance, providing adequate water and nutrients is important:
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Check soil moisture frequently, watering whenever the top few inches become dry. Vertical planters dry out faster than in-ground beds.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season to nourish plants as they grow upwards.
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Prune back any overgrown vines or trailing plants as needed to keep them in bounds.
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Watch for pests like aphids or mites, and treat with organic sprays if populations explode.
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Remove any dead or damaged foliage, blooms, or stems to keep plants looking their best.
With the right care and feeding, your flower rocket will keep growing sky-high!
Overwintering an Outdoor Flower Rocket
In mild climates, an assembled flower rocket can be left outdoors over winter. But in areas with freezing winters, your tower will need extra protection:
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Cut back any dead vines or limp foliage at the end of the season after a light frost.
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Remove the rocket frame from its base with the plants still in place.
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Move the tower to an unheated garage, shed, or basement for winter.
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Water sparingly over winter, just enough to keep plants from completely drying out.
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In spring, move back outside and resume normal care. Trim off any damaged growth and fertilize.
With minimal seasonal maintenance, you can enjoy your flower rocket for years to come!
Inspiring Design Ideas for Flower Towers
Looking for ways to make your flower rocket really take off? Here are some fun and fabulous design ideas:
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Create a patriotic tower with red, white and blue flowers for the 4th of July
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Grow a magical fairy garden rocket with colorful blooms and fun miniatures scattered through
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Mix bold tropical flowers and foliage for an exotic vacation feel
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Craft a serene Zen tower with green, leafy plants and white blooms
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Try an edible rocket with cascading cherry tomatoes, dwarf beans, and parsley
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Build a sunflower tower, planting a different sunflower variety in each pocket
Let your creativity fly – the possibilities are sky-high!
As you can see, growing flower rockets is an addictively fun and rewarding hobby. All it takes is the right site conditions, plant picks, and basic care to keep your tower thriving. I hope these tips have provided everything you need to successfully launch your own flower rocket! Let your love of gardening soar to new heights.
HOW TO GROW SEEDS PART 3 – DOLLAR TREE FLOWER ROCKETS UPDATE – GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 2020
FAQ
How do you plant rockets?
Is Rocket cut and come again?
How do you plant Rockets in a garden?
Water the bed and roll out the mat, patting it down so the bottom of the mat is against the soil. Leave several inches between the edge of the mat and the walkway. Flower and vegetable rockets are even easier to plant, especially when you are container gardening.
How do you plant roll-out flowers and rockets?
The beauty of roll-out flowers and rockets is in their simplicity. Just prepare the bed, lay out the material, water and wait – no more digging, fertilizing and mulching. As long as you tend to the flower mat with ample water and the mat has the sun it needs, your garden will bloom.
How high should a rocket plant be?
Most are 2 to 3 inches high. Rockets need plenty of water, and the container should be placed according to the sunshine needs of the plant or flowers. When you plant the rocket, unfurl the bundle slightly to allow water to penetrate all the layers.
How do you harvest a garden rocket?
The Garden rocket is ready to be harvested when the leaves are full and dark green. To harvest, snip off individual leaves or entire plants as needed. Be sure to take only a few at a time so the plant can continue to thrive. Consider succession planting to extend your harvest season.
