How to plant flower bulbs in pots

Planting bulbs in pots allows each plant to be grown in the best conditions for its individual requirements. The pots are easily moved from outdoors to shelter or greenhouses when needed, or from the shelter to the place where they can be mostly appreciated.
This is also a perfect solution for small places where we want to add some color. Planting bulbs in pots also allows the anticipation of flowering season, as early spring bulbs will bring beautiful colors to the garden.

How to chose a pot for planting bulbs

There is a great variety of pots in stores and nurseries. One of the major characteristics it has to have is the depth. It must be 2 or 3 times the bulb size and then that same depth again for root growing. Please see the next draw for a better understanding.

Bulbs planting depth in pots

Other major feature of pots for bulbs are the draining holes. Bulbs need good drainage so the holes must be big. Bulbs tend do grow better in terracota pots as they provide better aeration to the soil. Although they can also be grown in plastic pots, bulbs will have that particular shine in terracota.

How to plant bulbs in pots

Today we are going to plant some bulbs for early spring flowering. This should be done during autumn or winter months.

Planting crocus bulbs in pots

Planting Muscari bulbs in pots

As just mentioned, the majority of bulbs don’t thrive in wet conditions where they may rot. So, when planting in pots we need to pay extra attention to drainage. Add some grit in the bottom of the pot and prepare a light, well draining soil.

Fill half the pot depth and place the bulbs with the growing tip pointing up.

Plant the bulbs with the growing tip pointing up

Then fill the rest of the pot with the same soil making sure the bulbs are buried 2 or 3 times their height in depth. You can add a thin layer of grit over the soil to avoid the water to splash the soil and the birds to excavate the pot. Add a label and water the pot. Now just wait until they emerge and present you with early fresh flowers that will announce the spring.