DENVER — Imagine pots of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths blooming in spring on your windowsill or patio. It's fairly easy.
Spring-flowering bulbs grow beautifully in pots. Use plastic pots--gallon size or bigger. Fill them halfway with soil. Depending on the size of the bulbs and the pots, you can probably fit at least six bulbs. It's fine if the bulbs touch in the pots. Cover the bulbs with soil and water them well. If it's mild outside, it's fine to leave them outside for a while to root. They can't stay out all winter.
Even though these bulbs need a winter chill, they can't take extreme cold attacking them from all sides. You'll need to find a place to store them that's dark and chilly, but not too cold. An unheated garage or shed will work. If you have a very cold basement room or porch that will work too. The ideal temperature is 35 degrees but it can sink down another ten degrees at times. Store the potted bulbs in there for 12 to 15 weeks. The time varies depending on your conditions. Check every few weeks to make sure the soil is slightly moist but not soggy.
Alternately, dig a trench as deep as the pots. Place the pots in the trench and fill the soil around them. I'd advise mulching with leaves. When the bulbs are ready, they'll send up shoots. At that point, bring the pots out to your patio or enjoy them on your windowsill.
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