What does #1, #2, etc. mean when used to describe plant container sizes? - Southwood (2024)

FAQs

What is a #2 size plant container? ›

The actual number refers to the approximate size of the container and how much soil it holds. For example, a number-one (#1) container holds approximately one gallon of soil.

A pot's measurement is determined by its diameter. Standard sizes range from two to thirty inches although the ones at the larger end of the scale are mostly used outdoors. Common sizes used indoors are two, three, five, and seven inches.

Mature Size and Shape

Height: The plant's mature height can be listed on the front or back of the tag. Height is listed as a range from the minimum to the maximum average height. This is helpful for designing your garden. Spread: The spread is how wide you can expect the plant to grow.

1 Gallon / #1 Container Sized Pots:

Gallons depend on variety, but on average are typically around 10-14 inches tall and sometimes even taller. These plants are usually ~2 years old.

Shipping containers and storage containers can come in a range of sizes, 20ft and 40ft shipping containers are the most common container lengths (externally) and 8ft in width as standard. Commonly the height of a container will be 8ft 6” and a high cube will have an additional foot to be 9ft 6”.

Clay pots or terra cotta containers are more porous than other types of flower pots. They let air and moisture move in and out, which is important for the health of your plant. They're usually heavier than wood or plastic planters, so they're less likely to tip over if your plant is top-heavy.

Generally, using three or four plants in 10 to 12-inch planters, four to six plants in 14 to 16-inch planters and six to eight plants in 16 to 20-inch planters will fill out containers nicely while allowing room for the plants to grow without excessive crowding.

#5 Containers: Commonly used for more extensive, instant-impact goods like mature shrubs and fruit tree varieties, #5 pots are larger. With a diameter of about ~10.75 inches and a height of ~11 inches, these containers provide ample room for larger plants to flourish.

Which pots are best for outdoor plants? ›

Metal planters are an excellent option for outdoor gardening. They are durable and long-lasting and available in various materials, including galvanized steel, aluminum, and copper. Metal containers can also be stylish and add a modern touch to your garden.

In a too-small pot, soil dries so quickly that you will be challenged to water frequently enough. Your plant could become root-bound and exhibit stunted growth. Ideally, for a large plant, pots that are the same size it is growing in is preferable.

In cubic inches of volume, a #1 container -- which was commonly known as a 1-gallon pot -- is 152 to 251 cubic inches, a #2 container is 320 to 474 cubic inches, a #3 container 628 to 742 cubic inches and a #5 container -- which was commonly known as a 5-gallon container -- is 785 to 1242 cubic inches.

Most commonly, growers use caliper, container size, and height (inches or feet) for units of measurement for nursery stock. Why do we need multiple units? Because all plants are uniquely different and grow differently. In any of those 3 size units, it's safe to equate a smaller number with age, weight, and price.

1 Gallon Plants

The 1 gallon pot size is approximately 6 to 7 inches tall and wide. Expect the plant size to be between 6 inches to 2 feet tall and 6 to 18 inches wide. 1 gallon shrubs establish and grow quickly once planted in the ground and watered properly.

Container gardening or pot gardening/farming is the practice of growing plants, including edible plants, exclusively in containers instead of planting them in the ground. A container in gardening is a small, enclosed and usually portable object used for displaying live flowers or plants.

Typically, shipping containers come in three popular sizes 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft with an approximate width of 8 feet. They are available in two height variations – the standard height is 8 feet 6 inches and the high cube version measures 9 feet 6 inches tall.

Pots from 6 to 10 inches in size are satisfactory for green onion, parsley and herbs. For most vegetable crops such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplant, you will find that 5 gal- lon containers are the most suitable size, while 1 to 2 gallon contain- ers are best for chard and dwarf tomatoes.

There is also a Small Plant series: SP1, 6.5–8.0 in³; SP2, 13.0–15.0 in³; SP3, 20.0–30.0 in³; SP4, 51–63 in³; SP5, 93–136 in³. An SP4 pot is commonly called a "4-inch" or "quart" container.