How to grow summer bulbs in pots | Gardening tips

If you garden on a balcony, rooftop or deck, you can grow many delightful summer bulbs in pots. I save many summer bulbs every fall and store them in a dark, cool basement room. In late spring I pull them out and plant them in pots. If you're new to growing summer bulbs, you can find many selections at the garden center--but hurry!

The biggest and boldest of the summer bulbs are cannas. Tropical foliage and vibrant flowers make them a summer standout. You'll need a big pot and a sunny location. Plant them a few inches deep.

Dahlias also thrive in pots in a sunny spot. The selection is amazing. Some are quite tall and others petite. The flowers come in many forms and colors. A fairly big pot is also advisable. Pineapple lilies are unique and easy. The flower stems resemble a skinny pineapple with a tuft of foliage on top. Six bulbs in a smaller pot work well. Add complimentary flowers around them.

Oxalis bulbs really multiply. I add them as fillers in pots. I like the 'Iron Cross' variety with shamrock-like leaves with a distinctive maroon blotch on the leaves. They also produce small white or pink flowers. Other summer bulbs that can be grown successfully in pots include elephant ears, tuberous begonias and gladiolus. They add a tropical flair to your outdoor living space.