Abundant Tulip Container

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 26 | Next | Last

I first saw this idea featured on the Today Show

Pam

Reply #26 on : Sat October 03, 2009, 12:06:21

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

daffodils in a container

Laura Warren

Reply #25 on : Sat August 15, 2009, 10:14:10

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 #24 on : Thu April 16, 2009, 16:04:43

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 #23 on : Tue April 14, 2009, 13:43:03

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

how to plant forced tulip

chi-pham

Reply #22 on : Mon February 16, 2009, 13:06:16

Hi Allen
I really really enjoy your program everyweekend and also in the morning. Would you please let me know , how do I plant the tulip after its already bloomed in the pots. When will be good time to plant
Thank you Chi

Planting Tulips

PAllen

Reply #21 on : Thu January 15, 2009, 13:39:27

Kathy - Tulips require a cold period below 40 degrees for 14 - 16 weeks in order for the bulbs to bloom the following spring. One of the reasons for fall planting is so that they can begin to put down roots and get ready for growing and blooming in the spring. During winters cold temperatures they will sit dormant until warm weather returns. I'm afraid that if you put them in the ground now they would just sit and be cold and wet and probably rot before spring came. Regards, P. Allen Smith

plant tulip bulbs in January?

Kathy

Reply #20 on : Tue January 13, 2009, 09:35:30

I live in N. California...forgot to plant my bulbs in the fall. Our temps are cold in the am and night, but warm during daytime. If I plant the bulbs now, what is the chance that they will grow in the spring or early summer? Thanks.

tulips

PAllen

Reply #19 on : Fri December 26, 2008, 17:15:25

Caryl - You cannot put the bulbs where they will freeze. I would just wait until the weather cooperates a little more before you take them out of the refrigerator, or you can try planting them now if you have someplace where the container will not freeze and will remain fairly cool. Regards, P. Allen Smith

TULIPS

CARYL KEELEY

Reply #18 on : Wed December 24, 2008, 09:25:42

WHERE I LIVE, THE WEATHER IS IN THE TEENS OR BELOW AND IN A DAY OR TWO IT WILL BE SPRING. I HAVE 25 BULBS, THAT I HAVE PUT IN THE REFRIGERATOR. NOW CAN I PUT THEM IN A CONTAINER AND PUT THEM ON THE BALCONEY NOW? I JUST DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THE WHEATHER AS IT IS.

watering tulip containers

PAllen

Reply #17 on : Fri November 14, 2008, 16:32:01

Teresa - just check on it occasionally to make sure it stays consistently moist. Regards, P. Allen Smith

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