Pink purple tulips

Tulip pot display

Tulips bring spring cheer to the garden. Find out how to create a simple container display of your favourite varieties, below.

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
At its best
At its best

Plant is not at its best in January

Plant is not at its best in February

Plant is at its best in March

Plant is at its best in April

Plant is at its best in May

Plant is not at its best in June

Plant is not at its best in July

Plant is not at its best in August

Plant is not at its best in September

Plant is not at its best in October

Plant is not at its best in November

Plant is not at its best in December

To do
To do

Do not To do in January

Do not To do in February

Do not To do in March

Do not To do in April

Do not To do in May

Do not To do in June

Do not To do in July

Do not To do in August

Do not To do in September

Do To do in October

Do To do in November

Do not To do in December

Autumn is the ideal time to plant tulip bulbs. They’re container-friendly and planting in a pot will give a beautiful display wherever you want it.

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You Will Need

  • Large pot or container
  • Gravel
  • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
  • Tulip bulbs

Total time:

Step 1

Tulip pot display - adding compost
Tulip pot display – adding compost

Add a layer of gravel to the bottom of a large container to provide drainage. Add multi-purpose or peat-free potting compost, filling the pot to 20cm below the rim.

Step 2

Tulip pot display - planting tulip bulbs
Tulip pot display – planting tulip bulbs

Firm the compost down and place the tulip bulbs about 5-7cm apart, with their tips pointing up.

Step 3

Tulip pot display - covering the bulbs with compost
Tulip pot display – covering the bulbs with compost

Cover with more compost, filling the pot to within 5cm of the rim. Firm it down between the bulbs as you go.

Step 4

Tulip pot display - watering the pot
Tulip pot display – watering the pot

Water thoroughly to soak the compost. Stand the container in a sheltered position over autumn and winter, ensuring the compost stays moist but does not freeze during cold spells. Move the container into the sun in spring to enjoy flowers during April and May.

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Kevin Smith says…

Squirrels and other garden wildlife often dig up potted bulbs – prevent this from happening by covering the compost with chicken wire. It won’t look very nice, but it doesn’t matter if the pots are out of sight while you’re waiting for them to bloom.

Kevin Smith