Bulbs in Containers and Pots

Many bulbs and corms can be grown in pots, window boxes, or even hanging baskets!

 As far as bulbs are  concerned, there is little or no difference between growing bulbs in containers or growing them in the garden. If you include plants that are grown from corms, then of course cyclamen spring to mind! Nearly alays grown in a container of some kind.

Don't 'imagine' problems or difficulties when thinking about growing bulbs in containers. They will be happy in window boxes, patio pots or even hanging baskets.

The main things to remember, is that the planted depth of the bulb should be about right - with the proper amount of soil/compost over the top of the bulb. However, for Narcissus, one can often but container grown bulbs at the garden centre in the spring, with the noses of the bulbs well above pot or soil level.

One problem that can occur with container grown bulbs - especially if grown in window boxes, hanging baskets or patio pots - is that if they are too near the house eaves overhang, then they might not get enough moisture - even in a wet winter. It is really important to keep them moist wnd not to allow the compost to dry out.

Type of Soil - Compost

Most bulbs - especially the spring flowering narcissus, tulips and crocus etc - are not too needy of nourishment during the winter. The soil is there simply to anchor the bulb and to provide moisture. It is in the period right after flowering that bulbs require food. So, container grown bulbs need a good feed right after flowering - for it is then that they start storing energy within the bulb for the next year's flowers.

Summer flowering bulbs need feeding as soon as foliage is in growth. The spring flowering bulbs are best treated with a slow release organic or other feed during the early spring. this will then start to activate as the soil warms up, and when the flower bulb actually needs it. Osmocote pellets are ideal for this, but if you miss out on an early application then water the bulbs with a liquid feed as soon as the flowers are faded. Do NOT feed the bulb compost of soil during the winter months.

Generally, the care of bulbs in containers is the same as bulbs planted in the garden.