Flowering bulbs are considered one of my favourite methods so as to add seasonal shade and sweetness to the backyard. And rising them in containers makes it even simpler, particularly right here within the low desert.
Maintaining bulbs in containers helps you to benefit from the blooms with out sacrificing house in your raised beds. It’s a easy answer when backyard house is restricted or already spoken for. And after blooming, when the leaves begin to die again, containers make it straightforward to maneuver the entire pot out of sight so the bulbs can recharge for subsequent 12 months, with out the stress to wash up “ugly” foliage in your most important beds.
You additionally get extra management over watering, since bulbs in containers aren’t tied to in-ground drip methods which may water too usually or too little. Just a bit planning, and also you’ll have stunning blooms, proper the place and if you need them.
Why Develop Bulbs in Containers?
Container gardening is a great alternative for low-desert gardeners. It solves a couple of widespread challenges:
No want to surrender helpful raised mattress house.
Straightforward to maneuver pots into shade, out of view, or nearer to take pleasure in.
Bulbs can die again naturally after blooming with out cluttering the primary backyard.
Watering is totally in your management.
Container soil warms up and drains quicker.
What Do I Imply by “Bulbs”?
In gardening, the time period “bulb” is commonly used as a common time period for crops that develop from underground storage constructions. These constructions maintain the power the plant must develop and bloom, and whereas they perform equally, they aren’t all true bulbs.
Listed below are the primary sorts included on this information:
True Bulbs – like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. These have layered scales (like an onion) and a flower bud inside.
Corms – like ranunculus, freesia, and gladiolus.
Rhizomes – like calla lilies and cannas. These develop horizontally slightly below the soil floor.
Tubers – like dahlias. These are thickened underground stems with buds that sprout.
Though they’re technically completely different, they’re all planted and cared for in comparable methods, particularly when grown in containers. So for simplicity, we seek advice from all of them as “bulbs” all through this submit.
Good Bulbs to Develop in Containers
Some bulbs are higher suited to container rising than others. Listed below are a couple of choices to contemplate:
Finest for one season (replant every year):
These usually don’t return properly in scorching climates and are greatest handled as annuals.
Good for reusing in containers:
With the best care, these bulbs might be reused 12 months after 12 months.
Selecting the Proper Container
Use a pot with good drainage. Keep away from sealed-bottom containers until you add holes.
Clay pots dry out quicker, however breathe properly. Plastic holds moisture longer. Both can work; simply monitor the soil’s moisture ranges.
Select a container that’s deep sufficient to permit for planting at two to 3 occasions the peak of the bulb.
For planting particulars, spacing, and care suggestions, seize my Flower Planting Information. A useful reference for rising flowers and bulbs within the low desert.
If you happen to’re planting bulbs seasonally, my Perpetual Flower Planting Calendar is a good software to remain on monitor.
Potting Combine and Planting Suggestions
Use a lightweight, well-draining potting combine. A mix of potting soil, compost, and perlite or coarse peat is right. Keep away from heavy backyard soil or contemporary manure, which might trigger rot.
Plant bulbs in clusters for a fuller look. Group by bloom time or top, or strive layering completely different varieties in the identical container to increase the show. After planting, water deeply to assist roots get established.
Watering and Fertilizing
Bulbs don’t want frequent watering at first. Water totally after planting, then modify based mostly on situations:
In full solar: water each 7–10 days.
In shade: stretch to each 14–20 days.
Let the highest layer dry barely between waterings.
Fertilize two or 3 times through the rising season utilizing an natural fertilizer that’s low in nitrogen. Extreme nitrogen results in extreme leafy progress and fewer blooms. That is the one I like to make use of.
After Blooming: What Comes Subsequent?
As soon as your bulbs end blooming:
Deadhead spent blooms, however go away the foliage in place to die again naturally.
Deal with as annuals: Take away and compost bulbs after the leaves dry.
Saving bulbs: Let leaves die again utterly, then elevate, clear, and retailer bulbs in a cool, dry spot till fall.
Or go away in place: Some bulbs can keep within the pot if saved in a protected, shaded space with minimal summer season water.
If replanting the pot: Take away bulbs earlier than switching to summer season flowers to keep away from rot.
Last Suggestions
Bulbs in containers are straightforward to like. They create seasonal shade with out taking up your backyard, they usually’re straightforward to handle, even within the low desert. You don’t want a lot house, and also you don’t should compromise your backyard beds to take pleasure in spring and summer season blooms.
Strive a couple of differing kinds this season. Take notes on what works properly in your house, and experiment with completely different combos till you discover your favorites.
Share This Information
This information is a good start line for those who’re new to bulbs or on the lookout for methods to take pleasure in them in a small house. Use the buttons under to share it on Pinterest or Fb and assist different gardeners develop bulbs in containers, even in scorching climates.
