How to Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs in Pots

People love spring blooming flowers. They bring color to your yard after winter, and planting them in pots makes it even better. You can move these pots around, put them on patios, or place them near doors. But sometimes folks aren't sure how to start this project. Let's talk about how to plant spring flowering bulbs in pots so you can enjoy beautiful blooms when winter ends.

Choose the Right Bulbs for Your Pots

Not every bulb works well in containers. Some choices work better than others. Tulips, daffodils, and crocuses usually do fine in pots. Hyacinths and smaller bulbs like grape hyacinths also grow nicely in containers.

When shopping for bulbs, pick ones that feel firm and heavy. Avoid any that seem soft or show signs of mold. The bigger the bulb, the bigger the flower it might produce. Many florists in Kew Gardens sell quality bulbs in the fall if you're not sure where to find good ones.

Pick Your Containers

The container you select matters a lot. It needs drainage holes at the bottom. If water can't escape, your bulbs might rot. The pot should be deep enough too - at least three times as tall as the bulbs you want to plant. This gives roots space to grow.

Pots made of terracotta, plastic, or ceramic all work– each has benefits. Terracotta looks nice but can crack in freezing weather. Plastic stays lightweight and holds moisture. Ceramic offers good protection but might cost more. Visit any flower shop in Little Neck for inspiration on container styles that complement flowers that bloom in spring.

Timing Is Important

People sometimes wait too long to plant spring bulbs. Most need to go in the ground in fall - usually September to November depending on where you live. This gives them time to develop roots before the ground freezes.

If you get bulbs late, you can still plant them. Just do it as soon as possible. They might not flower as well the first year, but they'll probably catch up next season.

How to Plant Them Step by Step

Let's talk about the actual planting process:

1. Put a layer of broken pottery pieces or small rocks at the bottom of your pot. This helps with drainage.

2. Fill the pot about halfway with potting soil. Don't use garden soil as it gets too compact in containers.

3. Place your bulbs with the pointy end facing up. Space them closer in pots than you would in the ground - they can almost touch each other. This will create a fuller display of flowers of spring when they bloom.

4. Cover with more soil, leaving just the tip of the bulb showing if it's a large one like a tulip. Smaller bulbs should be covered completely, about twice their height in soil.

5. Water well after planting. The soil should be moist but not soaking wet.

Taking Care of Your Potted Bulbs

After planting, put your pots in a cool, dark place like a garage or unheated basement. They need a cold period to develop properly. Aim for temperatures between 35-45 degrees for at least 12-14 weeks.

If you don't have a cold storage area, you can bury the pots in the ground and cover with mulch, or place them against the north side of your house and surround them with leaves.

Check on them occasionally to make sure the soil hasn't dried out completely. It should stay slightly damp.

Bringing Them Out for Spring

When spring approaches and you see growth starting, move the pots to a slightly warmer spot with indirect light. This helps the stems grow strong before blooming.

Once growth reaches a few inches tall, move them to their final display position. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.

After flowering finishes, you can either compost the bulbs or try to save them for next year. Many bulbs in pots don't perform as well in their second year, so many people just start fresh.

Why not try planting a few pots of flowers for spring this fall? You'll thank yourself when those first colorful spring-blooming flowers appear just when you need them most. But if you are not yet sure to plan a garden or you are late, you can always get flower arrangements in Little Neck from Ultima Florist. Shop now!