How to Plant Flower Bulbs in Pots

Overview

Planting bulbs in decorative pots is a simple way to add color to your deck, porch or house. Bulb-type flowers are available in numerous colors, and some of them, such as hyacinths, are very fragrant. You can plant a single spectacular amaryllis in a classic style container as a focal point, or group tiny crocuses in a shallow dish for a mass of color. You can also plant paperwhite narcissuses, daffodils, tulips or hyacinths in containers.

Step 1

Consult the planting instructions that were included with the bulbs to determine how deep the bulbs should be planted.

Step 2

Use a soil scoop to fill the pot with fine textured potting soil, leaving 2 inches more than the planting depth of the bulbs of space from the top of the pot. For example, if the planting depth of the bulbs is 4 inches, fill the pot with potting soil to 6 inches from the top of the pot.

Step 3

Place the bulbs in the pot with the crowns pointing up. If you can not tell which way is the right way up, consult the instructions included with the bulbs for guidance. You can plant as many bulbs as the pot will hold without the bulbs touching the sides of the pot or each other.

Step 4

Add more potting soil with the soil scoop and press it firmly around the bulbs with your fingers. Cover the top of the bulbs with an inch of potting soil and water well with watering can or a water hose.