Get ready for a gardening revolution in 2026! The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) predicts that next year will see a significant shift from traditional cut flower bouquets to the rising trend of tabletop vegetable plants. This exciting change is driven by the increasing popularity of growing food at home, especially as the charity reveals its top plant trend predictions for the upcoming year.
Instead of opting for ornamental flowers, many households will embrace mini-planters filled with a variety of vegetables—including aubergines, chillies, peppers, and tomatoes. These compact vegetable plants are not only visually appealing but are also designed to help supplement our weekly grocery shopping. The RHS highlights how breeders are now focusing on developing dwarf varieties that are both attractive and productive, making it easier than ever for gardeners, whether seasoned or novice, to cultivate their own delicious produce.
In response to one of the driest spring and summer seasons recorded in the UK—marked by hosepipe bans across many regions—gardeners are actively seeking out drought-resistant plants. Rose growers, in particular, have begun crossbreeding traditional varieties with those native to central Asia, which are better suited to arid climates. This adaptation is crucial as the effects of climate change become more pronounced.
The RHS's insights stem from extensive engagement within its gardens, shows, and gardening advice services, alongside retail trends, scientific research, and advancements in plant breeding. Guy Barter, the chief horticulturist at the RHS, notes that the market for small vegetable plants is expanding rapidly. He explains, "Plant breeders and nurseries recognize the potential of these compact cultivars, which not only yield high-quality produce but also bring joy to gardeners as they grow."
These small vegetable plants are available in various forms—seeds for home cultivation, plug plants for mail order, and potted options at garden centers. Their size makes them ideal for growing in confined spaces like cold frames, cloches, or sunny windowsills, catering to those without access to larger greenhouse environments. Among the new favorites for gardeners are tabletop chillies, compact aubergines, and cucumbers that thrive in hanging baskets. Additionally, potted herbs continue to be highly sought after, with a remarkable 10% increase in sales over the past year.
As British gardeners adapt to climate challenges, drought-tolerant rose varieties are making their debut. Barter emphasizes the resilience of roses, particularly how Rosa persica—originating from central Asia—has provided plant breeders with a valuable source of drought and disease resistance. This year, these new cultivars have shown exceptional performance, thriving even in extreme weather conditions.
Another innovative trend is the emergence of "in-and-out plants." Traditionally indoor varieties, such as spider plants and tradescantia, are now being used in outdoor settings, like summer hanging baskets and pots, indicating a shift in how gardeners approach plant selection during increasingly hot and dry summers. An example of this trend is Lantana, which has flourished abundantly at RHS Garden Wisley this year, demonstrating that formerly indoor-only plants can thrive outdoors. Other varieties, such as delicate lomandra and salvia hybrids, are also being considered for outdoor planting.
2025 has proven to be the year of the tomato, with gardeners capitalizing on the hot, dry summer, leading to a notable 14% increase in tomato sales. The RHS anticipates that this trend will continue into 2026.
In light of the ongoing drought, gardeners are innovating with water conservation techniques. Some have creatively modified water butts by punching small holes to allow a slow release of water into the soil, effectively storing moisture while minimizing reliance on mains water. Additionally, advanced solutions like AI-enabled water butts that adjust their operation based on weather forecasts are currently being tested and could soon be available, providing a modern solution to traditional gardening challenges.
