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How to plant bulbs in a pot

A cheerful container of spring bulbs is an easy way to create a splash of colour. By layering bulbs as shown here, you will get colour from lots of different flowers. Planting several pots in the autumn will really give your patio the wow factor in spring. You can also plant summer bloomers such as dwarf gladioli and dahlias in spring
 

Time required
60 minutes
Level of expertise needed
Beginner
How to plant bulbs in a pot

Equipment

  • Container with drainage holes
  • A broken piece of pot for drainage hole cover
  • Bulbs e.g. tulips, daffodils, grape hyacinths
  • Multi-purpose compost, preferably peat-free

Top tip!

If you have squirrels in your garden, place a mesh cover over the container in autumn and winter, it’ll stop them digging. Remove in spring before the bulbs poke through!

1
Step 1
Step 1

Cover the drainage hole with a piece of pot.

2
Step 2
Step 2

Add a layer of compost at the bottom of the pot to a minimum depth of 10cm for roots to grow in.

3
Step 3
Step 3

Add your first layer of bulbs, pointy end up. You can put them quite close together, up to a bulb’s distance apart.

4
Step 4
Step 4

Add a few more centimetres of compost, then place your next layer of bulbs on top.

5
Step 5
Step 5

Repeat with another layer of bulbs if you have the space, then more compost. Finish off with 10cm of compost firmed down.

6
Step 6
Step 6

When the pot is almost full, add a decorative layer of gravel mulch. Now you can look forward to a pot of colourful blooms in spring.

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.