Growing Indoor Bulbs

Indoor Bulb Planting:  

Are you feeling a little deflated now the evenings have drawn in and you are unable to spend as much time outside or in your garden?

 I'm definitely feeling the effects of not being able to get outside in the evenings and spend my time pottering about the garden. 

But, don't be too disheartened.. for the first time I have started to plant indoor bulbs, which can transform your home and allow you to enjoy the colours and fragrance of Spring when it still feels like months away. 

To keep it low cost, I just used what I had available in the garden - a mix & match of terracotta pots! 

I am new to the world of indoor bulbs so below I have set out a few key things to remember that will help you get the best results when planting. 

First of all, one key thing is to plan ahead. I didn't realise that there are two types of indoor bulbs, those that you need to chill first and those that you don't. 

Bulbs that don't need chilling include Amaryllis and Paperwhite narcissus - both of which I have had a go at planting this year and will set out the steps I took below. I have also attempted to grow my all time favourite, hyacinths! 

Paperwhites can be planted up in pots in your home, using pebbles, soil or water depending on your desired aesthetic - it's hard to go wrong when growing these bulbs, they can be grown in almost anything! For a low cost, simple solution I have planted my bulbs up into some old terracotta pots, using peat-free compost, finished with moss I collected from the garden. The moss adds a slightly festive look and avoids the soil being on show. 

I have also planted my Amaryllis & Hyacinth bulbs in the same way. 

To cover the soil I gathered some moss from the garden. Another low cost, but effective solution that helps to make the pots a little more festive. 

Pictured above are my Hyacinth bulbs. Since planting I have placed these in a cool, dark place (mine are currently in my garage)and will get them out in a few weeks once the roots have had a chance to grow. 

TOP TIP: Amaryllis bulbs do best when pot bound, so there's no need to use an overly large pot to plant these bulbs. 

Paperwhites & Amaryllis planted in terracotta pots, using soil and moss. I have ensured the neck of the bulb is above the soil. 

TOP TIP: Paperwhites have a tendency to become leggy and often require support. One way to keep Paperwhites short is to get them tipsy! If you add a drop of vodka to your paperwhites it should keep them up to 30% shorter. Find out more here:  Tipsy Paperwhites

Any tips, tricks of techniques you would recommend? Tag me in your indoor bulb planting at  emmaatkinsongardendesign_ on instagram - I love to see all of your photos! 

Happy planting! 

Emma :-)