Planting Tulips in Pots

It's absolutely possible to plant tulip bulbs in pots. To succeed, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Here are my experiences:

Choose the largest pot possible. The soil has an insulating effect and evens out the temperature, which is important for the bulbs' overwintering. It’s also important that there are holes in the bottom so the soil doesn’t become too wet. However, last spring, I lost several of my tulips because it became extremely cold, with many degrees below zero in mid-April when the crisp, water-filled leaves had just started emerging from the pot. But it’s not usually that cold, so lets hope for better conditions in the years to come. 

Fill the pot with soil and plant the bulbs about 3 cm apart. The soil depth should be three times the size of the bulb. It’s enough to water them at planting. If you have the possibility to place the pots dry under a roof, in a cold storage room (no light needed), or a root cellar, that’s the best place for them during winter. Bring out the pots in March-April depending on where in the country you live. Water sparingly and cover them if there are many degrees below zero.

When they’ve finished blooming, tulip bulbs like to live in a sunny, warm spot in the garden. If you're lucky and have chosen varieties that bloom again, you can expect beauty the following year.

Some varieties I’ve had the most success with are the tulips 'Silver Cloud' with its violet shimmer alongside 'White Proud'. I couldn’t bring the oak barrel indoors, so instead, I covered it with a layer of spruce branches.

Another variety that bloomed incredibly long is the tulip 'Charming Beauty'. It drew a lot of attention here at Zetas, and I think everyone photographed it when it bloomed in its unique, soft color.

The pink, single tulip 'Salmon Dream' is also suitable for pots and has a long blooming period.

I also love the delicate tulip 'Peppermint Stick'. It returns year after year in my garden and blooms alongside catmint in May.

Tulips can be planted in September-October, or as long as the soil is workable.

Good luck!

/ Victoria Skoglund