Daffodil spring pot display

Small pansies and primroses are perfect for growing in containers, and they look stunning against the bright yellow daffodils.

When to plant daffodils in pots

Plant daffodil bulbs in autumn, typically between September and November. However you can plant them as late as December as long as the bulbs are still firm and have no signs of mould, you may find they just flower later than usual. Use peat-free, multi-purpose compost and plant your bulbs around three times the depth of the bulb itself. Then, once the daffodils have started to flower in spring, fill around the edges of the pots with flowering plants to add further interest to the display – you should find a good variety at the garden centre.

After your display is over, wait for the daffodils to die down completely so the nutrients in the leaves can be returned to the bulbs. This is a good time to feed the bulbs, as they will store nutrients until they are needed the following spring. Once the foliage has died down completely you can remove it, along with any other plants in the display. If you want to replant the pot with a late spring or summer display, simply replace the top few centimetres of compost and add the plants of your choice, taking care not to disturb the daffodil bulbs beneath. The daffodils will then grow and flower the following spring.

If you want to use the pot for something more permanent, empty it and replant the daffodils in the garden. Separate the bulbs as they will have been planted closely together in the pot and will benefit from a little extra space. Plant the bulbs up to three times their own depth, and water well.

You Will Need

• Daffodils, e.g. Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête'
• Pansies
• Crocus plants
• Glazed pot, 25cm
• Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
• Broken crocks or polystyrene

Total time: 20 minutes

Step 1

In autumn, half fill the pot with compost and plant bulbs on the surface. Cover with compost to almost fill the pot, water thoroughly and leave until spring.

Step 2

In spring, once the bulbs have grown and started to flower, fill around the edges with low-growing plants. Knock the pansies and crocuses from their pots and place equally around the edges of the pot. Fill around the gaps, and water well.

Kevin Smith says...

Plant several identical containers like this one. Put them out of sight over the winter and display them in a line or group when they begin the flower – planting several pots in the same way is simple way of creating impact.