Growing bulbs in containers is a simple way to add vibrant colour and fragrance to your garden, patio, or balcony. Whether you have limited outdoor space or just want to brighten up your home, planting bulbs in pots is an easy and versatile solution. From spring blooms like tulips and daffodils to summer beauties like lilies and gladioli, bulbs can provide stunning displays year-round. In this guide, we’ll show you how to plant and care for bulbs in containers, as well as recommend some of the best varieties for pot growing.
Why Grow Bulbs in Containers?
There are several reasons why growing bulbs in containers is a fantastic choice:
- Versatility: You can move containers around to change the look of your garden or bring them indoors to enjoy the blooms.
- Space-saving: Ideal for small gardens, patios, balconies, or windowsills.
- Seasonal displays: Bulbs can be planted in layers or successions for blooms throughout the year.
- Ease of care: Bulbs in containers are easier to manage and protect from pests.
Best Bulbs for Containers
Not all bulbs thrive in containers, but many are perfect for pot cultivation. Here are some of the best choices for seasonal displays:
1. Spring Bulbs
Spring-flowering bulbs are typically planted in autumn and bloom from early spring. Popular choices include:
- Tulips: Available in a wide range of colours and shapes, tulips are a classic spring bulb.
- Daffodils: Cheerful, yellow blooms that brighten any garden.
- Crocuses: Early spring bloomers with delicate purple, yellow, and white flowers.
- Hyacinths: Known for their intoxicating fragrance and colourful, dense flower spikes.
2. Summer Bulbs
Plant these bulbs in spring for a colourful summer display:
- Lilies: Tall, elegant flowers with a strong fragrance.
- Dahlias: Vibrant, showy blooms in a range of sizes and colours.
- Gladioli: Striking, tall flowers that make a statement in containers.
- Begonias: Shade-loving summer bloomers with large, colourful flowers.
3. Autumn and Winter Bulbs
Some bulbs bloom later in the year, bringing colour to autumn and even winter gardens:
- Nerines: Late-flowering bulbs with delicate pink blooms.
- Autumn Crocus: Not to be confused with the spring variety, these bloom in autumn.
- Cyclamen: Hardy winter bloomers with delicate flowers and decorative foliage.
Choosing the Right Containers
When planting bulbs in containers, the right choice of pot is essential for healthy growth and beautiful blooms.
1. Size of the Pot
- For small bulbs like crocuses and snowdrops, a pot with a diameter of at least 20cm is sufficient.
- For larger bulbs such as tulips and daffodils, use a pot that’s 30cm or more in diameter.
- For summer bulbs like lilies or gladioli, you may need deeper containers to accommodate their tall growth.
2. Material of the Pot
- Terracotta pots: These are sturdy and breathable, but they can dry out quickly.
- Plastic pots: Lightweight and retain moisture well, making them good for bulbs that need a lot of water.
- Ceramic pots: Heavy and decorative, these are ideal for indoor displays or as a focal point on the patio.
3. Drainage
Ensure your container has good drainage holes, as bulbs can rot if left sitting in waterlogged soil. You can improve drainage by adding a layer of gravel or broken pot shards at the bottom of the container before adding compost.
How to Plant Bulbs in Containers
Once you’ve selected your bulbs and containers, it’s time to start planting. Follow these steps for a successful display:
1. Choose the Right Compost
Use a free-draining, multi-purpose compost, such as a mix of John Innes No. 2 and horticultural grit. Bulbs prefer well-drained soil, so the added grit helps to prevent waterlogging.
2. Planting Depth and Spacing
Planting depth is important for bulbs to thrive, and it varies depending on the type of bulb:
- Small bulbs: Plant around 7-10cm deep (e.g., crocuses and snowdrops).
- Medium bulbs: Plant 10-15cm deep (e.g., tulips and daffodils).
- Large bulbs: Plant 15-20cm deep (e.g., lilies and alliums).
When planting in containers, bulbs can be placed closer together than in the ground, but make sure they aren’t touching.
3. Layering Bulbs for Continuous Blooms
To extend your flowering season, try the lasagne planting method, where you plant bulbs in layers. The deepest layer should be made up of the largest, late-flowering bulbs (such as tulips), followed by a middle layer of mid-season bloomers (such as daffodils), and topped with early bloomers (such as crocuses). This ensures continuous blooms as one layer finishes and the next begins.
4. Watering
After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. Winter bulbs and spring-planted summer bulbs will need regular watering as they develop.
Caring for Bulbs in Containers
Once planted, bulbs need some basic care to ensure a healthy display.
1. Watering
Water the containers regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods. In winter, reduce watering for dormant bulbs.
2. Feeding
Feed the bulbs with a balanced liquid fertiliser once shoots appear, and continue feeding throughout the growing season. This will encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.
3. Positioning
- Spring bulbs: Place containers in a sunny or partially shaded spot.
- Summer bulbs: These often require full sun to thrive.
- Winter bulbs: Hardy varieties can be left outside, but more delicate bulbs may need to be moved indoors or to a sheltered spot to protect them from frost.
4. Deadheading and Maintenance
Once the flowers have finished blooming, deadhead them to prevent the plant from focusing energy on seed production. Allow the leaves to die back naturally as this helps the bulb to store energy for next year’s flowers.
Replanting and Storing Bulbs
Once bulbs have finished flowering, you can either leave them in the container for the following year or remove them for storage.
1. Leaving Bulbs in Containers
If you’re leaving bulbs in the pot, make sure to refresh the compost and apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring to give them a nutrient boost.
2. Lifting and Storing Bulbs
For bulbs that don’t tolerate wet winter conditions (such as tulips), it’s best to lift them once the foliage has died back. Clean them off, allow them to dry, and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant again.
Common Pests and Diseases
Bulbs in containers are less prone to pests and diseases than those planted in the ground, but it’s still important to watch out for common issues.
1. Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails can damage emerging shoots, particularly in spring. Use slug pellets or copper tape around the container to deter them.
2. Bulb Rot
Overwatering can lead to bulb rot. Ensure your containers have good drainage and avoid waterlogged soil.
3. Aphids
Aphids may feed on tender new growth, weakening the plant. Control them with insecticidal soap or by washing them off with water.
Final Thoughts
Growing bulbs in containers is a fantastic way to brighten up your garden, patio, or home with colourful, seasonal blooms. With a wide variety of bulbs to choose from, you can enjoy beautiful flowers year-round, even in the smallest of spaces. By following the right planting and care tips, your bulbs will thrive in containers, giving you a stunning display of flowers for many seasons to come.
At Marshalls Garden, we offer a wide range of bulbs perfect for container growing. Visit us online to find everything you need to create a beautiful bulb display in your garden!