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How Far To Space Bulbs In A Pot: Expert Tips
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How Far To Space Bulbs In A Pot: Expert Tips

Knowing how far to space bulbs in a pot will ensure that your spring flowers thrive, giving your planting plans an edge and creating the best possible display.

Bulbs grow well in pots and in autumn we tend to plant snowdrops, daffodils, tulips, fritillaries and crocuses, all of which produce bright, vibrant displays. In spring you can plant canna lilies and agapanthus, while in early summer it is time to plant autumn-flowering crocuses, nerines and cyclamen. Whatever you choose to grow, it is important to know how to space the bulbs.

Planting bulbs too close together or too far apart is one of the most common situations. bulb planting mistakesbut easy to avoid when you know what to do. Here, our guide has all the information you need to succeed.

A selection of terracotta pots and bulbs ready for planting

Different sized bulbs require different spacing and getting this right will make all the difference to your planting plan.

(Image credit: Getty Images/Jackie Bale)

Placing your bulbs a good distance apart in pots helps avoid overcrowding, which can reduce growth and flowering. This also prevents underplanting, which makes your containers look sparse and threadbare. It also gives bulbs space to mature, grow and develop offsets that can be detached and planted independently to increase your plant stocks. Here we explain the correct planting distance for different bulb sizes.

1. Small bulbs

Purple crocuses growing in a pot

Crocuses are just one of many small bulb plants that grow beautifully in a pot.

(Image credit: Shutterstock/Sergey Kolyakin)

Some of the best spring bulbs to plant in the fall are the smaller varieties like the crocus, Iris cristataEarly flowering muscari and snow glory, which look impressive when grown in pots.