Can potted tulips, daffodils and Easter lilies be planted outside?

Q:  I have some pots of spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils as well as a couple of Easter lilies.  Can I plant them outside this spring?  When and how?

A:  Yes you can.  Pots of spring bulbs should be kept watered and fertilized in a sunny location until the foliage naturally turns yellow.  At that point the bulbs can be taken out of the potting soil and planted at the appropriate depth for the type of bulb in a sunny location.  No need to wait for fall to plant. Next year they will grow foliage but will probably not flower until the second year.

The Easter lilies are perfectly hardy here and can be planted outdoors in a sunny, well drained location.  Let the bulbs mature in the pot as described above and plant them six inches deep.  Next year they will bloom in early to mid July.

---

Read our Q & As with Keith Funk answering common Colorado gardening questions here. You can also hear him on the Garden Wise Radio Show