How to Plant Tulip Bulbs in Pots

Colorful tulips can brighten the interior of a home during the winter months and early spring. They can be planted in pots and grown indoors. Tulips will flower indoors from January to April, but first need to be exposed to the cold. This can be done while they are in the pots.

Potting soil
5-10-5 fertilizer
5-inch pot
5 tulip bulbs
Cold frame

Instructions

- 1
  Mix packaged potting soil with 5-10-5 fertilizer. For every quart of soil you will need one level teaspoon of fertilizer.
- 2
  Fill the pot with the soil fertilizer mixture, to approximately 2 inches below the rim.
- 3
  Set the tulip bulbs on the soil, spacing about 1/2-inch apart. The root system should be pointing down, and the tip of the bulb upward.
- 4
  Add soil and pat down, firming soil. Leave the tips of the bulbs peaking through the soil. Pat down. Water thoroughly.
- 5
  Set the pot in a cold frame and cover with several inches of perlite. After the first fall frost keep the sash open for a month, then close to prevent freezing. They will need to remain for about 3 to 4 months in the cold frame. Do not water while in the cold frame.
- 6
  Move to an airy location with a temperature of 50 to 55 degrees, in indirect sunlight. Keep the pot there for several weeks.
- 7
  Move to a sunny window when the bulb shoots are 4 to 6 inches tall. After the bulbs begin to color, move into indirect light, and out of the sunny window.

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