Abundant Tulip Container

When it comes to the spring season there is one flower that I just can't resist and that is the tulip. It is a classic beauty that can really put on a show. In my garden I plant tulips in lots of different places including containers, which can be a real show stopper if you plant them just the right way.

To begin, select a container, you can use anything you like. For this particular design I will use a terra cotta pot that is 17 inches in diameter. Next fill your container with a fast draining potting mix. Fill it up to about 6 inches within the rim of the container. Next moisten the soil to allow it to settle and remove any air pockets.

Now it is just a matter of getting all the bulbs placed and for the best display, I like to really pack them in, shoulder to shoulder or cheek to jowl as they say. I used 50 bulbs in my 17 inch container and next year when they bloom it will be nothing short of spectacular. I chose the variety 'Menton' because I like the salmon pink color.

Now with the bulbs in place it is just a matter of covering them with about 5 inches of potting soil. Leave about a 1 inch gap between the top of the soil and the rim of the container for watering purposes.

With the bulbs planted I'll move the container to a shady part of the garden, out of the way, and I'll keep it there all winter, just checking on it occasionally to make sure the soil has consistent moisture.

If you live in part of the country where you cold winters are the norm, one way to help insulate the container is to take wire mesh and create a band around the container with about 6 inches between the container and the wire. Stuff the space with straw and leaves.

Then in the spring when the tulips begin to emerge move the pot out into a sunny location.

Remember if you want tulips in your garden in the spring you have to plant in the fall. Before you know it your tulip container will make a spectacular display that you can use in to any of your garden rooms.

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Showing comments 1 to 10 of 33 | Next | Last

Tulip Container

PAllen

Reply #33 on : Mon December 14, 2009, 15:20:16

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Donna,

As long as you get enough chilling hours before spring comes, you should be able to plant them. Otherwise purchase bulbs that have been pre-chilled. Regards, P. Allen Smith

tulip container

donna matuszak

Reply #32 on : Sat December 12, 2009, 14:02:25

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Is late December too late to plant the spectacular tulip container for it to bloom in the spring in the Florida Panhandle area?
Also, what do you recommend as a fast draining potting mix?

Thanks

Janis Patchel

Reply #31 on : Sun November 15, 2009, 11:36:53

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Hi- This article was very helpful. I was not sure if I should plany by bulbs in a container int he fall or spring. I love P. Allen Smith!

Tulip Container as seen on the Today Show 11/13/09

Tonya Thomas

Reply #30 on : Sun November 15, 2009, 02:06:05

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Hi Mr. P,
I saw the container you did on the Today show where you planted the tulips in layers. In fact, I have the exact same (or extremely similar black pot you used)....I am not sure I understand the layering and why isn't the bottom later too deep for all of the tulips to come to the top at the same time, or is that the reason you plant them in layers, so that they will continue to bloom longer?? I am so confused!! I live in Central Arkansas where the winters can get quite cold. Is it okay to leave the container on my covered porch (with walled sides as well) or should I insulate it some way. I think it would be way too warm to bring into the house!
Last....do you have a favorite website to go to for purchasing bulbs?
Thanks so much for your time, you're AWESOME!!
Tonya :)

tulips in the spring

alronnie

Reply #29 on : Sat November 14, 2009, 09:54:55

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I live in Maryland. what keeps the squirrels from digging them out of the ground. Also, the deer from eating the flower. I have tried Liquid Fence and dried blood and they both don't work.
alronnie@aol.com

Tulips

Pamela Adrian

Reply #28 on : Sat November 14, 2009, 08:59:25

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First, let me say that i truly enjoy seeing your show on TV, and catching your spot on the Today Show was a treat! I passed along the "Tulips" article to my friend.

I recently took on the task of planting 120 tulips in a community garden my neighbors and i tackled in a 2458 sq ft garden. We also planted hosta, lilies, and lilacs- all perennials.

Question: how can we ensure that the tulips come up every year?

--pam

I first saw this idea featured on the Today Show

Pam

Reply #27 on : Sat October 03, 2009, 12:06:21

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Thank you for giving more details on how to carry out the process of planting.

daffodils in a container

Laura Warren

Reply #26 on : Sat August 15, 2009, 10:14:10

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In Atlanta, what time of year
( september,october,november?) should I plant daffodil bulbs in a container for Spring? I have some that I dug from another location and have them stored in the garage.Thanks!

Tulips not blooming

PAllen

Reply #25 on : Thu April 16, 2009, 16:04:43

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Lisa - How long has it been since you planted your bulbs? Has it been long enough for them to bloom? Also, did you chill your bulbs or buy pre-chilled bulbs? Tulip bulbs must have a winter chill period in order for them to bloom in the spring. Regards, P. Allen Smith

No Blooms....

stepford41

Reply #24 on : Tue April 14, 2009, 13:43:03

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Allen, I loved the idea when I saw you on the today show, thus I planted 5 clay pots of tulips, placed them in black bags, and when they started to sprout, a pinkish color. I transferred them out to my balcony. Gets great afternoon sun. Thus far they have been out there and just leave no blooms. Did I do something wrong? Curious since if I did I could use the pots and will just remove my failed project. Thanks in advance. Lisa

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