BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Container Gardening Growing Bulbs in Containers - your favorites?

Some people have told me they don't grow bulbs in containers because they only bloom for a short time and the bulbs leave no room for growing anything else. I have a few favorites that I like to grow and I LOVE the combinations - daffodils and columbine with alyssum grown from seed - as the daffodils are starting to bloom the columbine leaves are emerging and they bloom all summer, and the alyssum spills over the side for a pretty effect, too. Another favorite is mini-dahlias (summer to fall foliage and blooms) with pansies and viola during the winter.
What are you favorite ways to grow bulbs in containers?

Also, check out the latest ContainerGardening article, all about growing Summer Blooming Bulbs in containers.
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Hi, I am a beginner gardener. I planted 6 bare root poenies in the ground with a combination of regular soil and potting soil and fertilizer. I dug a hole with a shovel as deep as I could and as wide as I could. In that the instructions said 3 times the width and height of the bare root. I then watered it well. So basically I prayed over that project. Any advice for my next shipment of poenies as I am trying to do a hedge/borders of poenies in my backyard, that was the first row and I have 2 more rows of 6 to go. Thanks.

Hi it is me again, I also wanted to ask you about planting flower bulbs for spring, summer and fall blooming in containers. In that it is basically Fall right now. If I wanted flowers to bloom as early as Spring what do I need to do. What types of bulbs, containers, potting soil, etc do I purchase and when the first frost hits what is considered a protected area ex. garage, where there is no sunlight? Do bulbs planted in containers need any specific care during the winter months? I know when the winter ends I can return the containers outside, does nature then take its course or do I have to water, fertilize, etc. Thanks so much.

Chante & Jessica, welcome to the forum, hope yous enjoy your stay!
Rosie

My mother always said plant spring bulbs on election day.

You need to decide what kind of bulbs you want to plant as their requirements may vary. The only problem I see with planting in a container is that if the bulbs divide, then the pot will become too small to accommodate them. You would have to divide each year. If you put the pot in the garage they would probably be OK. I think bulbs should be dug up if not a hardy variety and put into a container (not airtight) with peat moss.

You should go to a nursery and discuss your plan with the gardeners or master gardeners there.

Welcome Chante and Jessica.

Chante, I'm not sure if it'll help, but I have a couple of articles on my site for container bulb gardening. If you don't find your answer there, just let me know and I'll try and answer it for you. Again welcome.