What's better for tulips: containers or garden beds?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Tulips perform ideally in both pots and garden beds when proper methods are used. Planting in the ground provides natural insulation from temperature variations. Planting in pots allows for flexibility in terms of where they can be placed, but it requires soil mixtures with specially formulated ingredients. I use both methods to achieve the maximum results in my spring displays.
Ground Planting Essentials
- Requires well-draining soil amended with compost
- Needs 6+ hours direct sunlight daily
- Use 4-6 inch spacing between bulbs
Container Specifics
- Use potting mix with 20% perlite for drainage
- Maintain 1-2 inch bulb spacing
- Require winter protection below zone 6
Different types of soil preparation are used for other methods. The soil for garden beds should be mixed with compost to a depth of 12 inches. Soil for containers requires additional perlite to avoid over-watering. I mix grit in for pest protection in both. Perfect drainage prevents bulb-rot in all cases.
Climate greatly influences your choice. In cold climates, fewer than six containers require winter protection, such as a garage. Southern gardeners use containers to regulate the soil temperature. I move my containers to shaded areas during the torrid heat of late spring.
By combining these two methods, you can achieve the maximum effect. Plant the perennial varieties in the beds, where they thrive for years, and use containers for experimentation with colors that are replaced every year. I have enlisted the Darwin Hybrids on the borders, with the other hybrids experimented with in pots. This will provide a perennial display of continuous character and rich, beautiful coloring.
Read the full article: How to Plant Tulips Step by Step
