A beautiful spring garden of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths begins in the fall when the bulbs are planted. But, you're not limited to planting your bulbs in the ground, and you don't have to enjoy them only in the spring. You can plant bulbs in pots indoors where they'll bloom during the winter, too.

Learn how to grow spring flowers in pots that will bloom outdoors in the spring, or indoors during the cold, dark days of winter.

What You'll Need:

Empty earthenware terracotta flower pots

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Before you start planting your bulbs, you'll need some simple tools. Luckily, you probably already have these around the house.

  • A clay, resin, or plastic pot at least six inches deep
  • Potting soil
  • Bulbs
  • Water

A Step-by-Step Guide On How to Plant Bulbs in Pots

Step One: Plan Your Garden

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You'll find all kinds of hardy bulbs at garden centers in the fall since this is the time of year to plant them so they'll bloom in the spring.

Whether you're planting your bulbs in pots that will stay outside or you'll grow them indoors, the size of your container will dictate how many bulbs you can plant. For example, you can plant about six tulip bulbs in a 6-inch pot. In a large, deep pot, you can plant different kinds of bulbs together, provided they have similar needs. Choose bulbs that will bloom at about the same time so your entire container blooms simultaneously.

Step Two: Prepare Your Growing Container

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Find a clean container that's at least six inches deep and has at least one drainage hole. If you're reusing a container you already have, make sure you first wash it in hot, soapy water and rinse it well. It's also a good idea to set your pot on a clean saucer to catch any water that drains from the pot. Drainage holes will keep your plant from root rot due to overwatering.

Keep in mind you'll need one inch between the bulb's tip and the pot's rim. That means if you’re planting a one-inch-tall crocus bulb in a 6-inch pot, you'll add four inches of soil and your 1-inch bulb. That leaves one inch at the top to prevent spillage over the pot when you water.

Step Three: Add the Potting Soil and Bulbs

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Every gardener has their own soil preference, but any bagged potting mix will do, as long as it drains freely and maintains moisture. Although it's not necessary, you can also mix some fertilizer into the potting mix. Follow the recommended amount on the product label.

Fill the container about one-third full with potting soil, keeping in mind the one inch of space you need to leave at the top of the pot.

Carefully stand your bulbs in the soil at the appropriate depth with the hairy root ends down and the tips pointing up. If your bulbs have a paper-like covering, leave it on the bulb. Twist each bulb a quarter-turn so it sets in the soil.

Different bulbs will require planting at different depths; tulips should be planted four inches deep, while hyacinth bulbs should be planted deeper. If you're unsure, check the bulb's packaging for guidance.

With any type of bulb, plant the flat side of the bulb next to the rim of the pot so the largest leaf grows on that side, making the pot more attractive when in full bloom. Fill the space around your bulbs with potting soil, being careful to keep the bulb tips up. Tap the pot gently on your work surface to settle the soil and add more if necessary until the tips of the bulbs can barely be seen below the surface.

Step Four: Add Water and Sunlight

brown planter box filled with daffodils beginning to bloom

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Your newly planted bulbs must be watered immediately and whenever the soil feels dry. If you let the soil dry up, your bulbs will dry up, too. Check the soil once a week and if it feels dry, add water.

Place the pot in a cool but sunny spot that gets light for most of the day. If you’re growing your bulbs indoors, keep your pot in a space that remains at about 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If the space is too warm, the bulbs will be pushed to grow too quickly, which will give you floppy top growth.

As your bulbs begin to sprout and grow, check the soil daily. Water your plant so that the soil remains moist but not soggy. Continue to water your plants even after the blossoms fade. Once the leaves have turned brown, retrieve the bulbs and store them in a cool, dry place to plant again.

Bulbs Bring Beauty

Indoors or out, your potted bulbs will have a big impact on your home when they bloom.

Planting bulbs in pots outdoors will produce beautiful blooms in the spring that are easy to move around your yard to the places that need a pop of color. They’re just as gorgeous indoors as a way to cheer up your space during the winter months.

Are you going to take a chance on planting bulbs this fall? If so, leave a comment below, or share with a friend!