Mini vegetable plants are set to replace bouquets of cut flowers in British homes next year, according to new trend predictions from the Royal Horticultural Society. The RHS says compact, decorative varieties of tomatoes, chillies, peppers and aubergines will be grown on tables, windowsills and balconies, offering both visual appeal and fresh produce.
The shift reflects changing habits as gardeners adapt to climate breakdown. After one of the driest springs and summers on record, demand has grown for plants that can cope with heat and limited water. Rose breeders are responding by developing new drought-tolerant varieties, using genetics from central Asian roses adapted to harsh, arid conditions.
Potted herbs remain popular, with sales rising by 10% over the past year, while tabletop vegetables and hanging-basket crops such as cucumbers are also gaining ground. The RHS says smaller plants suit gardeners with limited space and can thrive in cold frames, cloches or sunny windows.
Climate-driven innovation is also influencing planting styles, with traditionally indoor plants such as spider plants, tradescantia and lantana increasingly used outdoors during summer. Water-saving techniques are evolving too, from modified water butts that slowly release moisture into soil to trials of AI-enabled butts that respond to weather forecasts.
With tomato sales already up sharply after a hot 2025, the RHS expects edible, resilient and space-saving plants to dominate gardens and homes in 2026.
