Planting bulbs in pots and containers
Bulbs are ideal for containers because they allow you to bring spring colour to places where planting directly into the ground isn't possible.
They are particularly useful for:
- Patios
- Courtyards
- Balconies
- Doorsteps
- Terraces
- Small gardens
- Garden entrances
Use a container with drainage holes and a peat-free multipurpose compost for spring bulb displays.
Choosing a container
Choose a container that:
- Has adequate drainage holes
- Is large enough for the number of bulbs being planted
- Is stable enough for taller varieties
- Can withstand winter weather
Large containers are generally easier to manage because they hold more compost and are less likely to dry out or freeze rapidly.
What compost should you use?
Use a good-quality peat-free, free-draining multipurpose compost.
Good drainage is particularly important because bulbs sitting in persistently wet compost can rot.
How to plant bulbs in containers
A simple method is:
- Choose a container with drainage holes.
- Add a layer of peat-free compost.
- Position the bulbs with their growing point upwards.
- Add further compost to the appropriate depth.
- Water thoroughly.
- Place the container somewhere suitable outdoors.
- Protect from squirrels and other animals if necessary.
Bulbs can generally be planted more closely together in containers than in the open ground when the aim is to create a strong display.
Creating a bulb lasagne
One of the best ways to maximise a container is to layer different bulbs at different depths.
This is often called a bulb lasagne.
The principle is simple: plant later and taller bulbs deeper, then add earlier and smaller bulbs towards the top.
For example:
Bottom layer: tulips
Middle layer: narcissus or hyacinths
Top layer: crocus
As the season progresses, different layers emerge and flower.
A simple container combination
Try:
Crocus + narcissus + tulips for a succession of flowers from late winter into spring.
Or:
Crocus + hyacinths + tulips for a combination of early colour, fragrance and later drama.
Protecting bulbs in containers
Bulbs in containers can be more vulnerable to pests than bulbs planted deeply in borders. Squirrels may dig into newly planted pots, particularly when the compost is freshly disturbed. A temporary covering such as chicken wire can prevent bulbs being dug up, but you can remove the protection once foliage emerges in early spring.
Containers should also be positioned so that excess water can drain freely.