A Guide to Container Bulb Planting

September 5, 2025

You don’t need a large garden to enjoy a spectacular spring display — bulbs thrive just as well in containers, making them perfect for patios, balconies, or smaller spaces. Container planting also gives you the chance to experiment with colour schemes and combinations right by your front door or favourite seating spot. Here’s our guide to getting it right this autumn.

Why Plant Bulbs in Containers?

Compact beauty: Ideal for small gardens, balconies, or adding colour to a doorstep.
Flexibility: Easily move containers around for maximum impact when in bloom.
Creative design: Try mixing varieties for a layered look or planting “bulb lasagnes” for months of flowers.

Choosing the Right Container

Size matters: Pick pots that are at least 25–30cm deep to allow room for roots.
Drainage is key: Ensure containers have good drainage holes — bulbs dislike sitting in waterlogged soil.
Material choice: Terracotta looks classic, while lightweight fibreclay or plastic pots are easier to move around.

The Best Bulbs for Containers

Early stars: Crocus, snowdrops, dwarf iris.
Mid-spring colour: Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths.
Later delights: Alliums, muscari, anemones.

Flowerland Tip: Compact or dwarf varieties are best for pots as they won’t flop over as easily in wind or rain.

How to Plant Bulbs in Containers

Prepare the pot: Add a layer of crocks or gravel at the bottom for drainage.
Add compost: Use a free-draining mix — multi-purpose compost with added grit works well.
Plant bulbs at the right depth: As a rule of thumb, plant at 2–3 times the bulb’s own height.
Try layering (bulb lasagne): Place larger bulbs (like tulips) at the bottom, mid-sized bulbs (like daffodils) in the middle, and small bulbs (like crocus) on top. This ensures continuous flowering.
Top up with compost: Leave about 2–3cm at the top for watering.
Finish with grit or moss: This helps with drainage and gives a neat finish.

Caring for Your Container Bulbs

Watering: Keep the compost moist (not soggy) through autumn and winter, especially if it’s dry.
Frost protection: In very cold spells, move pots close to the house or wrap them with hessian/bubble wrap.
Feeding: Once shoots appear, give a liquid feed every few weeks to encourage strong growth.
After flowering: Let foliage die back naturally before removing it — this replenishes the bulb for next year.

Planting bulbs in containers is one of the easiest ways to guarantee a burst of colour in spring, even in the smallest of spaces. With a little planning now, you’ll be rewarded with pots overflowing with blooms when the darker months are behind us.