Home » Gardening Basics » Garden Techniques & Design » Container Gardening

How to Grow Bulbs in Containers in Hot Climates

By: Angela Judd | June 24, 2025

Flowering bulbs are one of my favorite ways to add seasonal color and beauty to the garden. And growing them in containers makes it even easier, especially here in the low desert.

Keeping bulbs in containers lets you enjoy the blooms without sacrificing space in your raised beds. It’s a simple solution when garden space is limited or already spoken for. And after blooming, when the leaves start to die back, containers make it easy to move the whole pot out of sight so the bulbs can recharge for next year, without the pressure to clean up “ugly” foliage in your main beds.

You also get more control over watering, since bulbs in containers aren’t tied to in-ground drip systems that might water too often or too little. Just a little planning, and you’ll have beautiful blooms, right where and when you want them.

Colorful flowers bloom in various pots and barrels in a vibrant, well-tended garden, showcasing the beauty of how to grow bulbs in containers.

Why Grow Bulbs in Containers?

Container gardening is a smart choice for low-desert gardeners. It solves a few common challenges:

No need to give up valuable raised bed space.
Easy to move pots into shade, out of view, or closer to enjoy.
Bulbs can die back naturally after blooming without cluttering the main garden.
Watering is completely in your control.
Container soil warms up and drains faster.

Two metal tubs with blooming daffodils, one also adorned with small purple flowers at the base—an inspiring example of how to grow bulbs in containers for a vibrant spring display.

What Do I Mean by “Bulbs”?

In gardening, the term “bulb” is often used as a general term for plants that grow from underground storage structures. These structures hold the energy the plant needs to grow and bloom, and while they function similarly, they aren’t all true bulbs.

Two wire baskets hold daffodil and saffron crocus bulbs, each labeled with small signs, on a wood chip surface—an ideal start for any Arizona Bulb Growing Guide.

Here are the main types included in this guide:

True Bulbs – like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. These have layered scales (like an onion) and a flower bud inside.
Corms – like ranunculus, freesia, and gladiolus.
Rhizomes – like calla lilies and cannas. These grow horizontally just below the soil surface.
Tubers – like dahlias. These are thickened underground stems with buds that sprout.

Even though they’re technically different, they’re all planted and cared for in similar ways, especially when grown in containers. So for simplicity, we refer to them all as “bulbs” throughout this post.

Good Bulbs to Grow in Containers

Colorful flowers bloom in various pots and barrels, showcasing a vibrant garden setting—perfect inspiration for anyone learning how to grow bulbs in containers.

Some bulbs are better suited to container growing than others. Here are a few options to consider:

Best for one season (replant each year):

Tulips
Daffodils
Ranunculus

These typically don’t return well in hot climates and are best treated as annuals.

Good for reusing in containers:

Amaryllis
Dutch Iris

With the right care, these bulbs can be reused year after year.

Choosing the Right Container

Use a pot with good drainage. Avoid sealed-bottom containers unless you add holes.

Clay pots dry out faster, but breathe well. Plastic holds moisture longer. Either can work; just monitor the soil’s moisture levels.

Choose a container that is deep enough to allow for planting at two to three times the height of the bulb.

A person arranges empty clay and metal pots outdoors on a sunny day, preparing for how to grow bulbs in containers.

For planting details, spacing, and care tips, grab my Flower Planting Guide. A helpful reference for growing flowers and bulbs in the low desert.

Collage of hands holding flower planting guides, charts, and calendars—including an Arizona bulb planting guide—in a bright garden setting.

If you’re planting bulbs seasonally, my Perpetual Flower Planting Calendar is a great tool to stay on track.

Potting Mix and Planting Tips

Use a light, well-draining potting mix. A blend of potting soil, compost, and perlite or coarse peat is ideal. Avoid heavy garden soil or fresh manure, which can cause rot.

Plant bulbs in clusters for a fuller look. Group by bloom time or height, or try layering different varieties in the same container to extend the display. After planting, water deeply to help roots get established.

Close-up of hands holding flower bulbs over soil, with gardening tools and plant markers nearby—perfect for learning how to grow bulbs in containers.

Watering and Fertilizing

Bulbs don’t need frequent watering at first. Water thoroughly after planting, then adjust based on conditions:

In full sun: water every 7–10 days.
In shade: stretch to every 14–20 days.
Let the top layer dry slightly between waterings.

Fertilize two or three times during the growing season using an organic fertilizer that’s low in nitrogen. Excessive nitrogen leads to excessive leafy growth and fewer blooms. This is the one I like to use.

After Blooming: What Comes Next?

Once your bulbs finish blooming:

Deadhead spent blooms, but leave the foliage in place to die back naturally.
Treat as annuals: Remove and compost bulbs after the leaves dry.
Saving bulbs: Let leaves die back completely, then lift, clean, and store bulbs in a cool, dry spot until fall.
Or leave in place: Some bulbs can stay in the pot if kept in a protected, shaded area with minimal summer water.
If replanting the pot: Remove bulbs before switching to summer flowers to avoid rot.

Wilting and dried plants hang over the edge of a raised garden bed, showing signs of dehydration—highlighting the importance of watering when learning how to grow bulbs in containers.

Final Tips

Bulbs in containers are easy to love. They bring seasonal color without taking over your garden, and they’re easy to manage, even in the low desert. You don’t need much space, and you don’t have to compromise your garden beds to enjoy spring and summer blooms.

Try a few different types this season. Take notes on what works well in your space, and experiment with different combinations until you find your favorites.

A vibrant garden with colorful flowers in pots and beds, surrounded by mulch and greenery—perfect inspiration if youre curious about how to grow bulbs in containers.

This guide is a great starting point if you’re new to bulbs or looking for ways to enjoy them in a small space. Use the buttons below to share it on Pinterest or Facebook and help other gardeners grow bulbs in containers, even in hot climates.