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What bulbs can you put in containers?

zigs

By Zigs

United Kingdom Gb

I have about 40 containers (all left by the previous garden owner, last year nothing came out of them and i've waited a year to see if they would flower). So I thought it would be nice to put some bulbs in ready, I really want a cottage garden look. I have seen Allium Cottage Garden mixed bulbs, but can't find anywhere if you can put these in a container? Also, any suggestions on what to put in the containers much appreciated!




Answers

 

Most bulbs can be grown easily in containers but it depends on how big the containers are - no point putting a large flowered bulb that needs to be planted 10 inches deep in a pot that's only six inches deep, so you need to consider planting depth. rough guide is that most bulbs need to be planted their own depth or more, so crocus would be not far down in the soil, but daffs would need more depth.
For advice on other planting for your tubs, a clue as to their sizes (height and depth) would be useful.

14 Sep, 2009

 

Thank you Bamboo, I didn't know you could put most bulbs in containers.

I have 3 butler sinks, and every size plant pot you can think of (very pleased to have inherited all these with the garden!).

Most of the pots are about a foot deep, and 10 inches wide.

Can you put daffodils in deep, and then smaller bulbs on top, or would the small bulbs get in the way of the daffodils growing?

14 Sep, 2009

 

I hope you don't mind, but I'll get back to you later on tonight - am about to watch the 2nd part of Waking the Dead!

14 Sep, 2009

 

Also consider FROST.
Containers can be brought into frost free rooms, like the shed or garage etc.
Otherwise, you may need to consider some protection around the pot.
Alternatively, pots can protect pots when placed in a group, or stacked on top of one another, particularly with later flowering subjects. Wood is a good insulator, so you can lay planks on top or build a frame, just for the winter.
Bamboo points correctly towards "the bigger the bulb, the bigger the pot", although much fun can be had by planting a myriad of small bulbs in a large pot.
Just "go for it". Give things a try. When it doesn't work, try a different combination. Planting in pots makes experimentation so much more fun, and the most important thing is, that at the end of the day, you will have a display that is all yours, not a regurgitated rehash of someone else's great idea.
It's far more rewarding that way, I assure you - even when it fails!

14 Sep, 2009

 

Enjoy your programme Bamboo!

Thank you Burgandy,my first thought was I would just plant and see, but just as I was about to order the bulbs it occured to me that I did not even know if they could go in containers!

14 Sep, 2009

 

Yes, you can put multi bulbs in one pot - just check the planting depths are right for each bulb, though I'd advise against planting something like a crocus right on top of a, for instance, hyacinth - you'll find the crocus being pushed out of the pot by the hyacinth, or the hyacinth bent as it emerges!What about planting some polyanthus or primulas too, for spring? Added bonus of some foliage to look at all winter if you put them in with bulbs.You can grow some of the smaller shrubs in pots too, plus perennials - have a look and see what you like the look of.

14 Sep, 2009

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