Can I grow bulbs in containers over winter?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.By growing bulbs in containers over the winter, you can defeat those harsh climates. I have a client in Minnesota who grows tulips in pots that she buries in the garden. She puts straw-filled burlap around them for insulation. In the spring, the tulips pop before the bulbs that were planted in the ground. The trick is to replicate winter's normal cycles.
Soil & Drainage
- Mix 50% potting soil, 30% perlite, 20% compost
- Layer 2" gravel at pot base for drainage
- Use pots with 3+ drainage holes
- Avoid moisture-retaining crystals (cause rot)
Winter Insulation
- Bury pots 6" deeper than bulb depth
- Wrap above-ground pots in bubble wrap + burlap
- Group containers together against walls
- Check soil moisture monthly with a probe
The depth of the pot has more value than its width. Daffodils need containers that are at least 12 inches deep to grow roots properly. I use grow bags that can be folded to make storage easier. In Chicago, I had a client who would put their bulbs in layers - tulips at the bottom and crocus at the top - in an 18-inch pot. The pots bloomed one after another, elevating the color of the garden.
Cold Zones (3-5)
- Bury pots below frost line (check local maps)
- Add Styrofoam liner to above-ground containers
- Use 10-10-5 slow-release fertilizer
- Check for rodent nests monthly
Mild Zones (8-10)
- Chill bulbs 12 weeks pre-planting
- Use shade cloth to cool soil
- Water every 10-14 days
- Rotate pots for even sun exposure
Don't overwater - containers will freeze quicker than ground soil. I use moisture meters set to 20% in the winter. A gardener in Colorado lost 30 bulbs to rot before switching to terra cotta pots. Their porous walls are better for preventing soggy soil than plastic pots are.
Read the full article: 7 Essential Tips to Plant Bulbs This Fall
