Wake Up Your Garden Early

Planting Tulips in pots is an easy way to wake up your garden with color and ease. A friend of mine has a pool with tons of outdoor planters. At the end of last summer, she planted tulips in all of her pots and as soon as springtime hit, her pots became a colourful cacophony that she could enjoy from the warmth of her living room. It’s still chilly most days, but her outdoor space already looks amazing.

Beautiful and Smart

Planting Tulips in pots is not just a great way to add Spring flowers to your garden. Planting your bulbs in pots protects them from being eaten by varmints like chipmunks, squirrels, gophers and voles! nothing is more aggravating than planting loads of bulbs then being disappointed when you discover they’ve been absconded with. Bummer.

Another good reason to plant bulbs in containers is you can easily move them around.  They can bring a colourful freshness to your porch, patio or deck. After they tulips are finished for the season, simply cut them back and plant your summer flowers in the same container. The next spring, you can enjoy your tulips all over again. It’s genius.

When to Plant

Planting tulips in pots or containers is a snap. Just plan to plant at the same time you would put them in the ground. That depends upon your local climate.

If I buy bulbs earlier in the season, when many places start selling them, stick them in the refrigerator to keep them chilled until time to plant. Most fall-planted bulbs, including tulips, need to be chilled for 8 to 12 weeks before they will produce flowers. If it is cold enough this chilling period can be done outside. Here in the midwest, this always happens. Again, depending on your location you might have to “force” that chilling time by popping bulbs in your fridge.

How to Plant Bulbs in Containers

When planting tulips in pots, start by making sure you have plenty of drainage in your pot or container. Bulbs will rot sitting in water. Bulbs also will do best in well-draining potting soil.  I love Miracle Grow Moisture Control Soil made specifically for flowers. It does a great job of protecting from both over and under watering.

Fill your container with AT LEAST 2 inches of soil, and place bulbs as per package directions. I prefer a display of one variety, but you can decide your preference and plant accordingly.

Once you are satisfied with the arrangement of your bulbs, cover them bulbs with additional planting mix. Planting the bulbs to the depth recommended on the package helps the stems become sturdy.

Overwintering

Let’s just revisit the idea of freezing. Bulbs should have that period of chilling, but you don’t want your pots to be solid chunks of ice. I like to situate my pots near the house or scoot them into my unheated garage to prevent a deep freeze. Containers can also be stored in an unheated basement as long as it’s warm enough to keep the soil from freezing. As soon as Spring weather approaches, set them out in your desired location and wait for the show!