Can You Put Tulips in Planters?

About Tulips

• Tulips, which are perennial plants, grow from bulbs rather than from seeds. These flowers produce single blooms on long, sturdy stems. Tulips are available in several shades of every color imaginable, from pink to purple to crimson. While tulips naturally bloom in the spring, you can plant them indoors during other times of year and force them to bloom on a different cycle.

Container Types

• Tulips can be grown in many types of containers. For example, you can plant a single tulip bulb in a small clay pot or select a large metal container and plant many different bulbs inside it. Always check the planting requirements for the type of tulip you choose so that you plant the bulbs far enough apart. Make sure that the container has adequate drainage so that the plants don't not become waterlogged.

Tulip Types

• Some types of tulips are better suited to containers than others. For example, if you are using a container that is about 10 to 12 inches tall, consider the Greigii or Fosteriana hybrids. These tulips grow to a height of 12 inches to 14 inches, so your pot will be able to adequately support them and their root systems. Smaller pots work well with the Kaufmanniana hybrid. Avoid Dutch hybrids for most containers because they are simply too large.

Planting

• Fill your planter about three-quarters full of potting soil. Place the tulip bulbs in the container and cover them with soil until only their tips are visible. Water the soil thoroughly. If you are planning to force the bulbs to bloom, refrigerate the potted plants for eight to 12 weeks to allow them to chill properly. When you remove the bulbs from the refrigerator and place them in a warm environment – either inside your home or outdoors – they will bloom.