Plants vs Zombies Characters in Real Life: Can You Grow Them at Home?
Still waiting for Plants vs Zombies 3? You’re not alone. While the zombies haven’t returned yet, you might wonder: can you actually grow some of the game’s most iconic plants in your own garden?
Of course, we’re talking about the plants — not the zombies! Surprisingly, many of the game’s defenders are inspired by real plants that can thrive in North American gardens. Some are easy to grow, others require more experience. Let’s take a look.
1. Peashooter (Pea)
In the Game: Peashooters fire peas at approaching zombies.
In Real Life: Real peas don’t fire ammunition, but they grow fast and enthusiastically climb any nearby support. Give them a small trellis, and they’ll stretch upward like they’re preparing for battle. They’re also very easy for beginners to grow.
Garden Difficulty: Easy
Fast-growing: Yes
Zombie-fighting ability: Sadly, no
2. Sun Flower
In the Game: Produces sun to power your defense system.
In Real Life: Young sunflower plants follow the sun throughout the day, a behavior called heliotropism. They attract pollinators, are easy to grow, and instantly brighten up your garden.
Garden Difficulty: Very Easy
Produces sunlight?: Sort of
Produces happiness?: Definitely
3. Cherry Bomb (Cherry)
In the Game: Explodes to destroy nearby zombies.
In Real Life: Cherry trees won’t explode, but they produce spectacular spring flowers and delicious fruit. Be patient — they take years to fully mature, and require space.
Garden Difficulty: Moderate
Explosive?: No
Beautiful?: Absolutely
4. Wall-nut (wallnut)
In the Game: Blocks zombies and protects nearby plants.
In Real Life: Walnuts grow on large trees that can live for decades. While they won’t stop zombies, they do create a massive obstacle in your garden — nature’s real-life defensive wall.
Garden Difficulty: Advanced
Defensive?: Surprisingly
Portable?: Not at all
5. Chomper (Carnivorous Plant)
In the Game: Swallows an entire zombie whole.
In Real Life: Carnivorous plants really do trap and digest insects. While they won’t eat zombies, they’re fascinating conversation starters and among the most unusual plants you can grow.
Garden Difficulty: Moderate
Actually eats insects?: Yes
Actually eats zombies?: We’re still testing
Final Results: Which Plants Can You Really Grow?
|
Character |
Can You Grow It? |
Beginner Friendly? |
|
Peashooter |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Sunflower |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Cherry Bomb |
Possible |
Not Really |
|
Wall-nut |
Possible |
No |
|
Chomper |
Yes |
Some Experience Helps |
Which Plants Should You Start With?
If you want a fun, Plants vs Zombies-inspired garden, these are the easiest choices:
Sunflower – brightens your garden and attracts pollinators
Peashooter (peas) – fast-growing and beginner-friendly
Chomper (carnivorous plants) – unusual and fun
They’re recognizable, easy to grow, and much safer than their in-game counterparts.
Why These Real Plants Are Awesome
Even though Plants vs Zombies is full of fantasy, many of its most beloved characters are inspired by real plants. Peas can provide a harvest, sunflowers can brighten your garden, and carnivorous plants can impress your friends.
And while you’re waiting for PvZ 3 to launch, why not start your own team of plant defenders?