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Bulb questions

LG_LG_ Posts: 4,063
in Plants

I have planted lots of bulbs in my garden  - daffodils, tulips, erythronium, fritillaries. But having got that lot in in late Oct / early Nov I've had a really busy few weeks and suddenly it's late November and I've realised just how many I've still got to do. I'm not sure where I want most of the remainder to go, even though they're some of my favourites, which is why they're still there - some, eg: the alliums, should probably have gone in before the tulips, but anyway...

I thought I'd plant the remainder in pots so that I can work out where I want them when they're in flower. Good plan? 

What I've got: a few daffs, 15 Belle Epoque tulips, lots of tete a tetes which are sprouting, two lilium cocossa, allium purple sensation and purple rain, nectaroscordium and crocuses. Oh gawd.

My questions are:
- Are there any I'd be better storing and planting in spring?
- They will obviously have less room in pots than in the ground. As long as I plant them in the ground next year, will being in a pot for a year be detrimental? 
- Are there any that you think I really shouldn't plant in pots?
- And can I use my leaf mould for potting them?

Thanks in advance. Sorry for long post.

'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
- Cicero
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Posts

  • LoganLogan Posts: 2,532

    Hi,

    1st you will have to plant them now, they won't last to spring, they'll dry out.

    All of them will be alright in pots until you decide where to put them. They can stay in pots for a few years, but you will have to feed them after flowering.

    All of them can go in pots.

    I would use a all purpose compost. That would be better.image

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 35,790

    I agree with Logan. I have planted loads in pots this autumn/winter. Will decide on where to permanently plant them when the front garden is sorted.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 26,982

    get them planted. Yes

    Frits especially, they're better not dried out to sell in packets, 

    I've often done this, The only time I had failures was when I planted very late and a long harsh winter started almost immediately. Once they've started growing they're fine and can stand more cold and wet



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • ClaringtonClarington Posts: 4,949

    Pots all the way!

  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,063

    The fritillaries all went in the ground almost immediately, also the erythroniums and most of the tulips and daffs. It's the second list I've got left.

    Since posting this I have potted most of the tete a tetes, the Belle Epoque tulips and half the crocuses. Quite a lot still to do, but it's a start! Still can't decide what to do with the alliums - ideally they'd be in the borders as they're tall and I'm not sure about their proportions with the pots I've got, but I really want to get their placing right.

    I did mix a bit of the leaf mould in with potting compost - maybe 1:3. Gravel in the bottom of the pots and under the tulips, gravel on top to deter the squirrels.

    Thanks for all your help. Any further views welcome!

    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,737

    If you haven't got potting compost available, a mix of good garden soil, leaf mould and grit 3:1:1 would be fine. - but get them planted image

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 26,982

    I don't want to cause further problems for anyone but I'm on GeeTee's mailing list and they have half price bulbs. I ordered some yesterday

    https://www.gee-tee.co.uk/special-offers



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,063

    Ssssshhhhhhh!

    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • Bright starBright star Posts: 1,129

    Oh no!  Another good website added to my list, my good intentions severely tested again! ??. I'm sure it won't be the last though?

    Life's tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.

  • LoanaLoana Posts: 427

    Why not put your alliums in pots, my friend did this last year and i was so jealous of her beautiful results, i put some in pots this year ? Its so exciting when you pot up bulbs....i have done just that for some friends, iris hollandica and tulip ballerina as xmas gifts ?

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