Grow potted bulbs

Bulbs are one of spring’s quintessential joys. Whether it’s richly coloured, velvety tulips, sunny daffodils, dainty snowdrops or sweetly scented hyacinths, bulbs are eye-catching and smile inducing. And autumn is the best time to plant these joy-giving bloomers!

Bulbs are normally grown in the ground but planting them in pots is an easy and practical way to enjoy them. Pop them on an outdoor table to appreciate each up close. Even one strategically placed pot can provide an instant focal point in the smallest of areas.

There are traditional favourites, including ranunculus and anemone, but also plenty of lesser-known tulips, daffodils and other bulbs you’ve never heard of that are worth growing. Different types will flower at different times throughout the season (early, mid- or late): plant a mixture of varieties and your display could potentially last for months. You’ll find daffodils and tulips that bloom from early to late in the season.

Most bulbs prefer full sun, but many grow well in part-shade and some, such as jonquils and hyacinths, can even be brought inside when in flower. All spring-flowering bulbs can be grown in temperate and arid climates, but while many are suitable for the subtropics, only alliums and sparaxis do well in the tropics.

How to grow potted bulbs

• Choose a spot It could be on a balcony or outdoor table, or near the front door – anywhere you’d like a cheerful embellishment.
• Select a pot with a minimum diameter of 20cm. This size is good for grouping five bigger bulbs, such as daffodils, or 17 small bulbs like muscari. (Small-growing varieties, such as snowdrops can also be grown in smaller pots.) Plastic, fibreglass, glazed ceramic and terracotta pots are all suitable. Ensure the pot is clean and has a drainage hole. Avoid self-watering pots as the bulbs can rot.
• Add potting mix to the required depth. Potted bulbs are normally planted a few centimetres shallower in a pot than they would be planted in the ground.
• Position bulbs with the pointier end facing up, except ranunculus and anemone, which are planted pointy end down. Bulbs can be planted close together but should not be touching.
• Cover with potting mix to within 3–5cm of the top of the pot. Add pretty annual plants at this stage, if desired.
• Water well – really soaking the potting mix. Place the pot in the shade until the plants start to emerge, then move it to a sunny spot, and keep the mix moist.
• Apply a compete liquid fertiliser every two weeks to keep plants healthy and to help them flower well next year.
• Watch for snails. aphids, spider mites and caterpillars, and treat if necessary.
• Reduce watering as the flowers finish, and stop when the leaves start dying off.
• Pull the leaves off when they come away from the bulb easily when tugged. If they’re holding on, wait for another week or two, as it means the bulb is still storing energy for next year’s growth.
• Remove the bulbs and check their health. Throw away any that are rotting. Allow them to dry for a week and then store in a paper bag in a cool, dry spot away from rodents, ready to be replanted the following year. Be sure to label the bag! (Note that hybrid tulips only flower once and should be discarded when they’ve finished.)

Tips for success

• Use a premium potting mix and re-pot annually.
• Choose one or two types of bulb for each pot – ensure their flowering times are the same if you want them to flower together.
• Position bulbs closer together than they would be in the ground.
• Keep bulbs away from the edges of plastic pots, which can heat up and damage the roots.
• Make sure the pot can drain.
• Use labels or other ways to identify the bulbs so you know what they are.
• Keep a bulb notebook with tips on seasonal care.
• Explore specialist bulb nurseries for lesser-known varieties and expert tips.

Discover more about bulbs, including some lesser-known varieties, in our article beauty of bulbs.

Header image credit: iStock