Tulips and narcissus bulbs grow beautifully in pots
Do you have a balcony, a small garden, or just limited space? No problem at all: tulip and narcissus bulbs grow beautifully in pots. With our simple tips, there's hardly anything that can go wrong. A little care from you, and the right conditions will be in place. So you can enjoy a stunning display of spring flowers all season long!
Step 1. Choose the right variety
Which tulip and narcissus varieties are best for pots? You can plant any kind in pots, but low-growing tulips and low-growing narcissus are the easiest. They hold their shape even in strong wind and often bloom more abundantly. They also don’t need support, and you won’t need large, deep pots because they stay compact as they grow.
TIP: For a colourful result, use plenty of flower bulbs. And look at what fits nicely with the surroundings. We’ve included a list of suitable varieties at the bottom of this blog.
Step 2. Choose the right pot
The pot should be at least three times the height of the bulb (about 15 cm). It’s important that the pot is deep enough to give the roots space and to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly. Make sure there’s a hole in the bottom for drainage. You can plant the bulbs closer together than in the garden — about one bulb width (4–5 cm) apart, or even touching. Plant the bulbs directly in potting soil. At the bottom, add a layer of old pot shards, clay pellets or gravel for extra drainage. Tulip and narcissus bulbs don’t like wet feet.
It doesn’t matter if the pot is plastic, ceramic or stone. Wooden or metal containers or tubs work well too, or even a zinc bucket or basin. Terracotta pots are less suitable for staying outside during winter, as they may crack from frost.
TIP: You can also use budget-friendly mortar tubs or cheap DIY buckets from the hardware store. Drill a few holes (around 1 cm) in the bottom. Trick: hide the 'ugly' buckets behind decorative pots or tuck them among other plants to create extra height in your garden.
Step 3. Choose the right timing
You can plant tulips and narcissus in pots from October through December. Do this before the first frost so they have time to root. Protect the pots from harsh frost by wrapping them in straw or bubble wrap. During a frost period, place them in a shed, or at least close to a house or shed wall to keep them warmer.
Step 4. Fill the pots
Follow these steps to prepare the perfect flower pot so your tulips and narcissus bloom beautifully:
- Place a layer of old pot shards, clay pellets or gravel in the bottom for good drainage
- Add a layer of potting soil on top
- Plant the bulbs pointy side up in the potting soil. Use plenty for a rich result
- Cover the bulbs with about 10 cm of potting soil and press it down firmly
- Finish by giving them some water
TIP: Add some hardy pansies on top for cheerful winter colour — in spring, the tulips and narcissus will pop up right through them.
Step 5. Care
After planting, water the soil lightly, but don’t soak it. Use a watering can rather than spraying with a hose. Wait for the first green shoots to appear. Keep watering during dry spells. Check the soil to make sure it’s not too wet. Remove any early garden pests like slugs to give the plants the best start.
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