Planting pots of

These are fleshy, rounded, underground storage organs, usually sold and planted while dormant. Examples include daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, lilies, onions and garlic. The term is often used to cover other underground storage organs, including corms, tubers and rhizomes.

• the first (lowest) layer of bulbs should be largest, with the latest flowering time, such as late tulips or late pheasant’s eye narcissi
• the second layer should be slightly smaller bulbs that flower a little earlier, such as early miniature daffodils or dainty mid-season daffodils 
• the top layer (if you have room for three) should be the smallest bulbs with the earliest flowers, such as crocuses or snowdrops 

• Large container with drainage holes
• Broken pieces of pot to cover the drainage hole (optional)
• Selection of spring-flowering bulbs, such as crocuses, daffodils and tulips
• Peat-free multi-purpose compost

1. Choose a large pot

   Make sure it is at least 30cm (1ft) wide and deep, with drainage holes in the base. If there's just one large drainage hole, cover it with a few pieces of broken pot, to stop the compost washing out.

2. Add compost

   Place at least 10cm (4in) of compost in the bottom of the pot, then arrange your first layer of bulbs on top, pointed end upwards. You can space them quite closely, only a bulb’s width apart, to fit in as many as possible. 

3. Cover the bulbs

   Add more compost to cover the bulbs completely, then firm down gently. Then position your next layer of bulbs, in a similar way to the first, and cover with more compost. 

4. If you still have plenty of room, add more bulbs

   You can add a third layer of bulbs, then finish off with a final 5–10cm (2–4in) layer of compost (approximately three times the height of the bulbs in the top layer). Firm it gently, making sure the surface is at least 2cm (1in) below the rim. 

5. Spread a thick layer of gravel

   If you have gravel available spread some over the surface to deter weeds, then water well to settle the compost. Place the pot outdoors in a warm, sunny spot and the first shoots will start to appear in early spring.

• Water the container regularly once the shoots begin to emerge in spring. But take care not to let the compost get waterlogged – most bulbs prefer good drainage.

• Deadhead the faded flowers, so the plants don’t waste energy producing seeds.

• Allow the leaves to die down naturally, so they can replenish the bulbs for flowering next year.

• After flowering, move the container to a less prominent position until the following spring, or replant the bulbs into your borders – see our advice pages on planting bulbs and naturalising bulbs, and a step-by-step guide to planting bulbs in grass.