| Growing tulips in containers is a quick and easy way | | | | at this point will help ensure a bountiful tulip crop. You |
| to liven up your spring garden. To get started, you'll | | | | might also want to add a layer of coarse sand at this |
| only need a few containers, some potting soil, and | | | | point. Tulips hate being too wet, and the bulbs will |
| tulip bulbs. Make sure when you choose your | | | | quickly rot if the soil isn't well drained. |
| containers that they are deep enough. Tulips usually | | | | Adding a layer of sand helps keep your bulbs on the |
| are planted four to eight inches deep, and you need | | | | dry side, just the way they like it. Inspect your bulbs |
| a few inches for the roots to grow, so plan | | | | carefully for soft or discolored spots. Discard any |
| accordingly. Try to avoid plastic containers, as they | | | | bulbs that seem damaged or bruised, have missing |
| can overheat and hold in too much moisture. | | | | tunics (the papery bulb covering), or feel completely |
| A better choice is terra cotta or ceramic, both of | | | | dried up. Tulip bulbs should feel heavy for their size. |
| which will breathe, and allow moisture to escape. | | | | Place your tulip bulbs with the point facing upwards |
| Regardless of the material, though, you need to | | | | and the root, or basal, end in the sand. Refer to the |
| make sure your containers have enough drainage | | | | planting instructions for your bulbs to determine how |
| holes. Don't be afraid to add more if you don't think | | | | far apart to space them. Tulips tend to look best |
| there are enough. Even if your containers are new, | | | | when planted in uneven numbers, between five and |
| it's probably a good idea to wash and sanitize them | | | | fifteen bulbs per pot. Completely fill your container |
| first. This can help prevent diseases like tulip blight | | | | with soil and water well. |
| from spreading or carrying over from one growing | | | | Containers should be stored for the winter in a |
| season to the next. A weak bleach solution should be | | | | protected place, such as inside a shed or garage. If |
| enough to kill most any fungus or bacteria present. | | | | you live in a particularly cold area, however, you |
| Be sure to rinse containers thoroughly after washing. | | | | might want to let your tulips overwinter in a |
| In order to keep your soil from leaking out through | | | | basement or root cellar. It's important for tulips to |
| the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, | | | | have six to eight weeks of temperatures below |
| you'll want to add about an inch of gravel or pottery | | | | about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring your tulip |
| shards before filling your container. | | | | containers out in the late winter, about the time |
| Make sure your gravel or broken pottery has been | | | | you'd start looking for signs of life from your |
| washed and sanitized as well. Next, fill your container | | | | perennial garden. |
| to the proper level with good quality potting soil. If | | | | Tulips in containers look great placed most anywhere |
| you choose a soil specially formulated for growing | | | | in your yard, and they have the advantage of being |
| tulip bulbs, you won't have to add more soil | | | | easily moved when the leaves begin to yellow, so |
| amendments. If you are using a general purpose | | | | you can focus your attention on the later bloomers in |
| potting soil, adding some bone meal or bulb fertilizer | | | | your garden. |