Planting bulbs in pots is a fun and easy way to add a pop of color to your patio, deck, or entryway in spring. With just a little planning in the fall, you can have a container overflowing with cheerful crocuses, daffodils, tulips, or hyacinths when warmer weather returns. Follow this simple guide for gorgeous blooms.
Choosing the Right Pot
The most important thing to look for when selecting a container is drainage holes. Bulbs need well-drained soil and will rot if left sitting in water. A pot with multiple holes in the bottom is ideal. Clay, ceramic, plastic, and metal pots all work well. Just make sure your container is big enough to give bulbs room to grow—a good rule of thumb is at least 6 inches deep and wide for average-sized bulbs.
Shallow pots like window boxes are only suitable for smaller bulbs like crocuses and grape hyacinths. For tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, use a deeper pot. For an eclectic look, try repurposing everyday items like buckets, watering cans, or even teapots! Just drill drainage holes in the bottom first.
Selecting Bulbs
Spring-blooming bulbs are available at garden centers and online retailers in the fall. Choose bulbs that bloom sequentially so you get an extended show. For example:
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Crocuses bloom first in early spring. Go for bright purple, striped or yellow varieties.
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Daffodils open next in mid-spring. Miniature types like Tete-a-Tete work well.
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Tulips and hyacinths flower last in late spring Pick a fragrant hyacinth or showy tulips
If your pot is large enough, layer bulbs of different heights for a pretty lasagna effect. Place crocuses (the smallest bulbs) on top and tulips (the tallest) on the bottom.
When selecting bulbs, bigger is not necessarily better. Large bulbs crowded into a small space may bloom poorly. Instead, choose small-to-medium bulbs suitable for containers. Buy fresh, firm bulbs and avoid soft or moldy ones.
Preparing for Planting
Before planting your bulbs, fill the container most of the way with a well-draining potting mix formulated for containers, not garden soil. Potting mixes are sterile and lightweight. They provide good drainage and air circulation around bulbs.
If you live in a colder climate, you don’t need to pre-chill bulbs before planting. However, in warmer zones like 7 and up, bulbs usually require a cold period of 8-16 weeks before they will bloom properly. Use your refrigerator if needed.
How to Plant
Follow these simple steps for planting success:
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Choose your pot and fill it about 3⁄4 full with moistened potting mix.
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Arrange the bulbs in the pot pointed-end up. Pack them tightly together.
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Place taller bulbs like tulips deeper, shorter bulbs like crocuses closer to the surface.
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Cover bulbs with potting mix, leaving just their tips exposed.
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Water thoroughly until excess drips from the drainage holes. Let the soil dry out some before watering again.
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Move the pot to a cool spot like a garage or shed for 8-16 weeks.
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After chilling, move the pot to a sunny, protected location outdoors and wait for spring blooms!
Caring for Potted Bulbs
Potted bulbs need a little winter protection since their roots don’t have insulating soil around them like in the garden. In cold climates, store containers in an unheated garage or cellar before the ground freezes. Or sink them in a sheltered garden spot and mulch heavily.
Check pots occasionally and water lightly if soil is dry. Too much moisture can lead to rot. In spring, move pots out as soon as the weather warms up. Display them on your patio, front steps, or balcony.
After bulbs finish blooming, let the foliage die back naturally before removing it. Feed containers with a balanced liquid fertilizer to nourish the bulbs for next year’s show. Store bulbs in a cool, dry spot over summer and plant again in fall.
Design Inspiration for Container Bulbs
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For a cheery welcome at your front door, plant up a pair of colorful matching pots for your entryway or porch steps.
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Brighten up your patio or deck with a succession of pots brimming with crocuses, mini daffodils, and fragrant hyacinths.
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Line your walkway or front path with charming mismatched bulbs pots. Try watering cans, ceramic pots, buckets, and vintage containers.
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Use wire baskets or drained colanders lined with moss or coconut coir for unique hanging bulb pots. Hang them from shepherd hooks or your eaves.
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Plant up bulb lasagnas in larger urns, window boxes, or whisky barrels for a coordinated spring display.
With the right bulbs and a little TLC, planting containers is an easy way to add an extra pop of spring color. The winter gardening pays off when those cheery flowers start blooming! Welcome spring with gorgeous potted bulbs.
Grow a Moveable Feast of Spring Color
Almost any type of container will work as long as there’s a drainage hole in the bottom and enough room for the bulbs. Terracotta pots always look good with spring bulbs. Inexpensive nursery pots also work well, especially if you can drop them into a more decorative pot as the flowers come into bloom. Generally, you’ll want to match the size of the pot to the size of the flowers. Reserve small pots for crocus and muscari, midsize for hyacinths, and larger pots for tulips and daffodils.
Planting Depth and Spacing
Check the planting depth instructions on the package. Bulbs in pots can be planted more shallowly than bulbs the garden, but using the recommended depth will help the flowers stand tall. Be sure to allow at least 2″ under the bulbs for root growth. Position the bulbs closely together – no more than an inch apart. Tulips look best when the bulbs are planted with the flat side facing ou
Most fall-planted bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus, need to be chilled for 10-16 weeks before they will produce fully-formed flowers. Chilling time varies by the type of the bulb (learn more in this article: How to Force Bulbs for Indoor Blooms). During this chilling period, the soil temperature should stay at 35 to 45°F; consistently cold, but above freezing. Though daffodils will tolerate being frozen for short periods of time, tulips, hyacinths and most other bulbs will not.
The Art of PLANTING BULBS in POTS & CONTAINERS Explained: LAYERING Tulips, Daffodils AND Crocus
FAQ
Can bulbs be planted in a pot?
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Bulb Selection:Choose your preferred flowering time (early, mid, or late spring) and consider different heights and color combinations.
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Container:Select a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can cause bulbs to rot.
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Size:Choose a pot large enough to accommodate the bulbs and allow for growth.
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Material:Opt for a container made of a winter-hardy material if you plan to leave the bulbs outdoors during the winter.
How many bulbs should I plant together in a pot?
For daffodils and tulips, ten to twelve in a group is best. I like when they emerge looking like a bouquet of flowers, and large swaths or drifts of blooms planted closely is beautiful. For daffodils and tulips, I only give them two to three inches apart.
How do you plant bulbs in a bulb planter?
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Handheld bulb planters:These are simple to use and core out the soil to the correct depth for planting.
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Drill-powered bulb planters:These attach to a standard drill and can create holes quickly, but ensure the depth is appropriate for the bulbs.
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Auger:A drill auger can core out holes up to 2 feet (61 cm) in depth, which is too deep for most bulbs.
What is the best month to plant bulbs?
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Why Fall/Early Winter Planting?Spring-flowering bulbs need a period of cold temperatures to bloom properly, a process called cold stratification.
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Southern California Specifics:In Southern California (Zone 10), the ideal planting time is later than in colder regions, as the ground doesn’t freeze as severely.
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Planting Time:
- Late December to Early January: This is the recommended time for planting spring-flowering bulbs in Los Angeles.
- Late December to Early January: This is the recommended time for planting spring-flowering bulbs in Los Angeles.
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Bulb Types:
- Tulips: Plant tulip bulbs in the fall for a colorful spring display.
- Daffodils: Daffodils also require a period of cold temperatures to bloom, so plant them in the fall as well.
- Crocuses: Crocus bulbs should be planted in the fall to ensure they bloom in the spring.
- Tulips: Plant tulip bulbs in the fall for a colorful spring display.
How do you plant bulbs in a pot?
Make sure you get a big enough pot to accommodate your bulbs and a high-quality potting mix. Start with a layer of soil before you plant your bulbs. You can plant more than 1 type in 1 pot, just make sure you layer the bulbs. Once you’re done planting, water the pots regularly and make sure the pot gets sunlight. Choose a pot with drainage holes.
Can you plant bulbs in pots?
Planting bulbs in pots is a great way to enjoy the beauty of springtime flowers even if you don’t have much garden space. Make sure you get a big enough pot to accommodate your bulbs and a high-quality potting mix. Start with a layer of soil before you plant your bulbs. You can plant more than 1 type in 1 pot, just make sure you layer the bulbs.
How do you plant flowers in a pot?
Go for a selection that includes early, mid and late spring bloomers. Starting with the larger later flowering bulbs plant them at roughly three times their height below the pot’s brim. Repeat, gradually layering bulbs and compost, ending with the earliest flowering bulbs just below the soil’s surface.
Can you plant spring bulbs in a pot?
One of autumn’s most rewarding jobs is to plant a pot of spring bulbs. It’s quick and easy, and if you plant several different bulbs in layers, you’ll get even more flower power in a small space. Plant a selection of different bulbs in one pot, to flower either all at the same time or in succession over a longer period
How do you plant a tulip plant in a pot?
Or pack more punch in one pot by mixing types of spring bulbs. Plant your bigger bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, deeper. Cover them with soil, then plant smaller bulbs directly above them, such as crocus, grape hyacinth, or snowdrops.
How many bulbs can you plant in a pot?
If you like, you can plant just 1 bulb in the pot. Make sure you plant your bulbs at least 0.5 in (1.3 cm) from the edge of the pot. Layer different types of bulbs. If you want to plant more than 1 type of bulb in 1 pot, plant them in layers by height. The bulbs that need to be planted deepest should go in first.