No sight is more welcome after a long wintertime than the first blooms ofcrocus , tulips , daffodils , Muscari , hyacinth , and other spring - bloom medulla . nurseryman and non - gardeners likewise can enjoy the view up tight by layering these bulbs withcontainer gardeningmethods . It ’s perfect for those with mobility problems or limited infinite in urban areas .
Bulbs for spring flowers can be planted in leaping or fall :
Almost any container will work , whether it ’s a terra cotta corporation ( traditional ) or a rosin container ( charge card - character ) . big terra cotta corporation can become pretty heavy when full of pot soil and plant , so if mobility or strength problems are progeny , you ’ll want to go with resin . If you use a container of another sort , make certain there ’s a drain fix in the bottom of an appropriate sizing for the pot .
Any size flower crapper will do – heavy passel are best for layered displays all spring , such as a combination of tulips , hyacinth , and Narcissus pseudonarcissus ; small potbelly can be used for just one salmagundi like crocus or Muscari . For a full - season show , opt bloom bulbs that blossom at different times ( see the didactics that derive with the bulbs or from the internet site where you bought them ) . Generally speaking , tulip and daffodils bloom in early spring , mid - spring , or later fountain , depending on the change ; crocus , scilla , wood anemone , and aconite bloom in early spring ; hyacinths , Muscari , and fritillaria bloom in mid - spring ; and ranunculus , windflower , alliums , and spanish bluebells bloom in late bound .
How to plant flower bulbs in containers
For an all - time of year presentation in largeflower corporation , send the bombastic lightbulb low in the container ( but at the proper profundity as noted in the bulb parcel ) . Then move to the top layers with the smaller and smallest medulla oblongata . Position the bulbs closely together – no more than an inch apart . Each layer of bulbs should be topped with at least 2″ of potting grime between level for root growth .
After the bulbs are planted , gently press the potting soil down with the palm of your bridge player to crush out any breeze pocket and to verify it ’s make contact with the bulbs . H2O the container just enough to settle the filth . If you ’re chill the lightbulb in the potentiometer , the soil should be dampish , but never soak wet . If the container will be stored outdoors you may call for to protect it from freezing temperatures and spare wet in a sheltered spot . If critters likesquirrelsand mice pose a threat ( they have it off eat bulbs ) , plow the pinnacle of the dope with wire mesh , a sheet of plywood with a brick on top , or some other variety of barrier .
Storing planted containers with flower bulbs over winter
Spring - blossom flower bulbs require a chilling period , but freeze is damaging . The most important thing aboutstoring bulbs in containers over winteris to not allow the container to freeze out . Early spring - blooming bulbs like Narcissus pseudonarcissus and crocus can deal a clear freeze , but hyacinths and tulips will not .
If you live in Zone 7 or above , you could cool down flush light bulb in a icebox that does n’t contain fruit – as fruit ripens , it gives off ethene gasoline , which will damage the flower . Fortunately , in Zone 7 or above , you’re able to unremarkably get by with leave the containers alfresco over the winter – bulb - damaging arduous freezes are growing increasingly rare and container can be moved indoors temporarily if the weather becomes harsh . If you ’re below Zone 7 , lay in the containers in an attached garage over wintertime as long as no railroad car is parked in it – exhaust smoke may destroy the bulbs . An previous - schooling selection is to store the planted containers in a shallow trench in your vegetable garden under a duncical layer of stubble or leaf . See theUSDA hardiness zona mapif you ’re not sure which zona you subsist in .
How to know when to move planted containers outdoors
It ’s very easy to sleep with when the bulb are quick to move out of doors – they ’ll tell you ! Even in dreary cellars and garage , blossom bulbs will get to fool away in former winter or other outflow . As soon as you see green shoots , the flower is growing , so move the pots alfresco to acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions . Start them off in a sheltered area where they do n’t receive too much direct Dominicus , and after a week they should be ready for direct sun .
Save flower bulbs after blooming
Most container - grow flower lightbulb are treated as annuals , butthey can definitely be write and implant for blooming yr after twelvemonth . The exception to this is some varieties of tulip that only bloom one season ( check the information that came with the bulb to see if this is the suit ) . After the flush is spent , murder the flower prow but keep the foliage of the flora growing so it collect vigor for next year ’s efflorescence . Once the foliage yellow and begins to die back , remove it and found the bulbs in your garden or store them in a coolheaded , dry place for container planting again next year .
For more info on planting bulb in container , see this video from the Chicago Botanic Garden .
