Creating a spring bulb container garden is a simple way to bring vibrant spring color to any garden space, large or small.

Materials You’ll Need for Spring Bulb Container Garden:

• One large, wide container (at least 10-12 inches deep) with good drainage holes.
• Soil-less potting mix.
• Espoma’s Bulb Food.
• A selection of spring-flowering bulbs, from early bloomers to late bloomers: minor bulbs for early color, fragrant hyacinths, mid-season tulips, and late-blooming daffodils.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose Your Container

Select a large container that’s deep enough to layer multiple bulbs.

2. Prepare the Potting Mix

Fill your container with a soil-less potting mix, leaving room for bulb placement.

3. Plant Your Bulbs

Plant each type of bulb at the same depth you would in the ground, allowing for layered planting.

4. Layering the Bulbs

Layering bulbs by bloom time will give your container garden a full, staggered display.

• First Layer (10-12 inches deep): Place your daffodils as the deepest layer and cover lightly with soil.
• Second Layer: Add tulips, making sure they’re offset from the daffodils. Cover lightly with soil.
• Third Layer: Add hyacinths above the tulips, covering them slightly with soil.
• Top Layer (4-5 inches deep): Add minor bulbs and cover with soil, tamping lightly to secure.

Sprinkle bulb food evenly between layers for the best results. Once the bulbs are in place, water your container thoroughly.

5. Cold Conditioning for Winter

Place the container outside until temperatures drop consistently. When it gets cold, move the container to an unheated garage or shed, or leave it outside covered with leaves and mulch.

6. Maintain Soil Moisture

Check the soil moisture periodically throughout winter to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

7. Enjoy Your Spring Bulb Container Garden

Move your container to a visible spot in early March to enjoy the blooms as each layer emerges. Once they’ve finished blooming, you can plant the bulbs in your garden to enjoy for years to come.

Have Questions?

Our container garden experts are here to help! Contact us, and we’ll guide you through creating your perfect spring display.