Aug 30 2008
Planting Tulips in Pots
Fall is coming up very quickly and before you know it, kids will be back to school, farmers will be bringing in crops and you’ll be getting your garden ready for the winter. Among many of the tasks that you will need to do, one of these will be in planting your bulbs for the following spring.
I am notoriously bad about planting bulbs. I tend to forget to buy them. Then if I remember to purchase them, I get so busy that I don’t get them into the ground until I look outside and see a fine snow coming down. Last year, I managed to get them planted just in time but it wasn’t a very warm day when I did.
Now that I am so bad with bulbs, I like to plant some in containers. This way, if I forget to put them in the ground before it snows, I can cheat and have a few planters of tulips in the spring.
When you choose to create a tulip container, remember that you don’t have to stick with only tulips, any type of bulb will work and you can mix it up with colors and types. Basically, all you need is a container, potting soil, pebbles and the bulbs, of course.
Start by adding a layer of pebbles at the bottom of the container, make sure they are level and it should be about 2 inches in depth. Next, cover the pebbles with soil until it is about 8 to 9 inches below the top of the container. Place the bulbs evenly into the soil. You don’t have to bury them at this stage since you will be adding soil to the top.
One thing, before I go on, is the fact that the tulip bulbs can be planted in two layers. This creates a wonderfully full container when your bulbs sprout up. Also, make sure your bulbs bloom during the same period of time if you are using several different kinds.
Okay, back to planting those tulips. Now that you have your first layer of tulips in the container, cover them with a firm layer of potting soil. Take the next layer of bulbs and place them in between each bulb from the previously planted layer. They should be above the first layer with each bulb from the top layer resting between the necks of the lower bulbs.
Cover with soil, leaving about an inch between the top of the soil and the top of the container. Then simply sit back and wait for them to grow.
Sirena Van Schaik
Related posts:
- What You Need to Know Before Planting Tulips
- Tulips in the Garden
- Soil Preparation for Tulips
- Tulips – Seasonal Care for Tulips
- Tulips – Tulip Care and Feeding
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I have just planted some tulips in planters for next year. This is the first time I have ever planted bulbs. I was wondering how often should i water the planters.
I am storing them in my garage over winter and plan on taking them outside in march providing the weather is okay.
Thanks
Hi Sirena,
Several years ago I tried to plants tulips in containers and it didn’t work out.
I’m in MA and used all-season synthetic containers that have an inner liner to prevent “standing water” conditions and a hole in the outer liner.
I had several rocks at the bottom of the containers. dirt, bulbs, bulb food mix with more dirt. The containers were between 16-20 inches high and I think I kept the bulbs about 7-8 inches from the top of the container. Most of the tulips rotted or came up like scallions.
After reading about your tulips I thought I try it again. What kind of containers did you use?
Best,
Susan
Hi Susan,
I am trying to plant tulips in pots for the first time, with the intention of transplanting them into my flower boxes in the early spring. I live in Michigan, and was told to plant them in plastic pots, and then plant the pots in the ground. The ground is already frozen, and unless we get some really warm weather in the next week or so, I don’t think I’ll be able, to plant them. I was wondering if I could keep them in my garage, and if so, are there any tips or warnings I should be aware of? You said to sit back and wait for them to grow, but I was wondering where you kept the pots, and what type of climate you live in and if that makes a difference as to where to put them.
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who forgets to buy bulbs, or doesn’t get around to planting them in time. I have been wanting to do this for the past two or three years, and I am finally getting around to it, but alas, a little too late in the season. Help! – and thanks in advance for your response.
Debbie
Hi Debbie and Susan,
I live in Michigan as well and the time has gotten away from me as well.
I received my crocus, tulip, and daffodil bulbs late this season, and although I am planting them in pots, I’m not sure if I just plant them, water them and put them outside right away (it’s below freezing and snow up to the ankle), or should I wait and put them outside in a few weeks.
What is the best thing to do?
Andre’
I am also planting bulbs in pots this year. I started them in mid January and didn’t have time to refridgerate them as others have said to. I am also using grow lights and keeping the temp at about 65 degrees.
this is my first try at this, I have tons growing outside.
I also plant Daffodils in the fall, is this wrong?
Jim
I planted tulips and lilies for the first time in some pots, but I left the pots outside – not knowing what to do with them – my thoughts they freeze in the ground don’t they? (technically they’d probably freeze in the garage too)
But being in Canada, I guess that it was a bad idea it’s almost the end of April and no sign. We have had a bad start this year 17C last week and -5C today – should I be digging the bulbs up now or is there a chance they are just slow starters? – supposedly some of the ground tulips have already come up.
Carla
Should I keep the pots in the (dark) cellar? It’s cool, but not cold.
Should I water when totally dry(logical)?