Expert: Gary Bachman - 11/29/2004

Question
I have two dozen tulip bulbs that I would like to plant in two lg pots (2'dia) at the entrance of our business.  These pots are planted seasonally with summer flowers and mums in the fall. I have never tried bulbs in these pots.  Currently, the pots have decorated Christmas trees in them.  The pots are located in a protected spot under a 25 foot high ceiling of a porch roof with a brick wall on the north side of the space and a glass doorway surround by brick on the west side.  The south and east are open.  There is shade and yet plenty of light for plants to grow well.  Right now the tulip bulbs are in the crisper of the frig.  The question is: If I want to plant these bulbs after Christmas for spring blooms should I do it in January or later, perhaps in March when the weather is less severe?  The soil is dry and will remain so until we start watering it in the spring.  Because of the dry soil, planting will be possible anytime.  Winter temperatures in our area can be below zero at times. I doubt the porch area gets as cold as open areas.  I live in Madison,WI   Thanks for your help.  Randy

Answer
Randy,

Since these are pots above ground I would plant these in the middle of February.  I am afraid that the bulbs would exposed to lethal cold if planted earlier.  If you were to plant these in the ground I would say plant them now as the ground provides more temperature buffering.

Good luck

Gary