Fritillaria Imperialis in pots

Astro

After trying and failing with Fritillaria persica last year I'm keen to get it right with the  Crown Imperial aurora I've bought this year. 

 I know to provide lots of drainage as the bulbs rot easily so I've got grit and perlite. The soil I'm less certain on, I've seen suggestions of MPC but also leaf mould and well rotted manure ,which I also have.
 
With the pots and spacing I've seen a guy saying he plants them close and other suggestions of at least a 12inch pot for each bulb. Wouldn't ordinarily give bulbs this much attention but they aren't the cheapest and I'd love to see them in their glory 🙂

Obelixx

I've grown them in pots before but not for a few years so I can't remember the size of pot but I had 3 in each pot with an inch or two between each bulb, good depth below to let the roots spread down and as much compost as the bulb is deep above the bulbs. 

I had drainage crocks in the bottom and used a loamy compost.   Once flowering finishes you need to give them plenty of feed as planting composts only have nutrients for 80 to 90 days.

The best tip I can give you is to plant them on their side so any water doesn't gather in the central hollow as this will make them rot as will letting them freeze so keep the pots sheltered until the shoots start to show and need light.

Fairygirl

I'd agree with @Obelixx about putting them sideways. 
The compost would probably be fine for initial planting, but if you're keeping them potted they'll need a heftier medium as described, and food. Plenty of grit mixed through it for ensuring drainage. 
I'd put three in a pot of 12 - 15 inches or so. That should mean you have enough depth, as well as enough room all round when they flower. 

Astro

That's great @Obelixx , I have seen them bunched into pots on Google images but information on pot planting them seems sparce.  I think I'll drop some extra drainage as you did with the crocks.